Congratulations to the 2025 Environmentalist of the Year Awardees!

Susan Herre – Environmentalist of the Year

Under Susan’s leadership ECOS became better organized, and more viable and relevant. Susan’s efforts diversified the ECOS leadership and staff, while broadening ECOS advocacy and fundraising effectiveness.  Under her leadership and participation she created even more networking and collaboration with other community stakeholders regarding environmental issues. Susan Herre’s work through ECOS is invaluable. She is generous with her time and energy and unselfish in her support of others. Susan Herre is now Immediate Past President of the Board of ECOS. She was president during 2022 through 2024. She is an urban planner and architect. After her retirement from the US Department of Transportation she became an activist for public transit and the preservation of open space. For fun, Susan paints and does ceramics.

Edith Thacher – Environmentalist of the Year

Edith Thacher has provided project management services to the Natomas Team to advance the Save Natomas Farmland campaign. Without her our campaign could not have been successful.  She has managed volunteers, staff and consultants with grace and patience. Edith has mentored young people and neighbors and supported the core team. In addition to her work with ECOS, she is a co-lead of the Sacramento/Roseville chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby.

Mackenzie Hollender – Rising Star Award

Mackenzie Hollender is a highschool Junior at Natomas Charter School, who has worked with ECOS, 350 Sacramento, the Sacramento Audubon SocietyShe is an up and coming star who produced videos of the Natomas farmland and habitat. Her poise, passion for birds and nature, and speaking ability have been very helpful to the Natomas Campaign. She should be recognized for her initiative, leadership, spunk, and effectiveness on behalf of ECOS and our campaign to save our open space in Natomas.(ECOS is grateful for her energy and skills as a birder, videographer, photographer and passionate environmentalist.

Dr. Andrea Willey – Wildlife Award

Andrea Willey, MD, a Dermatologic Surgeon and Sacramento native, witnessed a Great Blue Heron’s fatal encounter with fishing line. She founded the Waterbird Habitat Project in 2023, collaborating with anglers and local communities to retrieve abandoned fishing gear from the American River. Designated receptacle for fishing gear and signage was installed. As the project continues to grow, so does its impact. As a result of her personal determination, the Waterbird Habitat Program is on the road to becoming a statewide model.

Click here to learn more about the event happening November 14, 2025, at the Fox & Goose Public House in Sacramento!