Information for the 2025 McLean County Green Awards coming soon!
The Ecology Action Center presents the annual McLean County Green Awards, which recognize the efforts of individuals or organizations working to improve and protect our local environment.
The McLean County Recycling and Waste Reduction Award identifies businesses, schools or organizations with outstanding recycling programs or waste reduction efforts. Nominations are accepted for any recycling or waste reduction project, but areas of growing interest include source reduction of hazardous wastes or zero-waste programs.
In tribute to early EAC Director Anne McGowan who passed away suddenly in March of 2015, we renamed the World of Difference Award in her honor. The Anne McGowan Making a World of Difference Award recognizes outstanding projects, activities, or individuals in McLean County who promote environmental awareness or natural resource conservation. Michelle Covi, former Director of the Ecology Action Center and friend to Anne McGowan, described Anne’s ability to inspire others.
Anne was a catalyst for action. She was energetic and never hesitated to get her hands dirty. Her natural curiosity and love of the natural world fueled her passion for wildlife exploration and preservation. She shared her love with children and adults alike when she conducted nature walks, wildflower walks, and nature programs. She inspired and nurtured life-long dedication to environmental awareness and conservation in children, college students, and adults whose lives she touched.
