The approaching end of the year brings a chance to reflect on 2026. VLAWMO's watershed awards celebrate all that has been accomplished in the watershed over the last year thanks to collaboration and partnership. This year, nominations must be submitted by Friday, November 20th. Learn more or submit a nomination on the watershed awards webpage. 

Looking for watershed inspiration? Learn more about last year's Watershed Steward Award recipient, Gina Ganno. 

Who is eligible for the award? 

• Volunteers
• VLAWMO grant recipients
• Neighborhood or lake associations
• Community groups

What kinds of stewardship actions could merit a nomination? 

A variety of activities benefitting the VLAWMO watershed's water resources and community could merit a nomination. Initiatives could include:

• Residential or neighborhood partnerships for watershed improvement, place-based water or natural resource awareness, or water conservation
• Demonstrated water stewardship through VLAWMO's grant programs, especially with demonstrated initiative of educational efforts 
• Coordination of education and outreach initiatives that promote awareness and protection of local water resources
• Outstanding ongoing volunteer efforts related to VLAWMO events, watershed education, or citizen science activities 

Other topics or efforts may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the VLAWMO Technical Commission (TEC). 

Who can submit a nomination? 

• The general public
• Municipal partners and affiliates
• TEC members 

Nominations may be made anonymously. Self-nominations will be accepted.