Successful applicants will be recognized in one of three categories:

• Achievement Awards: Presented to individuals and organizations, based within City limits or having at least 10% of their students/members there, that began a new initiative in 2025 to improve the environment in Gaithersburg.
• Appreciation Awards: Presented to individuals and organizations, based within City limits or having at least 10% of their students/members there, that continued in 2025 a program that improves the environment in Gaithersburg and was begun in a prior year.
• Green Friends of Gaithersburg Awards: Presented to individuals and organizations that created environmental benefits for Gaithersburg in 2025 and/or its residents despite not having their primary location or 10% of their students/members in the City.

Examples of environmentally friendly programs and projects include, but are not limited to:

• Use of integrated pest management to minimize the use of chemicals

• Pollution prevention and green purchasing

• Expansion of source reduction, reuse, and recycling efforts

• Implementation of bicycle and sidewalk projects

• Expansion of green space for natural and recreational uses

• Protection and enhancement of urban wildlife and associated habitats

• Energy and water conservation measures

• Tree planting and management

• Invasive species management projects

• Stream monitoring and restoration programs

• Encouragement of community discussion regarding neighborhood stewardship of local natural resources

• Composting and food recovery initiatives

• Environmental education programs

• Creation of baseline information on quality and quantity of natural resources

• Promotion of green building in public and private development

• Environmental Management System implementation, including ISO 14001 certification

• Greenhouse gas emissions reductions

• Generation or purchase of alternative energy

• Demonstration of the interconnectedness of Sustainability with Equity and Public Health

• Other innovative environmental enhancement ideas or projects

• Shifting traditional landscaping to a native landscape

These examples showcase a wide range of activities that contribute to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

• Separate Applications: Please use a separate application form for each nomination.
• File Naming for Email Submissions: If submitting your application via email, save the attachment as NameOfNominee_EnvAwards_2026.
• Encouraged Early Submission: Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on March 2, 2026, but early submission is highly encouraged!

How to Submit Nominations

Via Email

Send your application to Environment@gaithersburgmd.gov.

By Mail or In Person

Address submissions to:

ATTN: Environmental Awards
800 Rabbitt Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Please allow 1–2 business days for staff to confirm receipt of your application.

The Environmental Affairs Committee (EAC) will evaluate the applications based upon program effectiveness, innovation, and endurance. The EAC is especially interested in learning how groups have been working to expand their efforts from one year to the next by building on past successes.