WASHINGTON - Executive Director Marti Allbright today announced the 2005 Take Pride in America National Award recipients in 11 different categories. These individuals, groups and partnerships will be honored at an awards ceremony held September 30 in the Indian Treaty Room at the White House's Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C.

"It is such a delight to inform each of the award winners that we appreciate all that they have contributed to enhancing our public lands and we want them to be recognized for their accomplishments," said Allbright. "They embody the mission of Take Pride, and we want that message spread across the country. This is just one way we can say 'Thank you' for what they represent."

Each year, the award winners are selected by a panel of judges from hundreds of qualified nominations representing outstanding examples of stewardship across the country. The judges, representatives of government agencies and private corporations with an interest in the mission of Take Pride, scored the applications in four categories 1) did it coincide with Take Pride's mission, 2) were there measurable accomplishments, 3) was there an identified need and results that had an impact, and 4) did they collaborate with others.

This year, there are 25 National Award winners, representing projects and events in more than 15 states. The projects range from Girls Scouts preparing a wetland for plants and fish to Take Pride in Florida organizing a single day event that involved 1,900 volunteers working at more than 100 state and national facilities in the aftermath of hurricanes that ravaged the State.

Take Pride in America®, coordinated by the U.S. Department of the Interior, is a national partnership program that recruits, supports and recognizes volunteers who work to improve our public parks, forests, grasslands, reservoirs, wildlife refuges, cultural and historic sites, local playgrounds, and other recreation areas. With more than 100 Charter Partners, Take Pride involves Federal, state and local governments; conservation, youth and recreation groups; and top national corporations and organizations. Together, we protect and enhance the special legacy all Americans share - our public lands that cover more than one in every three acres across the Nation.

2005 Take Pride in America National Award Winners

Outstanding Take Pride Partner