(Photo by Robert Barossi)

by Robert Barossi

Not sure what it is about this time of year, but stories of environmental volunteer recognition are everywhere. It’s great to see so many volunteers being awarded and honored, in so many different places for many different kinds of volunteer work. They don’t typically do it for the recognition, which is part of what makes volunteers inspiring, but they absolutely deserve it. So, here are just a few of the ones I’ve come across today:

This story out of Indiana County, just outside of Pittsburgh, features two environmental volunteers who also happen to be senior citizens. Many volunteers are seniors and retirees, and these two have demonstrated an amazing dedication and passion over a number of years of service.

I had never heard of Disney Conservation Heroes until reading this story. The Disney Conservation Hero Award is given to volunteers for their “tireless efforts to save wildlife, protect habitats, and educate communities,” according to this story out of New Jersey. This article focuses on three of the nineteen people who won the award, a trio of volunteers who work with The Wetlands Institute.

In the city of Bristol, in England, a number of people were recognized through the Green Volunteer Awards. Awards included the Green Voluntary Leader of the Year and an award given to Young Green Volunteers.

Finally, in Maui, five volunteers were awarded for their efforts to preserve the environmental health of Maui County. The inspiring citizens have been actively involved in a number of ways, from picking up trash and litter to educating the public about better anti-litter behavior.