IDEM Announces Recipients for the 2025 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) presented the 2025 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence to six recipients during the 28th Annual Indiana Partners for Sustainability’s Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Indianapolis.

The Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence are Indiana’s most prestigious environmental recognition awards. They are reserved for the most innovative, sustainable, and exemplary programs or projects that positively impact Indiana’s environment and demonstrate measurable environmental, economic, and social benefits.

“I’m proud to see Indiana companies and organizations leading innovative efforts that protect our environment and improve the quality of life across our communities,” said Governor Mike Braun. “Their dedication through time, talent, and financial support highlights how innovative thinking can turn environmental challenges into opportunities for lasting community impact." 

The awards were presented as part of Pollution Prevention Week in Indiana. A copy of the proclamation, signed by Governor Braun, is available on IDEM’s website, idem.IN.gov. IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods presented the awards on the Governor’s behalf.

IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods (third from right) presented the 2025 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence at the Indiana Partners for Sustainability’s 28th Annual Conference and Tradeshow, held at the Marriott Indianapolis North. Also pictured: Kenzi Bekaires and Calvin Young from Pepper Construction; Brag Targgrat and Jodie Jordan from Central Noble Community Schools; Kimberley Hamilton and Rosemary Cox from the Jackson Co. SWMD; David Bradway, Mark Heirbrandt, Claire Lane, and Jacob Luken from the Hamilton Co. SWCD; Sam Gradle, Charles Jones, and Drew Holloway from the Muncie Bureau of Water Quality; Dr. Nate Bosch, Emily Anderson, Marc Andrews, Dr. Nate Bosch, Rusty Martinez, and Ariel Wagner from Grace College.

The 2025 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence categories and recipients include:

• Environmental Education and Outreach:
  • Central Noble Community Schools, Albion, Noble Co.
    • Central Noble Community Schools utilizes a Forest Kindergarten model, allowing children to immerse themselves in outdoor learning experiences. They offer a model for learning-led, inquiry-based teaching with an emphasis on social and emotional development, assisting children in problem-solving, critical thinking, and developing a willingness to learn.
  • Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams, Winona Lake, Kosciusko Co.
    • Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams engages approximately 12,000 K-12 students annually. Through classroom aquariums, field trips, outdoor experiences, and annual art contests, students learn environmental responsibility by participating in hands-on water conservation projects.
• Land Use and Conservation
  • Muncie Sanitary District, Bureau of Water Quality (BWQ), Delaware Co.
    • The Muncie BWQ is improving water quality by propagating freshwater mussels into the local waterways. Freshwater mussels can individually filter 15-20 gallons of water a day,  remove bacteria (including E. coli), and reduce erosion.
  • Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District (HCSWCD), Hamilton Co.
    • The HCSWCD developed a coalition of individuals and organizations to remove invasive species, restore native species, and map invasive species hotspots.  
• Recycling and Reuse
  • Jackson County Solid Waste Management District (JCSWMD), Medora, Jackson Co.
    • Since 2010, the Hornet’s Nest Reuse Store has been operated by the JCSWMD to educate the community on the importance of reusing clothing and housewares. Reuse keeps materials out of the landfill and saves even greater resources and energy than recycling. JCSWMD has partnered with organizations in the region to have additional impacts on reductions and meeting material needs.
  • Pepper Construction, Indianapolis, Marion County
    • The Pepper Construction Waste Reduction Program provides on-site construction recycling program to reduce costs to customers through a unique partnership with Construction Waste (CW) Recycling. Customer participation is easy because there is no additional cost, and it does not require the time and effort for construction workers to segregate materials by type (concrete, cardboard, wood and metals) onsite.