Annabelle Wang of Montgomery High School, who educated the community about clean water through articles published in the local newspaper, was one the six recipients for the Montgomery Townships Environmental Awards.PHOTO COURTESY MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP
Montgomery High School’s Annabelle Wang, who educated the public about clean water through articles in the local news, was among the six recipients of Montgomery Townships Environmental Awards for 2021.PHOTO COURTESY OF MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP
Three individuals and three organisations were recognized by the Montgomery Township Environmental Awards Program for their achievements in sustainability in 2021.
According to a Jan. 27 release, the awards were developed by the townships Environmental Commission in recognition of work that protects air, water, and natural environment, as well environmental outreach and education efforts within the community.
This program recognizes the unsung heroes of our community whose efforts have helped to maintain a healthy environment for all. The quiet, hard work of residents, non-profits, and businesses has made a significant impact on our environment. Mary Reece, chairperson, of the Environmental Commission, said, “Congratulations and keep it going.”
Montgomery Township was able meet Silver Level Certification in Sustainable Jersey Program for the first time in 2021. It had been a bronze certificate holder from 2009.
These are the Montgomery Environmental Awards winners, sorted by category, and a summary of their work:
Annabelle Wang (category : Water Resources) is known for her advocacy work in educating people
Through local news articles she wrote and a video Wang made for World Water Day, she shared information about clean water.
Montgomery Friends of Open Space (category : Environmental Education) thanks them for their efforts in
Hosting educational events such as First Sundays in the Park and providing educational opportunities
They provide information and displays at the weekly farmers market.
Technician X (category of Healthy & Sustainable Business) is responsible for providing toner and electronics.
Recycling, ensuring that materials are properly disposed of (long-standing Earth Day Fair partner).
Kevin Burkman (category Landowner of The Year) for his efforts to plant over 100 native species in his garden, creating a haven for pollinators.
Princeton Volkswagen Dealership (category Climate Change & Clean Air) for installing a
Publicly accessible electric vehicle charging station
Donato Nieman (category, Municipal Advocate) for his contributions over the past 20 years as township administrator in support of forward-thinking municipal operating practices and environmental policies.
According to the statement, a formal award ceremony recognising each recipient took place on December 16.
Devra Keenan, Montgomery Mayor, praised each award winner for their outstanding work and Reece and Environmental Commission for launching the new program.
Reece credited Frank Derby, a longtime Environmental Commission/Sustainable Montgomery member, with envisioning the new awards.
Montgomerys Earth Day Recycling Fair is also coordinated by Derby
Each year.
Any resident can nominate a champion environmentalist for an award.
A solicitation for nominations 2022 will be published by the summer.
Visit www.the-winners.com for more information and to see the nomination and judging criteria. edf.montgomerynj.us
