Governor Rendell Honors Six Pennsylvania Environmental Leaders

8 October 2005

Governor Edward G. Rendell honored
six of Pennsylvania's most remarkable environmental leaders during a state
dinner held on their behalf at the Governor's Residence on Thursday. The
honorees were recognized for their significant contributions in the
environmental field and for the inspiration they have provided to others.
"These honorees have recognized the importance of preserving our greatest
natural treasure," said Governor Rendell. "Promoting the highest standards of
environmental protection is vital to sustaining our quality of life in
communities across Pennsylvania. These six individuals have each made
contributions through education and outreach, research and, most of all, by
not being afraid to stand up for what they believe in. They are to be
commended for a job well done."
Each honoree was presented with the official state gift, a symbolic
expression of the leadership provided by those who are inspirational guiding
lights to others. The gift, "Lighting the Way," is a handcrafted reproduction
of a wooden wall sconce, circa 1760, that hangs in Independence Hall in
Philadelphia. Handcrafted of Pennsylvania black walnut, it is awarded to those
who have excelled in their respective areas and have made a difference in
Pennsylvania on behalf of the citizens of our commonwealth.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Profiles of the winners follow.

Ernesta Drinker Ballard (Posthumously) 1920-2005 - Philadelphia
A 1954 graduate of the Pennsylvania School of Horticulture, Ernesta began
her career as the proprietor of a commercial greenhouse known as Valley
Gardens. At her home, she and her husband, Fred, maintained hundreds of plants
making their property the highlight of many garden club tours. Ernesta wrote
two timeless books, "Garden In Your House" and "The Art of Training Plants."
In 1964, she became the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Horticultural
Society (PHS) and under her tutelage, the Society's annual Flower Show became
a world-renowned event. She helped Philadelphia Green to turn vacant lots into
flower and vegetable gardens throughout the city.
For eighteen years, Ernesta served as a commissioner of Fairmont Park and
helped found the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust. On behalf of the
park she worked to restore the Swann Fountain in Logan Square, the Water
Works, dozens of historic mansions and many of the park's eroding streambeds
and natural areas. Additionally, she has served as co-chair of the Governor's
transition team for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Ernesta is being honored for her contributions to Pennsylvania's
environment. However, her lifelong efforts on behalf of civic and feminist
causes serve as a reminder that very often it is those who care about the
environment who most genuinely care for the welfare of others. Ernesta's
intent was to make life not just greener but better for everyone.

The Honorable Camille George - Houtzdale, Clearfield County
State Representative Camille "Bud" George was appointed Chairman of the
Environmental Resources and Energy Committee in 1983, and has sponsored and
authored many environmental initiatives. These include laws that have
prohibited backhauling, have given the state the authority to confiscate
trucks that illegally transport toxic substances and have changed the pre-
existing Pennsylvania Surface Coal Mining law to assist with the replacement
of public/private water supplies damaged by mining.
Rep. George shepherded Act 101, an important recycling and solid waste
management program, which became law in July 1988. Further amending this Act,
he established the Recycling Fund, which provides monetary assistance to local
governments to begin curbside recycling programs. He has improved sewage
treatment laws to protect water supplies by allowing citizens to build proper
sewage disposal systems.
He has worked to create the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment
Authority (PennVEST) and serves as a member. During his tenure as a state
representative, he has enriched the lives of the citizens of the commonwealth
and undeniably serves as an example to what one man can accomplish with
focused dedication and perseverance.

Caren Glotfelty - Pittsburgh, Allegheny County
As the Program Director of the Environment Program at the Heinz
Endowments, Caren Glotfelty works diligently for environmental innovation,
ecosystem managements, watershed protection and sustainable urban design. She
facilitated funding and led the outreach effort of the Brookings Institute
Report. Additionally, she is active in the "Renew Pennsylvania" campaign to
help citizens address the report's findings.
Glotfelty's guidance propelled Pennsylvania into the Chesapeake Bay
Nutrient Reduction effort under Governor Robert P. Casey. This catapulted her
to serve as the Deputy Secretary for Water Management in the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Resources. From 1995 to 2000, she served as the
Maurice K. Goddard Chair in the School of Forestry at the Pennsylvania State
University. While there, she encouraged young women to strive for excellence
within the environmental field.
She served as co-chair to Governor Tom Ridge's Twenty-first Century
Environment Commission and has served on the boards of a multitude of
organizations including the 10,000 friends of Pennsylvania, the Nature
Conservancy and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Through her active involvement
and interest in the environment, Glotfelty has truly made a significant
contribution to a sustainable ecosystem within the commonwealth.

Pat Lupo, OSB - Erie
Pat Lupo, OSB has been a leading influence in education, environment and
conservation for over forty years. Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Award Program,
the Pennsylvania Alliance for Environmental Education, the Council for
Elementary Science Instruction, the Presque Isle Audubon Society and the
Sierra Club have all recognized her significant environmental education
efforts. She taught for over twenty years at the elementary and high school
levels and helped found the Erie County Environmental Coalition.
Sister Pat is the Director of Programs for the Lake Erie-Allegheny Earth
Force. In 2000, the organization was recognized by the World Wildlife Fund
and the Alliance of Religions and Conservation as a "Sacred Gift for a Living
Planet." This award encourages, secures and celebrates significant new
conservation actions to combat forest and marine destruction, climate change
and a wide range of other environmental issues.
Serving on a number of environmental boards, Sister Pat has assisted the
Pennsylvania Department of Education in developing standards and assessments
in Environment and Ecology as well as Science and Technology. Currently, she
is on the staff of the Governor's Institute for Environment and Ecology.
Thanks to her indefatigable efforts, the communities across Pennsylvania will
continue to prosper for future generations.

Maryruth Wagner - Bloomsburg, Columbia County
Maryruth Wagner is the District Manager of the Columbia County
Conservation District. Under her guidance, the district hosts an annual
education program for students in third through sixth grades to foster the
development of a greater appreciation and understanding of our environment.
She also leads the district in sponsoring the Susquehanna Valley Environthon
for Columbia County middle and high school students.
Wagner is actively involved with the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition of
Abandoned Mine Reclamation, the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation
Districts and the Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation and Development
Council. She has participated in the Chesapeake Bay Program and the
Chesapeake Bay Foundation in protecting our commonwealth's waterways.
In 1997, she was instrumental in establishing the Catawissa Creek
Restoration Association and subsequently in 1998, she helped to create the
Fishing Creek Watershed Association. One of her proudest accomplishments was
helping to create the Frank Kocher Memorial Park, which serves as a relaxing
area where the community can enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and
picnicking. Due to her steadfast commitment to our environment, citizens are
surrounded by the natural beauty that is Pennsylvania.

Dr. Mel Zimmerman - Montoursville, Lycoming County
Dr. Mel Zimmerman is a professor of biology at Lycoming College whose
students have historically monitored trends in both biology and chemistry for
local watersheds. He developed Lycoming College's "Clean Water Institute"
which has helped a number of watershed groups compile data and evaluate
trends, needs and solutions. He was instrumental in helping DEP's North
Central Regional Office Team 5 by providing a forum for exchange with various
partners.
He was extensively involved in the formation of the Susquehanna River
Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies. His expertise has been
monumentally instrumental not only in beginning this group but also
coordinating the participation of higher education facilities. He serves on
the board of the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers and is
also the chair of the Keystone Stream Team.
Dr. Zimmerman helped the North Central PA Conservancy accomplish a Rivers
Conservation Plan for a portion of the western branch of the Susquehanna
River. This tremendous effort involved numerous partnerships, including
counties and municipalities. Dr. Zimmerman has generously shared his time,
expertise and environmental ethic to help those interested in watershed work
throughout Pennsylvania. He serves as an inspiration for every individual who
wants to personally work toward creating a better environment for our
commonwealth.

The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public
education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing
economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out
more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly
newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us.

CONTACT: Kristianna Smith
717-783-1116