ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, is now accepting nominations for an annual awards program created to recognize environmental leaders within the State of Vermont. 

The "Green Mountain Environmental Leadership Awards", will celebrate environmental stewards and their initiatives that have shaped, inspired and encouraged long-term support of Vermont's rich and diverse natural environment. 

These awards spread awareness of environmental issues in Vermont, while recognizing the efforts of individuals and community organizations to combat those problems."They are very important. They shed some light on a lot of grassroots environmental work that's going on in the state of Vermont", said Stephen Perkins, ECHO's Development Director.

More than forty organizations and individuals were nominated last year, for the First Annual Green Mountain Environmental Leadership Awards. Winners from 2011 reflected a wide range of environmental issues; from energy efficiency to land conservation and included Freeaire Refrigeration, South Burlington Land Trust and the Lake Champlain Committee. Each won a Simon Pearce Glass pitcher and $1000.

This year, three specific awards will be given and they are: 

Citizen Scientist Award: For an individual or organization showing the value of determination. An emphasis will be placed on grassroots persistence to address a continuing environmental challenge. The group or individual may or may not have specific or formal scientific training but will have made a contribution to science through commitment, passion or motivation public participation in environmental science activities. 

Collaboration Award: For two or more community groups or individuals coming together to solve issues of conservation, sustainability or protecting the environment with an emphasis on effective collaboration.

 Persistence Toward Achieving Results Award: For an individual or organization dedicated to achieving documented results for a specific cause related to conservation, sustainability or protecting the environment. The results of the efforts must be documented and submitted with the nomination.

A ceremony recognizing the finalists and winners will take place at ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center on Tuesday evening, April 17th in advance of Earth Week. 

Nominations are being accepted through Jan.31 visit www.echovermont.org.