As part of the Discover Presque Isle weekend, the Plant It Forward Urban Forest Initiative will mark its 10th anniversary with the presentation of the Outstanding Environmental Steward Awards, celebrating individuals and organizations making a lasting impact on Erie’s environment and urban landscape.

The awards ceremony will take place Saturday, July 26 at 2:00 p.m. under the Butterflies for Kids, Plant It Forward tent at Beach 11, recognizing five standout honorees across education, business, nonprofit, and citizen categories.

This year’s theme: "They’re not just planting trees; they’re planting our environmental future."

2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Recipients:

University: Mercyhurst University
Honored for its LEAF RELEAF Tiny Forest Initiative, where students use the Miyawaki method to plant dense, diverse forests in urban spaces, blending ecology, justice, and hope.

Business: Kronospan
Recognized for its GROW Program, which engages employees in hands-on reforestation efforts, bringing sustainability and workforce pride together.

Citizen: Alex Luddy
Celebrated for his community-driven work planting trees across Erie neighborhoods, empowering families and beautifying streets block by block.

Nonprofit: The Erie Benedictines
Honored for decades of ecological stewardship, from community gardens to spiritual ecology, advancing food justice, faith-based care for creation, and long-standing environmental advocacy.

Citizen–Business: The Brian Candela Family, Sara’s Campground
Awarded for preserving the Presque Isle shoreline through native tree planting, erosion control, and a deep-rooted commitment to protecting Erie’s lakefront for future generations.

“These recipients represent the best of Erie’s environmental leadership,” said Diane Christin Zenchenko-Esser, founder of Plant It Forward. “Each has made real, local progress toward climate solutions. And in this moment, that matters more than ever.”

Discover Presque Isle: Butterflies For Kids / Plant It Forward Tent:

   •Friday, July 25 — 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

   •Saturday, July 26 — 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  Award Presentation at 2:00 p.m.

   •Sunday, July 27 — 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.