Steve Houser has been instrumental in the Family Nature Summit organization. At the North Carolina Summit in his home state, he played a key leadership role in lining up many program elements. He volunteers on the board and he is the co-director of the Junior Naturalist program.

Steve is an amazing teacher. And he has just been awarded an important honor - the Edward C. Roy, Jr. Award For Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching.

The purpose of this award is to honor the memory of Dr. Edward (Ed) C. Roy, Jr. Dr. Roy was a past president of the American Geological Institute (AGI), a professor at Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, and a recipient of both the Ian Campbell Medal and the Heroy Distinguished Service Award. He was a lifelong supporter of teachers and students from Kindergarten to grade 8 and served for a number of years as chair of the AGI Education Advisory Committee. The award is designed to recognize one teacher of grades K-8 each year for his or her leadership and innovation in Earth science education. Steve will receive the award during Earth Science Week, October 11-17, 2009.