Lynne HermansenGardner NewsAaron Batterbee’s passion for protecting the planet, and sharing that love with his students, helped him win the prestigious 2023 Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education Award.Nominated by his peers, Batterbee was judged on his ability to exhibit outstanding innovation, leadership and education achievement as well as collaborating and cooperating within and beyond the environmental education field, Dr. Ben Boothe, community relations director, said.The award ceremony was March 31 at Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, Kansas.Every year, educators from across Kansas demonstrate leadership and excellence in providing quality, hands-on, science-based conservation and environmental education that teaches children about…