Dennis Dinwiddie, Director of Conservation at the Topeka Zoo, is this month’s Crystal Apple Award recipient!

Dennis has spent the last 15 years making a big impact through education at the Topeka Zoo, from leading programs to teaching classes and sparking curiosity in everyone from school kids to adult volunteers. Now, he serves as the Director of Conservation and continues to run the docent program, where he trains more than 100 volunteers a year to be ambassadors for animals and the environment. He also organizes 13 “Awareness Days” throughout the year—like World Giraffe Day, World Oceans Day, and Earth Day—to help the whole community learn more about wildlife and how to protect it.

Dennis has a gift for teaching, but even more than that, he has a passion for people and the planet. Whether he’s leading a tour, creating a new exhibit, or mentoring a future educator, he brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of knowledge to everything he does. His nominator, Kelly Humphreys, put it best: “He is such an inspiration to all of his students and he has the unique ability to teach all ages of students interested in learning more about the world around them. The Topeka Zoo is a Topeka gem—and Dennis Dinwiddie is one of the reasons why.”

As a Crystal Apple Award winner, Dennis will receive a custom-engraved award and a relaxing getaway to Prairie Band Casino & Resort—including dinner, free play, and an overnight stay. Congrats, Dennis, and thank you for all you do to make Topeka a better place to live, learn, and explore!

Know someone who goes above and beyond for their school or students? Nominate them now for the Crystal Apple Award here!