Springfield–Illinois Environmental Protection Director Doug Scott is encouraging Illinois youth to apply for the annual Governor’s Green Youth Awards.
The Award recognizes outstanding environmental protection and conservation projects created and developed by Illinois students.
“If you have recently participated in an environmental or conservation project, I encourage you to submit an application for a Governor’s Green Youth Award,” said Director Scott.
“Teachers who support these projects reinforce the value of helping to protect environment to Illinois’ youth.”
Classrooms or individual students currently enrolled in K – 12 school, scouts, 4-H or others, and who have participated in an environmental project started no earlier than 2008 are eligible for the award.
The project must involve one or more of the following categories: waste reduction; prevention/reduction of pollution in the air (climate change/global warming), land or water; restoration, preservation or enhancement of natural areas; and energy or water efficiency.
An application and additional information about the program are available from the Illinois EPA Web site at: epa.state.il.us/green-youth/index.html, or by calling Deirdre McQuillen at 217-558-0073 or email [email protected].
The deadline for applications is Friday, March 19, 2010.
The Awards ceremony will be held on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. Winners will receive a ticket to the Museum, in addition to their award.
Examples of past winning projects include:
- Waste Reduction: a school-wide recycling program that encouraged not only recycling but also waste reduction and environmental education
- Reducing Water Pollution: a storm sewer stenciling project
- Restoration/Preservation: the creation of a wetland area
- Energy Efficiency: school-wide energy audit and facilitation guide