The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy has recognized TreeVitalize and its partners with five of its annual awards to individuals or organizations who have committed their time and energy to help protect the land and water resources of the Perkiomen Watershed.

Municipal Environmental Award to the Montgomery County Conservation District for efforts to reduce soil losses, and as a result protecting the water resources that otherwise would be polluted by construction and agricultural run-off. The district was commended for managing the county’s TreeVitalize effort, making it possible for all of Montgomery County's environmental organizations to participate.

Land Use Environmental Award to TreeVitalize for stormwater management and pollution control by planting trees. TreeVitalize has provided more than 1,000 trees for use by the PWC in projects at the Collegeville Dam site, around the Green Lane Reservoir and at the East Greenville Water Treatment Plant.

Corporate Environmental Award to Aqua Pennsylvania for assisting PWC in a variety of ways for many, many years. In addition to regular financial contributions, Aqua PA is a major supporter of the TreeVitalize program, helping to provide trees throughout the watershed.

Friend of the Watershed Environmental Award to Adam and Gwen Supplee for knowing the meaning of stewardship! They were team leaders at the Collegeville Dam revegetation site, helping to plant more than 600 TreeVitalize trees in record time. They lead teams in the annual Stream Clean-Up, and Gwen serves on the PWC Special Events Committee.

Kids Making a Difference Environmental Award to Boyertown High School Science Class. When there are TreeVitalize trees to be planted, Rick Thomas's science classes is ready to get involved! Over the last year, these Boyertown High School science classes have invested hundreds of hours planting trees and shrubs in riparian buffers along the Perkiomen Creek and its tributaries.

Everyone attending the recent banquet received a 25 percent discount on the purchase of a tree and was encouraged to start a TreeVitalize project in their own back yard.

For more information, visit the TreeVitalize website.

Courtesy of DCNR’s Resource Magazine.

5/26/2006