Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Location: Antiquite Midtown, 2114 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
ECOS has presented Environmentalist of the Year awards since 1973. This ceremony allows us to reflect on the successes of each year, to recognize the important work that is being done by environmental stewards across many fields, and to build collaboration for the future.
Call for Nominations! Environmentalist of the Year Awards 2026
Do you know someone making a real difference for the environment in our region? Help us recognize their impact by submitting a nomination for the Environmentalist of the Year Awards! Whether they’re leading bold climate action, protecting natural resources, advocating for environmental justice, or inspiring others to live more sustainably, we want to celebrate their contributions. Your nomination shines a light on the people and projects creating lasting change. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor local heroes—nominate someone today!
Deadline to submit nominations: September 8, 2026
2025 Environmentalist of the Year Awardees
Susan Herre – Environmentalist of the Year
Award presented by Kevin McCarty, Mayor, City of Sacramento
Edith Thacher – Environmentalist of the Year
Award presented by Heather Fargo, President of the ECOS Board of Directors; Former Mayor, City of Sacramento
Mackenzie Hollander – Rising Star Award
Award presented by Karina Talamantes, Vice Mayor, City of Sacramento
Dr. Andrea Willey – Wildlife Award
Award presented by Roger Niello, Senator, CA Senate District 6
Sponsor Environmentalist of the Year Awards, Be a Top Tomato!
As a sponsor, you (or your organization) will receive meaningful recognition before and during the event as well as on our website.
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Our awardees work in these fields:
- INTEGRATION OF TRANSIT AND LAND USE: Work to convey to elected officials and the public the importance of expanded transit and infill development to housing affordability, the economic revitalization of existing developed areas, and reduction of car trips; also the importance of upholding planning actions of regional significance such as the urban service boundary and habitat conservation plans in SacCounty; and fighting against developments that ignore these planning actions.
- CLIMATE: Work on local government climate plans, including studying, commenting, and encouragement of aggressive and well-supported plans, so our region does its part to reduce GHG emissions; work on the conversion to all-electric for homes and businesses.
- AIR: Air quality monitoring and community education, as steps toward air quality improvement.
- HABITAT: Outreach to neighborhoods and elected officials to increase awareness of the importance of the Sacramento region’s wildlife habitat and habitat-supportive farmland, its habitat conservation plans, its location in the Pacific Flyway and in one of the Earth’s biodiversity hotspots.
- ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: Work to remedy environmental injustices from the past, such as redlining, and those happening now, such as air pollution from freeways and siting of industrial uses near schools and residences;
- SERVICE: Faithful and productive service on the ECOS Board.
- FUNDING: Work to promote ballot measures to fund transit, safe and complete streets, and affordable housing in our region.
- WATER: Work to improve the management of the region’s surface and ground water quality and supply.
