Keep Arkansas Beautiful Hires New Education Coordinator
(LITTLE ROCK) – Michael Barger has joined the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission (KAB) as education coordinator. In this role, he will be working with educators across the state to teach students the importance of environmental stewardship.
Barger comes to KAB with 20 years of environmental education experience in national parks across the United States, where he worked with visiting school groups.
“We are excited to have Michael join our team as our new education coordinator,” said Colbie Jones, director of KAB. “With his vast experience serving with the U.S. National Park Service, teaching thousands about environmental stewardship, we are confident he will further enhance our education program and provide more opportunities for us to teach young Arkansans how important it is to keep our state clean, green and beautiful, not only for this generation, but for future generations to be able to enjoy The Natural State.”
Before joining KAB, Barger spent time on the public arts docent team of the city of Denver. During Barger’s professional journey, he has interpreted the natural world to tens of thousands of students, including floating labs off the coast of California to the grasslands of Colorado to the snow-covered peaks of Alaska.
Since returning to Arkansas, Barger has completed the training to become an Arkansas Master Naturalist. He is happy to be back home and using his skills as an avid storyteller and outdoor enthusiast to further the cause of conservation efforts in his home state of Arkansas.
Keep Arkansas Beautiful
The Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission (KAB), consisting of a professional staff of three and a nine-member advisory board appointed by the governor, is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. KAB is a certified state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful Inc. KAB inspires and educates individuals to reduce litter, recycle and keep Arkansas beautiful. KAB is funded by 1% of the 1/8-cent Conservation Sales Tax. For more information, visit KeepArkansasBeautiful.com. Stay in the know by following Keep Arkansas Beautiful on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and texting VOLUNTEER to 484848.
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Stacy Hurst serves as the cabinet secretary for the department.