What a fabulous time at the 2018 NMEAC Environmentalist of the Year Awards and Celebration. This is the 30th year where our community has come together to honor those working on important issues in our region.

The Reception in the Dennos Museum featured samples of local food by Taproot, and the Program in Milliken Auditorium included our Keynote Speaker, Holly Bird; Music by Brotha James and then the introduction of all the nominees and the Recipient in each category.  Despite the rather frightful weather, the hearty Michigan environmentalists arrived with smiles and enthusiasm.

2018 EOY Recipients

Student: Jonathan "Jonny" Youngson   Elk Rapids High School & Boy Scout Troop 115

Educator: Matt Miller   Human Nature School &  Tim Reznich   Frankfort-Elberta High School  

Grass Roots Group: John McLane   Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation

Journalism and Communications: Jane Boursaw   Old Mission Gazette &   Stephanie Mills     Leelanau County Author

Business: Abby Rose   Yana Dee Ethical Apparel  

Public Service or Public Office: Elisa Seltzer   Emmet County Recycling

Professional: Diane Connors   Groundwork Center

Volunteer: Jannan Cornstalk  

General: Haley Breniser   Grass River Natural Area & UnderToe Farm

Agriculture: Jonathan Aylward   Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians & Chris Skellenger    Buckets of Rain  

John Nelson Water Stewardship Award: Christine Crissman, Sarah U'Ren, Heather Smith, TJ Andrews and Shelli DiFranco   The Watershed Center - Grand Traverse Bay  

Golden Beaver Award: Margaret Pierson   Citizen of Traverse City

Special Renewable Energy Award: Ric Evans   Paradigm Energy Services, Groundwater Center

Clarence Kroupa Award: Jim Maturen   Michigan Wild Turkey Hunters Association &  Dr Bill Scharf   Northwestern Michigan College - Retired

Golden Bulldozer Award: Kevin O'Grady   81 on East Bay