The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is looking for Delaware students who are working to make a difference for the environment and is encouraging teachers, classmates, group leaders, family members and others to nominate them for the 2022 Young Environmentalist of the Year Awards.

Nominations must be based on actions or projects between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022.

The awards honor students whose actions have helped protect, restore or enhance Delaware’s natural resources through one or more of the following: demonstrating environmental stewardship, initiating an innovative project, increasing public awareness or demonstrating environmental ethics.

Nominations will be accepted through June 30. A winner will be chosen for elementary (grades one-four), middle school (grades five-eight) and high school (grades nine-12). Each winner will receive a certificate, gift card and prize pack.

This is the 29th year for DNREC’s Young Environmentalist Awards program. Past honorees have included students who planned community cleanups and tree plantings, founded or led school environmental clubs or projects, and volunteered at parks and nature centers, as well as beekeepers, nature photographers, recycling advocates and young lobbyists.

An awards ceremony is scheduled for Governor’s Day, July 28, at the Delaware State Fair, with details to follow.

Information and the nomination form can be found here or by emailing joanna.wilson@delaware.gov.