Presidential Awardees
Since 2022, Esther Bonney and Samantha Rutherford have been at the forefront of Nurture Natives. Their commitment to environmental stewardship was honored on August 1, 2024, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded them the prestigious President’s Environmental Youth Award for Region 3, recognizing their efforts in making a lasting impact on their community and the environment. Nurture Natives has already sparked remarkable change, and the future holds even greater potential. This is just the beginning of the movement.
The 2024 President's Environmental Youth Award
On August 1, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), held the official awards ceremony for the 2024 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) and the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA). Nurture Natives was honored with the PEYA for Region 3, recognizing Esther and Samantha’s outstanding commitment to environmental efforts as among the most impressive and impactful in the nation.
“We are delighted to celebrate and recognize the remarkable contributions educators and students across our country make every day,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Our awardees exemplify commitment to environmental education and steadfast leadership in taking innovative approaches to protect human health and tackle climate change. To the awardees, we extend our sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship. We look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.”
White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory added, “Environmental stewardship often begins in the classroom with young people and educators who are taking our planet’s most pressing climate change and environmental justice challenges head-on. This year’s awardees represent passionate and dedicated leaders who are tackling the climate crisis, improving public health, and delivering a more equitable future for all.”
Gratitude for Our Mentors
Our Cofounders would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Marlene Smith, Founder and President of Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay Chapter, and Amy Lang, University of Maryland Extension 4-H Educator, for their unwavering support and guidance throughout Nurture Natives' journey. Esther and Samantha express, “Your encouragement has been invaluable, and we are deeply grateful."