Throughout his long career, Ken Hodgdon has challenged area residents to appreciate and protect the integrity of the beautiful Western Maryland environment. A lifelong educator, Mr. Hodgdon began his career in Allegany County as head of the science department at old Central high School, later moving to Valley High School and Mt. Savage School before becoming the supervisor of high schools.

With a primary interest in science education, he helped found the Outdoor School in Garrett County in 1961 for sixth graders, which was in successful operation for 23 years. He was later involved with the creation of an Outdoor School in Allegany County.

Following his retirement in 1981, Mr. Hodgdon taught an evening class in ornithology at the Allegany College of Maryland and educated countless others through his weekly column in the Cumberland Times-News "Nature Notes" until 2002.

Mr. Hodgdon received the 1991 Richard A. Johnson Environmental Education Award for his outstanding achievement as a nature educator.