Environmentalist of the Year – Business:

• Takes voluntary measures to ensure their business has the least possible impact on the environment.
• Acts as a model of ecological sensitivity for peers and employees.

Environmentalist of the Year – Education through Music:

• A new category in 2008 to honor our Great Lakes Ambassadors who educate via music..

• Integrates environmental ethics into the curriculum and daily experience of students.
• Instills in students a healthy respect for the natural world of which we all are a part.
• Helps students understand the long-range impacts of their lifestyle decisions on ecosystems.

Environmentalist of the Year – General:

• Provides outstanding leadership in addressing a major environmental issue in the region.
• Serves as a model of ecological sensitivity for others in the region to follow in daily life and work.

Environmentalist of the Year – Grass Roots Group:

• Empowers citizens to have an effective voice in addressing important environmental issues.
• Is effective in bringing about change that will protect or improve the environment.

Environmentalist of the Year – Journalism and Communications:

• Helps the public develop a deeper understanding of the environmental issues facing the region.
• Takes the initiative in investigative reporting of environmental issues.

Environmentalist of the Year – Professional:

• Provides outstanding leadership in addressing a major environmental issue in the region.
• Serves as a model of ecological sensitivity for others in the region to follow in daily life and work.

Environmentalist of the Year – Public Service or Public Office:

• Takes the lead in constructing proactive legislation or politics that protect or enhance the environment.
• Displays integrity and impartiality in dealing with potentially controversial issues relating to the environment

• Shows leadership in addressing environmental issues in school and/or community.
• Shows creativity and initiative in expanding own and others' understanding of environmental concerns.
• Acts as a model of ecological sensitivity for peers, teachers and administrators.

Environmentalist of the Year – Volunteer:

• Provides outstanding leadership in addressing a major environmental issue in the region.
• Serves as a model of ecological sensitivity for others in the region to follow in daily life and work.

The Clarence Kroupa Award:

• Has shown a lifetime of achievement and commitment to the cause of environmental protection in northern Michigan.

The Golden Beaver Award:

• Has made outstanding contributions working behind the scenes as an environmental advocate and volunteer

The Golden Bulldozer Award:

• Has most egregiously placing our regional ecosystem in harms way from development / sprawl.

The John Nelson Award for Water Stewardship:

• Has made outstanding contributions to water stewardship and quality monitoring in the region.