The 2025 Environmental Excellence Award winners include a senior planner advancing climate resilience, a wastewater director restoring ecosystems, a Fairfax County Public Schools team fostering environmental literacy, a dedicated advocate for habitat restoration, a grassroots partnership promoting sustainability in underserved communities, and a business championing circular fashion and textile waste reduction

The 2025 Environmental Excellence Awardees are:

Individual County Resident Category

Margaret E. Fisher is a dedicated environmental advocate whose efforts range from certifying her property as a Wildlife Sanctuary to leading impactful initiatives across Fairfax County. Through her “Bee Safe Neighborhood” initiative and roles as a Master Naturalist and Outreach Director for Plant NOVA Natives, she has inspired hundreds to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and adopt pesticide-free practices. Her collaborations with groups like the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions demonstrate her commitment to habitat restoration, environmental education, and creating lasting community impact.

County Employee Category

Allison Homer, a senior planner with Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, demonstrates exceptional leadership in advancing climate resilience and equity. She led a 2024 pilot project at Harmony Place Mobile Home Park to install air conditioning units in 29 homes for at-risk residents and launched the innovative AC Rescue program to provide cooling assistance to underserved populations. Her collaborative, equity-driven approach has improved quality of life for vulnerable residents while strengthening Fairfax County’s ability to adapt to climate challenges.

Michael McGrath, retiring Wastewater Treatment Director at the Noman M. Cole Water Recycling Facility, has spent 23 years advancing sustainable water management and ecological restoration. Under his leadership, the facility earned 24 NACWA Peak Performance Awards and helped restore Gunston Cove's aquatic ecosystems, including the return of submerged vegetation and river otters. His dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship leaves a lasting legacy for Fairfax County and the broader wastewater industry.

The Fairfax County Public Schools Get2Green Team drives environmental literacy and sustainability across 200 schools, empowering students and staff through training, resources, and actionable programs. Their efforts have led to 50 schools earning national recognition, reducing over 132,847 pounds of waste, and creating 132 wildlife habitats, 141 outdoor learning spaces, and 122 edible gardens. By fostering collaboration and measurable environmental impact, the team is preparing the next generation to build a sustainable future while leaving a legacy of stewardship and educational excellence.

Organization and Business Category

Friends of Holmes Run (FoHR) and Hispanics Against Child Abuse and Neglect (HACAN) partnered to educate the Culmore-Crossroads community on the environmental and health impacts of single-use plastics while promoting trust in tap water as a safe alternative. Through bilingual workshops, outreach campaigns, and a pilot program introducing filter pitchers, they empowered families to adopt sustainable practices and eliminate bottled water use in HACAN programs. This grassroots collaboration exemplifies community engagement in fostering trust, improving public health, and advancing environmental stewardship.

Sewing Lab combines education, creativity, and sustainability to reduce textile waste and promote circular fashion, inspiring individuals to rethink their relationship with clothing. In seven months, it diverted over 500 pounds of textiles from landfills, educated 60+ participants through workshops, and partnered with 19 organizations, including George Mason University, Pride DC, and ReFashion Show. By teaching practical skills and emphasizing resource stewardship, Sewing Lab addresses fast fashion challenges and empowers sustainable action at both individual and community levels.
 

An awards ceremony to celebrate the 2024 and 2025 Environmental Excellence Award winners will take place on October 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Government Center in the Board Auditorium with a reception to immediately follow in the Forum. The event will also honor the recipients of the Friends of Trees and James M. Scott Exceptional Design awards.