(Photo by Robert Barossi)

by Robert Barossi

I’ve posted a number of stories here about volunteers who received awards and honors for their work. The recognition and praise is always well deserved and often proves just how much of an impact one person can have. This story out of New Jersey caught my eye because it’s about an award that was given to a group of people who worked together to accomplish a wonderful environmental project. The project being recognized was a rain garden which was installed at Southern Boulevard School, a  K-3 school in the town of Chatham. The statewide award was given to the Chatham Township Environmental Commission, which spearheaded the effort, along with students, parents and school staff members. There was even some help from a grant awarded by the Nature Conservancy. Successful projects such as this one demonstrate how people in a community can come together to create something that will benefit the natural environment while at the same time bringing both joy and educational opportunities to the human population.

The Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions gives out the Environmental Achievement Award, which was bestowed to a number of communities. Click here to find out more about the Association and what they do.