The Indian Creek Watershed Project based in Vevay has been honored for achievements in Outreach or Education during the 2010 Indiana Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence presentation.
Indiana Department of Environmental Management Commissioner Thomas Easterly presented the award during the 18th annual Association of Indiana Solid Waste Management Districts, Inc. conference and exposition held recently at the Lilly Conference Center in Indianapolis.
Bonnie Fancher, Switzerland County High School AP Environmental Science Teacher and Indian Creek Watershed Steering Committee Chairperson; Cary Louderback, Indian Creek Watershed Coordinator; and Leslie Johnson, representing the Switzerland County High School Advanced Placement Environmental Science students of 2009-2010, accepted the award.
“Students have been involved since 2001 in this exemplary Switzerland County watershed project,” Bonnie Fancher said. “The Governor’s award highlights the work of over 300 students involved during the nine years of this project. It emphasizes the unique and noteworthy nature of the volunteer work of youth and the significance of the many partnerships. All those involved in the work of the project are very appreciative of the Governor’s Award recognition of project youth, project partners, and environmental stewardship.”
“The Indian Creek Watershed project is a shining example of what can be accomplished when educators, students and the community rally together for a common purpose,” Commissioner Easterly said. “Over 600 hours of documented student and teacher volunteer time were contributed in the 2009-10 monitoring efforts. This was a value of over $50,000 of in-kind volunteer community service hours. Many more thousands of dollars have been donated to the project by community partners. This says to me that a genuine love of community and the environment can be found down in Switzerland County.”
Switzerland County High School was also the recipient in 1998 of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Recycling.
An annual award program that began in 1994, the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence, recognizes Indiana’s leaders in identifying and implementing innovative environmental practices into their programs and facilities. The awards program is open to all Indiana facilities, state and local units of government, individuals, and technical assistance organizations that implement exemplary environmental projects with measurable results.
A review committee consisting of representatives from industry, environmental organizations, education, and government evaluates each application, considering how each project reflects and advances environmental excellence, economic prosperity, and leadership commitment to these improvements.