DELAWARE, Oh. — The Delaware Public Health District’s Keep Delaware County Beautiful program proudly recognized outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses at its annual awards ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 11, celebrating meaningful contributions to environmental stewardship, beautification, and sustainability throughout Delaware County.

Each year, these awards highlight the community members who take action to protect natural resources, enhance public spaces, and inspire others through service and innovation.

Beautification Award – Shawnee Hills Blooms

The Beautification Award honors those who maintain or restore spaces to enhance the community’s appearance. This year’s award was presented to Shawnee Hills Blooms, an affiliate of America In Bloom, which has made a lasting impact on the Village of Shawnee Hills.

The organization collaborates with the Village and engages resident volunteers to grow vibrant gardens, preserve the urban forest, and enhance local green spaces. Their efforts include maintaining a Pollinator Garden, seasonal Container Gardens, and hosting an annual Education Series. Their projects continue to bring color, biodiversity, and pride to the community.

Community Stewardship Award – North Central Ohio Pollinator Pathway

The Community Stewardship Award recognizes exceptional actions that improve environmental conditions in neighborhoods and communities. The North Central Ohio Pollinator Pathway earned this year’s honor for its work creating connectivity between pollinator habitats across Delaware County and beyond.

The organization has collaborated with local governments, parks, and schools to design and plant prairies, community gardens, and pollinator sites at more than a dozen locations, with additional projects underway. Their work supports essential pollinator species and strengthens ecological resilience countywide.

Litter Prevention Award – The Onion Bag Litter Prevention Project / Curtis Casto

Presented to individuals or groups that excel in removing litter from public spaces, this year’s Litter Prevention Award went to the Onion Bag Litter Prevention Project and its representative Curtis Casto.

This nonprofit provides large mesh bags designed specifically for waterway cleanups and has installed reusable bag stations at over 215 locations statewide. Casto has supplied Onion Bags and boxes for cleanup efforts along the Olentangy River, Kokosing River, Ohio River, and beyond. He has also partnered with Alum Creek State Park and Hughes Outdoors to place boxes at local boat launches — making it easier for paddlers to remove litter and protect Ohio’s waterways.

Garrison-Brown Award – Brian Mayer

The Garrison-Brown Award, named in honor of Charlotte Garrison and former Ashley Mayor Janet Brown, recognizes strong community initiative.

This year’s recipient, Brian Mayer, mobilized dozens of agencies, groups, businesses, and volunteers to tackle invasive honeysuckle through the Honeysuckle Hack Fest. Now in its second year, the event at Preservation Parks’ Deer Haven Park has cleared acres of invasive species — an effort that continues to inspire neighboring communities to take action.

Recycling Award – David Soliday

The Recycling Award honors significant contributions to recycling and waste-reduction efforts. David Soliday was recognized for his longtime advocacy for reducing and reusing in the community.

Soliday helped establish the Upcycling Center at Ohio Wesleyan University, where staff, students, and residents can donate or pick up items such as art supplies, office materials, and media for free. He also led the launch of Delaware’s first Repair Café, an event pairing skilled volunteers with community members to fix household items — keeping them out of landfills and saving residents money.

Business Awards – Natives in Harmony & Scioto Gardens

Each year, Keep Delaware County Beautiful recognizes businesses demonstrating strong environmental leadership.

Natives in Harmony was honored for promoting the use of native plants, conserving wildlife habitat, and supporting nonprofits through plant donations. Owner Gale Martin continues to educate residents about the cost-saving and ecological benefits of native landscaping.

Scioto Gardens, founded in 1999 and now operated by co-owners Mark Dilley, Christine Dilley, Amy Dutt, Denise Gualtiere, Penny McDowell, and Annette Wright, was also recognized. The business continues its commitment to growing high-quality native plants and offering community education focused on sustainable gardening.

Environmental Educator Award – Megan Pollock

The Environmental Educator Award was presented to Megan Pollock, a 7th-grade science teacher at Dempsey Middle School. Pollock ensures her students experience hands-on learning in the school’s Land Lab, and each spring she leads students in litter cleanups around campus and the Land Lab property — cultivating environmental responsibility in the next generation.

Environmental Youth Award – Shadow Riders 4-H Club

The Environmental Youth Award celebrates young people dedicated to environmental improvement. This year’s award went to the Shadow Riders 4-H Club, whose members have led litter cleanups for the past two years in Scioto Township and the Village of Ostrander. Their efforts include post-parade cleanups, beautification at township facilities, and placing flags on veterans’ graves at local cemeteries — demonstrating service, leadership, and community pride.

The Delaware Public Health District and Keep Delaware County Beautiful extend heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients. Their dedication, creativity, and leadership help ensure Delaware County remains a vibrant, clean, and environmentally thriving place to live, work, and play.

For more information about Keep Delaware County Beautiful or to learn how to get involved, visit DelawareHealth.org/recycling-litter-prevention.