Head south of the border for an evening of entertainment, edibles, and environmental enlivening at CEC’s 2002 Synergy Awards. This year’s awards will have a South American theme, featuring spicy snacks and spirited songs from the band Sur. The celebration is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in the Medical Center. For tickets, contact the CEC office at issues@cechouston.org or 713-524-4232.

The CEC Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the 2002 Synergy Award winners, each of whom represents environmental excellence in the Houston region:

Army and Sarah Emmott Conservation Award: Winnie Burkett
A biologist with a specialization in ornithology, Winnie Burkett serves as vice president of sanctuaries and manager of coastal sanctuaries for the Houston Audubon Society. She was responsible for the acquisition of land in the Bolivar Flats to protect this habitat for thousands of shorebirds. Her other accomplishments include supervising development of the Smith Point hawk watchtower and management of the High Island sanctuary.

Environmental Education Award: Jennifer Malone
In acknowledgement of her work with thousands of students, Jennifer Malone will be awarded the 2002 Synergy Award for environmental education. A teacher at the Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire, Malone has shared her love of nature with children, fostering a strong foundation in scientific method and a respect for living things. Her innovative programs provide children with a hands-on learning experience, taking them on field study trips into the Nature Center’s park to explore the interrelationship between plants and animals.

Media Award: Mike Wright and Dan Lauck
Mike Wright, reporter with The Facts, a Brazoria County daily newspaper, consistently writes in-depth stories on relevant environmental topics. His reports on air quality issues in particular demonstrate a willingness to challenge both public misconceptions and the official line by putting forward alternative viewpoints.

KHOU Channel 11’s Dan Lauck has built a reputation for presenting well-researched pieces on regional environmental topics, including environmental enforcement, industrial emissions, ozone formation, toxic mold, in-car exposure to pollution, and toxins in dry cleaning and nail salons. Lauck’s participation in the recent special on statewide environmental issues was particularly impressive.

Corporate Awareness Award: HEB
In addition to its active recycling program, HEB supports the community, donating $500,000 annually to promote environmental education efforts across Texas. Their green building program ensures that measures are taken to protect the natural habitats around new stores and to conserve energy and building materials. HEB has also taken strides to improve air quality by converting 10 percent of their trucks to clean burning natural gas and to reduce water consumption at its stores and warehouses.

Community Activist Award: Jim Blackburn
Attorney Jim Blackburn has a long-standing record of taking on powerful companies and interest groups in the name of environmental protection. Blackburn, who is founder of the environmental law and public interest planning lawfirm Blackburn Carter and current chair of the Galveston Bay Conservation and Preservation Association, has fought numerous legal battles over the years, from working to clean up Formosa Plastics to stopping the deepening of the ship channel, opposing the new container port at Bayport, and challenging the Katy Freeway expansion.

Founders’ Award: Barrie Zimmelman
The Houston environmental community lost a great visionary and activist this year. Barrie Zimmelman was a founder of Citizens Who Care, which eventually developed into the CEC. She is also known for her work in urban development, particularly for her role in renewing downtown’s Market Square. Even decades ago, Zimmelman knew that the rebirth of downtown is key to Houston’s success.

President’s Award: David Crossley
Well-known as a collaborator, David Crossley has long worked to bring people and organizations together to improve the quality of life in the Houston region. As founder of the Gulf Coast Institute, he leads and facilitates the Smart Growth/Livable Communities movement in the area. A longstanding and active CEC Trustee, Crossley also served as CEC President for four terms. He is the founder of the Houston Environmental Center.

Government Award: Harris County Flood Control District
Over the years, the Harris County Flood Control District has developed into an agency that proactively supports natural flood management techniques and the creation of accessible open space. Programs like the New Frontier project, through which the agency purchases the right-of-way to large tracts of land, promise that the bayou of the future will be winding and tree-lined. Several programs will also turn bought-out, flood-prone land into usable public property.

Sustainable Planning Award: The Woodlands Operating Company
The Woodlands Operating Company (TWOC) will be honored with this year’s sustainable planning award. Recognized as a prime example of smart growth, the Woodlands’ businesses and homes are tucked away among acres of lush forest. Through its responsible planning, the TWOC has created a thriving commercial center with more than 1,000 businesses, while maintaining 100 miles of hiking, biking, walking, and jogging trails.