A Barrington resident received the Audubon Society of Rhode Island 2026 Educator of the Year Award. 

Virginia “Ginger” Brown was recognized by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island at its 129th annual meeting, held Oct. 18 at Roger Williams Park Casino in Providence.

“Esteemed biologist and environmental educator, Brown is an ardent advocate for the pairing of those with cognitive, social, and emotional challenges with the wonders of nature,” stated a press release from ASRI. “For almost 20 years she has worked on a weekly basis for LIFE Inc., a Bristol nonprofit organization that provides support, training, and experiences in the community for adults with different learning abilities. Brown facilitates an environmental education program every Wednesday throughout the year, leading an enthusiastic group of adult students outside to observe and record different aspects of the natural world.”

Through this program, Brown’s students have monitored local wildlife using trail cameras, met with scientists that band songbirds, kept track of weather events, and scattered seeds of rare plants. They regularly contribute to community science projects by submitting their bird sightings, and monitor osprey nests and purple martin colonies during the breeding season. 

“Almost every week, the group gathers after their outing in the Audubon classroom at the Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol,” said Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee. “They work together to compile their data, complete journal entries, and further their learning through hands-on activities. Interacting with Ginger’s group of life-long learners is a joy and inspiration to Audubon staff.”

Brown has also worked as an Audubon educator since 2007. She shares her expertise in natural history, particularly insects, with visiting students, summer campers, and most recently adults participating in Audubon’s new Field Naturalist Series.