Gov. Rendell honored six Pennsylvania environmental leaders during an environmental state dinner at the Governor’s residence this week. Each honoree received a “Lighting the Way” gift to symbolize the inspirational guiding lights they have been to others.

The honorees were Ernesta Drinker Ballard, former executive director of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (awarded posthumously); Rep. Camille George, currently Democratic Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee; Caren Glotfelty, Director of Environmental Programs at The Heinz Endowment; Sister Pat Lupo who directs the Earth Force and Glinodo Environmental Center in Erie; Maryruth Wagner, District Manager Columbia County Conservation District; and Dr. Mel Zimmerman, Professor of Biology at Lycoming College.

"These honorees have recognized the importance of preserving our greatest natural treasure," said Gov. Rendell. "Promoting the highest standards of environmental protection is vital to sustaining our quality of life in communities across Pennsylvania. These six individuals have each made contributions through education and outreach, research and, most of all, by not being afraid to stand up for what they believe in. They are to be commended for a job well done."

Ernesta Drinker Ballard (Posthumously) 1920-2005 - Philadelphia

A 1954 graduate of the Pennsylvania School of Horticulture, Ernesta began her career as the proprietor of a commercial greenhouse known as Valley Gardens. At her home, she and her husband, Fred, maintained hundreds of plants making their property the highlight of many garden club tours. Ernesta wrote two timeless books, “Garden In Your House” and “The Art of Training Plants.”

In 1964, she became the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and under her tutelage, the Society’s annual Flower Show became a world-renowned event. She helped Philadelphia Green to turn vacant lots into flower and vegetable gardens throughout the city.

For eighteen years, Ernesta served as a commissioner of Fairmont Park and helped found the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust. On behalf of the park she worked to restore the Swann Fountain in Logan Square, the Water Works, dozens of historic mansions and many of the park’s eroding streambeds and natural areas. Additionally, she has served as co-chair of the Governor’s transition team for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Ernesta is being honored for her contributions to Pennsylvania’s environment. However, her lifelong efforts on behalf of civic and feminist causes serve as a reminder that very often it is those who care about the environment who most genuinely care for the welfare of others. Ernesta’s intent was to make life not just greener but better for everyone.

The Honorable Camille George – Houtzdale, Clearfield County

State Representative Camille “Bud” George was appointed Chairman of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee in 1983, and has sponsored and authored many environmental initiatives. These include laws that have prohibited backhauling, have given the state the authority to confiscate trucks that illegally transport toxic substances and have changed the pre-existing Pennsylvania Surface Coal Mining law to assist with the replacement of public/private water supplies damaged by mining.

Rep. George shepherded Act 101, an important recycling and solid waste management program, which became law in July 1988. Further amending this Act, he established the Recycling Fund, which provides monetary assistance to local governments to begin curbside recycling programs. He has improved sewage treatment laws to protect water supplies by allowing citizens to build proper sewage disposal systems.

He has worked to create the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority and serves as a member. During his tenure as a state representative, he has enriched the lives of the citizens of the commonwealth and undeniably serves as an example to what one man can accomplish with focused dedication and perseverance.

Caren Glotfelty – Pittsburgh, Allegheny County

As the Program Director of the Environment Program at the Heinz Endowments, Caren Glotfelty works diligently for environmental innovation, ecosystem managements, watershed protection and sustainable urban design.

She facilitated funding and led the outreach effort of the Brookings Institute Report. Additionally, she is active in the “Renew Pennsylvania” campaign to help citizens address the report’s findings.

Glotfelty’s guidance propelled Pennsylvania into the Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Reduction effort under Governor Robert P. Casey. This catapulted her to serve as the Deputy Secretary for Water Management in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.

From 1995 to 2000, she served as the Maurice K. Goddard Chair in the School of Forestry at the Pennsylvania State University. While there, she encouraged young women to strive for excellence within the environmental field.

She served as co-chair to Governor Tom Ridge’s Twenty-first Century Environment Commission and has served on the boards of a multitude of organizations including the 10,000 friends of Pennsylvania, the Nature Conservancy and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Through her active involvement and interest in the environment, Glotfelty has truly made a significant contribution to a sustainable ecosystem within the commonwealth.

Pat Lupo, OSB - Erie

Pat Lupo, OSB has been a leading influence in education, environment and conservation for over forty years. Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Award Program, the Pennsylvania Alliance for Environmental Education, the Council for Elementary Science Instruction, the Presque Isle Audubon Society and the Sierra Club have all recognized her significant environmental education efforts. She taught for over twenty years at the elementary and high school levels and helped found the Erie County Environmental Coalition.

Sister Pat is the Director of Programs for the Lake Erie-Allegheny Earth Force. In 2000, the organization was recognized by the World Wildlife Fund and the Alliance of Religions and Conservation as a “Sacred Gift for a Living Planet.”

This award encourages, secures and celebrates significant new conservation actions to combat forest and marine destruction, climate change and a wide range of other environmental issues.

Serving on a number of environmental boards, Sister Pat has assisted the Pennsylvania Department of Education in developing standards and assessments in Environment and Ecology as well as Science and Technology. Currently, she is on the staff of the Governor’s Institute for Environment and Ecology.

Thanks to her indefatigable efforts, the communities across Pennsylvania will continue to prosper for future generations.

Maryruth Wagner – Bloomsburg, Columbia County

Maryruth Wagner is the District Manager of the Columbia County Conservation District. Under her guidance, the district hosts an annual education program for students in third through sixth grades to foster the development of a greater appreciation and understanding of our environment.

She also leads the district in sponsoring the Susquehanna Valley Environthon for Columbia County middle and high school students.

Wagner is actively involved with the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts and the Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation and Development Council. She has participated in the Chesapeake Bay Program and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in protecting our commonwealth’s waterways.

In 1997, she was instrumental in establishing the Catawissa Creek Restoration Association and subsequently in 1998, she helped to create the Fishing Creek Watershed Association. One of her proudest accomplishments was helping to create the Frank Kocher Memorial Park, which serves as a relaxing area where the community can enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and picnicking. Due to her steadfast commitment to our environment, citizens are surrounded by the natural beauty that is Pennsylvania.

Dr. Mel Zimmerman – Montoursville, Lycoming County

Dr. Mel Zimmerman is a professor of biology at Lycoming College whose students have historically monitored trends in both biology and chemistry for local watersheds.

He developed Lycoming College’s “Clean Water Institute” which has helped a number of watershed groups compile data and evaluate trends, needs and solutions. He was instrumental in helping DEP’s North Central Regional Office Team 5 by providing a forum for exchange with various partners.

He was extensively involved in the formation of the Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies. His expertise has been monumentally instrumental not only in beginning this group but also coordinating the participation of higher education facilities. He serves on the board of the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers and is also the chair of the Keystone Stream Team.

Dr. Zimmerman helped the North Central PA Conservancy accomplish a Rivers Conservation Plan for a portion of the western branch of the Susquehanna River. This tremendous effort involved numerous partnerships, including counties and municipalities.

Dr. Zimmerman has generously shared his time, expertise and environmental ethic to help those interested in watershed work throughout Pennsylvania. He serves as an inspiration for every individual who wants to personally work toward creating a better environment for our commonwealth.

10/7/2005