Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
INDIANAPOLIS – 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, including The Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams in Winona Lake.
The Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence are Indiana’s most prestigious environmental recognition awards, according to a provided news release. 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 Gov. 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 Braun, is available on IDEM’s website, idem.IN.gov. IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods presented the awards on the Governor’s behalf.
The 2025 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence categories and recipients include:
• Environmental Education and Outreach:
- Central Noble Community Schools, Albion, Noble County
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.
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 County
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 County.
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 County.
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.
