On June 18, 2024, the US EPA
announced the winners of the
President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA). This year’s list includes 13 projects involving 29 students, working in teams or individually, on a range of environmental stewardship projects conducted in 2023.
Among the winners are Southern Maryland students Esther Bonney and Samantha Rutherford, who co-founded the youth-led organization
Nurture Natives. The platform empowers youth environmental leadership through environmental initiatives that support native biodiversity and promote education about invasive species.
Bonney and Rutherford’s journey began with an interest in agriculture and sustainable farming. After engaging with local farms and experts, they identified invasive species as a major threat to local crops and habitats. Their project began as a 4-H club before evolving into the non-profit
Nurture Natives, which has since distributed native seedlings and tree shrubs along with self-published guides to nurseries in seven states.
Additionally, their social media strategy to promote the program by sharing knowledge on native plants and tips for youth engagement in environmental advocacy has garnered over 17,000 views to date.
US EPA also
announced nine (9) teachers as winners of the
Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. The award is given to outstanding K-12 educators who use innovative approaches to environmental education.
Congratulations to all the winners!