Watershed Awards

VLAWMO's annual watershed awards celebrate community members and organizations who have made a tangible impact on the Vadnais Lake watershed. To confirm that activities have occurred within VLAWMO, please view the interactive map.

Who is eligible for a nomination?

The Watershed Steward Award is for volunteers, VLAWMO grant recipients, neighborhood or lake associations, or community groups who have worked independently or with VLAWMO staff to improve water resources or community understanding of water issues within the Vadnais Lake watershed. One winner will be selected by a vote from VLAWMO's Technical Commission. 

Self nominations are acceptable. Nominations may be made anonymously. 

What kinds of stewardship actions could merit a nomination?

A variety of activities benefitting the VLAWMO watershed community could merit a nomination. These 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 if a VLAWMO grant recipient has also taken initiative in 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 reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the VLAWMO Technical Commission (TEC). 

Multi-year efforts should have a connection to a project or program within the year of nominating.