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Our 2025 Fall Awards Celebration was held on Wednesday, September 10, at Brukner Nature Center. Individuals, community groups, nonprofits, agencies, and volunteers from across the Great Miami River Watershed came together to honor the hard work or our region’s distinguished environmental leaders. Attendees enjoyed a delightful selection of food & drinks and engaged with and inspiring presentation from keynote speaker, Julie Kramer, publisher of Edible Ohio Valley Magazine. We also had the pleasure of graduating the 2024-25 Environmental Leaders Program cohort and introduced the 2025-26 Environmental Leaders Program cohort. With a strong sense of comradery and enthusiasm throughout the evening, it was truly a night to remember! Hall Hunger Initiative, was honored with the Partner of the Year Award for their work to advance food security through local partnerships, community gardens, education campaigns, and the “Eat Fresh, Buy Local” initiative. By building coalitions, supporting innovative programs, and advancing systemic change, they ensure families have greater access to healthy food. Marvin Olinksy, retired Executive Director of Montgomery County Park District, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and vision that enabled the district to grow into one of the region’s most influential quality-of-life institutions. Among his proudest achievements was the creation of Adventure Central and co-founding the Greater Dayton Conservation Fund, which continues to support regional conservation organizations, even helping to launch Partners for the Environment. Mary Klunk, known fondly as the “Queen of the Prairie,” was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her leadership in the restoration and stewardship of natural areas across southwest Ohio. As a retired senior leader at Five Rivers MetroParks, she oversaw more than 16,000 acres of natural areas. Her legacy includes nearly 1,000 acres of restored prairies, major reforestation and wetland projects, and the long-term restoration of Huffman Prairie, Ohio’s largest remnant prairie. Mary’s work with the Ohio Invasive Plant Council also helped secure the statewide ban of 38 invasive plant species. June Drieling, affectionately known as “Miss June”, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her role as a cornerstone of environmental education at Brukner Nature Center for over three decades. After being appointed Director of Education in 2009, she became the Center’s resident butterfly expert, leading the Ohio Butterfly Transect Study. Her teaching style—gentle, thoughtful, and filled with wonder—has left a profound impact on those she has guided. Christa Wheeler, Co-Founder and Project Director of Efinity Harvest Farm, was honored with an Individual of the Year Award in recognition of her vision and commitment to food equity, youth development, and community resilience. In 2025, Christa expanded youth opportunities through the Urban Youth Farmer Initiative, summer job training, and the inaugural Green Teen Conference. Rhett Rohrer, owner of River’s Edge Canoe and Kayak Outfitters, president of the Little Miami Conservancy, a Greene County Park District Commissioner, and a member of the Little Miami Scenic River Advisory Council, was honored with an Individual of the Year Award in recognition of his efforts to ensure that future generation can experience the Little Miami as a clean, thriving river. Gail Plunkett was honored with an Individual of the Year Award for his service as a volunteer and board member of Learning Tree Farm. From securing essential equipment such as tractors to sponsoring hayrides at Autumn Fest and personally dedicating long hours to pulling honeysuckle, mowing, and maintaining trails, Gail's positive impact is felt in countless ways. Thank You to Our Sponsors: Three Valley Conservation Trust, Hanley Sustainability Institute, Brukner Nature Center, Miami Conservancy District, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, University of Dayton Fitz Center, and Field In Sight Consulting. Thank You to Our Friends of the Fall Awards: Rosebud’s Real Foods, Tecumseh Land Trust, Dayton Art Institute.
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