[Archived] Alexandrians Invited to Nominate Local Environmental Leaders

For Immediate Release: February 13, 2019

The Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission and Alexandria Renew Enterprises are seeking nominees for the 11th Annual Ellen Pickering Environmental Excellence Award, which recognizes members of the Alexandria community who demonstrate a commitment to protecting the environment and work to preserve local natural resources. Nominations must be received by March 15.

Honoring the legacy of Ellen Pickering, a distinguished Alexandria environmental steward and activist, the awardee will be recognized for a commitment to environmental conservation, protection, and advocacy. Examples of such commitment include preserving natural resources, promoting a healthy environment, and educating others about sustainability.

The Award will be presented at the 2019 Alexandria Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Lenny Harris Memorial Fields at Braddock Park (1005 Mt. Vernon Ave.). The theme of this year’s event is “Climate Change – Take Action.” The event will include educational exhibits, hands-on activities for children, art, and a celebration of the natural environment, all with a focus on everyday practices that support this year’s theme.

The Award was founded to honor the legacy of Ellen Pickering, a former member of both the Alexandria City Council and the board of Alexandria Renew Enterprises (formerly the Alexandria Sanitation Authority). Pickering, a longstanding advocate for environmental conservation, worked to ensure that the Potomac River waterfront was accessible to the public and not solely reserved for private interests. She also helped create the Mount Vernon Trail between Alexandria and Washington and managed the installation of 1,000 resident-donated cherry trees during her tenure as chair of the Alexandria Beautification Commission.  

Each year, the Award Committee – which includes representatives from Alexandria Renew Enterprises, the Environmental Policy Commission, and members of Ellen Pickering’s family – selects from the nominee pool and awards an individual or organization for continuing to care for our environment in active, demonstrable ways.

For more information about the Ellen Pickering Award, including eligibility criteria, nominating requirements, and the selection process, visit alexandriava.gov/EarthDay.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.