Leadership Awards

NMF Recognizes Environmental Leaders

The Newton Marasco Foundation conducts award programs that encourage consideration of and responsibility for environmental stewardship. We recognize and reward small deeds and great acts that promote environmental awareness and further sustainable, environmental solutions.

Leading Environmental Stewardship (LES) Award

GEBA “The idea is that “LES” is more,” says Amy Marasco Newton, NMF President. “We want to honor individuals or organizations that are doing practical yet innovative sustainable actions in their local communities.” Each year, NMF will honor an individual or organization that is doing great environmental work.

The first LES Award was given in 2009 to Salisbury University President, Janet Dudley-Eshbach. Committed to sustainability on campus, Dudley-Eshbach was lauded for such initiatives as adding more bike racks on campus, pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification for all new construction and being one of the first signers of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. Under her leadership, SU also became the first university in the U.S. to implement the environmentally-friendly “PrecisionWash” laundry system in residence halls campus wide.

McGranaghan Stewardship Award

The McGranaghan Stewardship Award will be given annually to an individual or organization that has had the greatest impact on the Chapman DeMary Trail in Purcellville, Virginia. This nature trail was dedicated in October 2009 as an outdoor classroom where students learn about and develop an appreciation for the nature that surrounds them—it also serves as a nature park for residents and visitors.

NMF presented the McGranaghan Stewardship Award in October 2009 to the first recipient, Loudoun Valley High School teacher Liam McGranaghan in recognition of his personal time, commitment and support to the creation and maintenance of the Chapman DeMary Trail. Mr. McGranaghan has been dedicated to the trail, and to encouraging students and others to be good stewards of the trail. Along with the award, NMF donated $1,000 for the trail in his name.