EcoStar Pollution Prevention - 2013 Awardee

Northwest Connections has been awarded the EcoStar Pollution Prevention award for 2013.

The EcoStar Pollution Prevention award is a program of Montana State University that recognizes Montana's small businesses and local governments using progressive, integrated pollution prevention strategies to increase productivity, while safe guarding Montana's air, water, land and other natural resources.

NwC was honored at an awards ceremony at the Capitol in Helena on April 14, 2014.

Len and Sandy Sargent Stewardship Award - 2011 Awardee

The Cinnabar Foundation has named long-time Swan Valley naturalists, educators and community conservation leaders, Melanie and Tom Parker, as recipients of the 2011 Len and Sandy Sargent Stewardship Award. The annual award, established in honor of two of Cinnabar's co-founders, honors outstanding achievement in environmental advocacy, preservation, and education within Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Read the Cinnabar Foundation press release and award letter (PDF).

Rural Sociological Society Award for Distinguished Service to Rural Life - 2010 Awardee

Melanie Parker received the award at the Rural Sociological Society's Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia on August 15, 2010.

Cecil D. Andrus Leadership Award for Sustainability and Conservation - 2009 Awardee

Melanie Parker, Northwest Connections' executive director and co-founder has been awarded the Cecil D. Andrus Leadership Award for Sustainability and Conservation.

Named in honor of former U.S. Interior Secretary under President Carter, four-term Idaho governor, and a founder of Sustainable Northwest, the Cecil D. Andrus Leadership Awards for Sustainability and Conservation are bestowed annually by Sustainable Northwest to individuals, nonprofit organizations, or collaborative community-based efforts that demonstrate a commitment to conservation of the environment, outreach and service to community, adaptability and innovation, and leadership of others to pursue similar sustainable paths.

Melanie was recognized for her leadership to preserve and maintain a working landscape in Montana's Swan Valley. The award was presented at Sustainable Northwest's 15th Anniversary Gala Reception on September 24, 2009 in Portland, Oregon.

Montana Newspaper Association - 2007 Awardee

Dwight Jenkins, Publisher of the Seeley-Swan Pathfinder presenting Tom with his award at NwC’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, July 2007

The Seeley-Swan Pathfinder's Eye on the Environment column won several Montana Newspaper Association Awards. Tom Parker received 2nd place for Best Column Writing and Mo Hartmann received a 3rd place for Best Outdoor Reporting.

"We are thrilled that some of our contributing authors placed this year," comments Caroline Jenkins, the Pathfinder's Editor. "We truly appreciate their contributions to the newspaper, and we are pleased to offer the vehicle for these educational articles."

Wildlife Conservation Award, Montana Chapter of the Wildlife Society - 2004 Awardee

The Wildlife Conservation Award (PDF) is presented annually to an individual or organization making a significant contribution to wildlife in the state.

Tom Parker, Northwest Connections' conservation specialist and co-founder, accepted the award on February 25, 2004 at the Wildlife Society meeting in Bozeman, Montana. "We are grateful that so many diverse people and agencies have been willing to support and work with us," Parker said.

Julie Fuller, a former intern with Northwest Connections who researches wolf-elk interactions in the Madison Valley, was also awarded their Wynn Freeman Scholarship.

U.S. Forest Service Chief's Youth Volunteer Award - 2000 Awardee

Northwest Connections' Wildland Volunteer Corps program is awarded.

IMAGE CREDIT: Top - Cori Stanek