NAEP 2026 Annual Conference & Training Symposium

NAEP 2026 Award Winners

Zirzow Student Award

The Zirzow Award was established in honor of Charles F. Zirzow, one of the founding members of NAEP, who passed away in 1997. He strongly believed that environmental education was a continuing and lifetime process.

Natalie Hunter
University of Alaska, Anchorage

Emerging Environmental Professional Achievement Award

Alejandro Alvarez, M. SC., EIT

President's Award

Rona Farley

Jim Roberts Scholarship Recipient

This scholarship was created in 2008 to memorialize Jim Roberts contributions to NAEP and the environmental profession in general.

Environmental Excellence Awards

Each year, NAEP seeks nominations for our annual National Environmental Excellence Awards. Applicants who are eligible to win represent a national or major achievement involving national organizations, Federal, State, tribal, or local agencies or companies; achieve a national or international contribution to the environment with verifiable results and evidence, and achieve innovation in compliance methodology and/or integration of decision-making with environmental regulatory processes.

2026 Categories & Winners

Public Involvement and Education Award

Winner: Texas Department of Transportation

For: Oak Hill Parkway Project

Best Available or Innovative Technology Award

Winner: Matrix New World Engineering

For: In Situ Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvents and Emerging Contaminants

Environmental Management, Stewardship, Conservation and/or Protection Award

Winner: McMillen, Inc, & Klamath River Renewal Corporation

For: Klamath River Renewal

NEPA and/or Planning Integration Award

Winner: California Department of Transportation, Division of Environmental Analysis

For: Environmental Staff Development & Strategic Direction (S2) for NEPA Assignment Training