By Barbara A. Preston | January 15, 2022
Montgomery Township teenager Annabelle Wang became an environmentist when she noticed a rainy day.ed a continuous stream of water sweeps pollutants offThe super-large parking lot at Montgomery High School, down drains and into Montgomery waterways.
Recently, the Montgomery Environmental Commission presented her with a trophy in recognition of her outstanding performance. advocacy work. Through articles, she has helped educate the public about clean water. The Montgomery NewsA video she made for her daughter World Water Day.Two other Residents and three organizations were also acknowledged for their outstanding sustainability achievements.
Annabelle Wang, a Montgomery High School student, is an environmentalist, National Merit Scholar, as well as a volunteer journalist at The Montgomery News.
“Take a look at the streams around you and realize that we can’t live without water.” Annabelle Wang
Wang believes that managing water can be fun and beautiful, such as creating a raingarden. She presented her idea for a rain garden at the high-school to the Montgomery Environmental Commission. “It could be an excellent community resource, where students can learn about our impact. [on the environment]Could be easily managed,” she stated.
The Montgo annual meetingThree residents and three organisations were awarded mery Township Environmental Awards for their outstanding sustainability achievements in 2021. These awards were developed by the townships’ environmental commission to honor people who work to preserve air, water, and natural landscapes, as well environmental outreach and education efforts within our community.
Mary Reece, chairperson of the Environmental Commission said that this awards program is a way to recognize the unsung heroes who help sustain a healthy community for all. “Notable progress is being made through the quiet, hardwork of our residents, non-profits, and businesses. Keep it up!
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.
Montgomery Environmental Award Winners
Annabelle Wang(Water Resources) for her advocacy and work in educating people about clean water through articles.NJ to Phase out Straws) she volunteered to write for The Montgomery News.
Montgomery Friends of Open Space(Environmental Education), for their efforts in hosting educational activities like First Sundays in the Park and providing educational displays/info at the weekly Farmers Market.
Technician X(Healthy & Sustainable Business) to provide electronics and toner recycling and ensure materials are properly disposed of (long-standing Earth Day Fair partner).
Kevin Burkman(Landowners of the Year) for his efforts in planting over 100 native species in a yard that is a haven for bees.
Princeton Volkswagen Dealership(Climate Change and Clean Air), for installing an accessible public electric vehicle charging station.
Donato Nieman(Municipal Advocate), for his 20+ year tenure as Township Administrator, supporting forward-thinking environmental policies.
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On December 16, a formal ceremony to recognize each recipient was held. Devra Keenan, Montgomery Mayor, praised each recipient for their outstanding work and praised Reece as well as the Environmental Commission for launching the new program. Reece credited Frank Derby, a long time Environmental Commission/Sustainable Montgomery member, with envisioning the new awards. Derby is also the primary organizer for Montgomery’s Earth Day recycling fair each year.
Any resident can nominate an environment champion to receive an award. This summer, a solicitation for nominations for 2022 will be released. The following information provides additional information on the 2022 winners and the nomination and judging criteria. Montgomery Earth Day Fair website at edf.montgomerynj.us.
