EARTH HERO AWARDS

Each year Earth Day Staunton recognizes one or more individuals or organizations for their outstanding efforts towards the improvement of our local environment.
​

​2023 Earth Hero Award Recipients
INDIVIDUAL AWARD goes to BRUCE DORRIES in recognition of his many years of support in the planning of Earth Day Staunton, and for his commitment to the environment, including planting 20 acres of his property with native plants for pollinators and a pond for frogs and dragonflies. And his years spreading environmental awareness among students at Mary Baldwin University.

ORGANIZATION AWARD goes to Alleghany Mountain Institute an educational non-profit working in our community promoting future farmers and teachers to be good stewards of the land. And creating gardens in Augusta & Highland Counties to support general wellness programs and dietary education.

Here are some of our past recipients:

2022
Project Grows

​An educational nonprofit organization
​with a mission to improve the health of children and youth in Staunton, Waynesboro, & Augusta County. ​

2022
​Bobby Whitescarver

Whitescarver Natural Resource Management Bobby has made soil & water conservation on Valley Farms his life work.

A SPECIAL MEMORIAL AWARD was presented honoring
JOEY REECE of Shenandoah Valley Stargazers.
Joey shared the wonders of stars with children at Earth Day Staunton for many years with the large solar telescope. Joey also worked to preserve the beauty of our night sky with local Dark Sky initiatives.
Joey passed away in 2022.
His widow, Sandy Reece, accepted the award.

2021
Refill Renew Store of Staunton

Visit their website by clicking on the logo.

2021
​Sandy Green

Environmental Educator & Solar Organizer

2018
​Red Wing Roots Music Festival 

Our 2018 organization recipient was recognized for their efforts to create a plastic-free festival event, and raise awareness of the environmental impact of single-use plastic waste at large gatherings. Their festival is a role model for making stewardship of our planet a priority over convenience.

You can visit them by clicking on the logo.

---

Caroline Sheridan of Earth Day Staunton presents the 2018 Earth Day Hero Award to Michael Weaver of Red Wing Roots Festival

Steve Grande of Sustainable Shenandoah Valley is presented with the 2018 Earth Day Hero Award.

2018
​Steve Grande
Chair, Sustainable Shenandoah Valley

Our 2018 individual recipient was recognized for his efforts to raise environmental awareness and action in our region. He has helped protect the Shenandoah Valley through founding the Sustainable Shenandoah Valley RCE, Staunton Green, and his many other endeavors. 

You can visit Sustainable Shenandoah Valley by clicking on the logo below.