Earth Day Awards
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Today is the 51st year celebrating Earth Day. The first Earth Day began in 1970 and is credited with launching the modern environmental movement which led to landmark environmental laws, including the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.
Kitsap County Public Works and the Board of County Commissioners are recognizing Kitsap’s outstanding environmental stewards. Community members sent in their nominations for recognition. This year, five recipients have been chosen to receive Earth Day Awards. The Kitsap County Board of County Commissioners will celebrate Earth Day Award recipients at a virtual award ceremony.
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Join the community as Kitsap County Commissioners present this year's Earth Day Awards to the recipients on Monday, April 26th at 5:30 p.m. in a public ceremony. The public is welcome to attend the Board of County Commissioner's meeting.
To join, visit: https://kcowa.us/Awards
 Featured Artist, Ken Blair
An artist who reimagines discarded debris into elegant designs, Ken Blair created this year’s upcycled Earth Day Awards. A Kitsap resident for nearly 40 years, Blair opened Chameleon Glass Studios 30 years ago, which evolved from stained glass to upcycling other sustainable materials.
The five Earth Day Awards were sculpted using driftwood and scrap metal. Ken recovers most materials used in his art from scrap yards, garage sales, and construction debris. His work is on display around the County. |
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Artisan at work
Recipients and Nominees
This year's Earth Day Award recipients include educators and community leaders invested in our land, waterways and wildlife preservation. Community members told us wonderful things about the nominees and the work happening in North, South and Central Kitsap that spurs us to celebrate the Earth today!
Nominees up for consideration include storytellers, farmers, restorers and educators. Their work in the community ranges from outreach to homeless neighbors, and restoration of yards and parks to forest protection and volunteer education.
One nominee planted nearly 8,000 plants, while another focused on recovering environmental hazards. Others raised millions of dollars for restoration projects and preserved thousands of acres in Kitsap.
Together, our award recipients have invested over 120 years into their work in Kitsap County. Recipients will be announced on April 26th. We are excited to honor each of them and all of the volunteers involved in their work around Kitsap County.
Quotes from the Community About Nominees
"The insightful and engaging team... centered around reforestation."
"They do this difficult work to share dignity and humanity and protect our environment."
"Her efforts help restore... healthy native forest for future generations."
"[They] opened many children's eyes to the natural world around them."
"She regularly teaches others how to garden, actively helps get supplies to members, starts compost piles on their [land], and hosts exchanges of materials."
"His important work and efforts... contribute to the protection of key species important to the S'Klallam way of life."
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