For over 30 years, Diane Wilson, a fourth-generation shrimper from Seadrift, Texas, has fought to protect Lavaca and Matagorda Bays from industrial pollution. She discovered that Calhoun County led the nation in toxic emissions and took action by attending meetings, researching, and contesting permits to stop environmental harm.

Wilson founded a local Waterkeeper organization and remains the main contact for fishermen, industry workers, and others concerned about pollution. Her efforts led to the largest citizen Clean Water Act case settlement in 2019. She held Formosa Plastics accountable for dumping plastics into Lavaca Bay, securing $50 million for environmental cleanup and sustainable fishing projects.

Michel Hambrick has lived in Little Elm for 13 years and has made a significant impact on the community through her volunteer work. She is particularly involved in the Saint Arbors Community Garden, where she teaches youth and the general public about sustainability and the importance of healthy soil for a consistent food source. The garden produces vegetables for the local food bank, and over 5,000 pounds of fresh produce have been donated.

In addition to her work at the garden, Michel actively participates in several local organizations, including the Little Elm Rotary Club, Keep Little Elm Beautiful, and Friends of the Library. She has promoted sustainable initiatives, such as recycling at local events, and has helped organize community clean-ups. Her efforts exemplify environmental stewardship and community collaboration. Michel’s contributions make her a worthy candidate for the O.P. Schnabel Volunteer of the Year award.

Lilly Adams, a 2023 Ford Leadership Scholar, dedicated her community service project to wildlife conservation at Blackhawk Creek Hike and Bike Trail. She worked to balance human use with wildlife preservation by building shelters for local animals, designing a new park entrance, and hosting a wildlife education day for students.

By securing over $2,000 in funding and partnering with community groups, Lilly transformed the park into a more wildlife-friendly space. Her efforts not only improved the trail but also inspired long-term habitat restoration, leaving a lasting impact on both the park and the community.

Carolyn Torres, a STEAM teacher at Snyder Intermediate, is a leader in environmental education and youth engagement. Through innovative programs, she actively supports the Keep Texas Beautiful mission and plays a key role in Keep Snyder Beautiful. She leads city-wide cleanups, recycling challenges, and creative student projects like designing ornaments from recycled materials.

One of Carolyn’s most impactful initiatives is the Annual City of Snyder and Snyder ISD Bottle Challenge. This year, she rallied all Snyder ISD campuses, distributing 2,294 tickets—equivalent to an estimated 137,640 plastic bottles collected. More than just a competition, Carolyn used the challenge to educate students on recycling, waste reduction, and the impact of single-use plastics.

She also leads the Caps for Life project, which raises funds for children’s cancer treatments in Mexico while promoting environmental awareness. By engaging students in these hands-on initiatives, Carolyn fosters community pride, responsibility, and a commitment to sustainability. Her work continues to inspire students, families, and the broader community to adopt greener habits and advocate for a cleaner future.

IREP’s mission, “I Recycle Everything Possible,” goes beyond junk removal—it’s a commitment to sustainability. By prioritizing recycling, reusing, and reselling, IREP actively reduces landfill waste while supporting Keep Texas Beautiful’s vision of a cleaner, greener state.

Beyond traditional waste disposal, IREP engages in community cleanups, charity events, and large-scale debris removal. Notably, they partnered with local nonprofits to clear over 50 tons of waste from hoarded homes and commercial properties, preventing unnecessary landfill overflow.

Key Sustainability Initiatives

• Thrift Store & Mobile Recycling – IREP’s South Austin thrift store serves as a recycling hub for hard-to-dispose items like plastic bags and batteries. Their mobile recycling program offers residents and businesses a convenient drop-off service, ensuring responsible waste management.
• Community Partnerships – Through donations and sponsorships, such as the American Heart Association Heart Walk, IREP supports both environmental and social causes. They also provide free or discounted services for community members in need.
• Resale & Repurposing – By reselling and repurposing items, IREP not only reduces landfill waste but also offers affordable second-hand goods, promoting a circular economy.

IREP’s proactive approach to waste management and community involvement makes sustainability accessible. Through recycling, education, and partnerships, they empower individuals and businesses to make eco-friendly choices.

The “Give a Hoot! Donate Your Loot!” move-out collection campaign at Rice University, in partnership with Green City Recycler, aligns with Keep Texas Beautiful’s mission by encouraging sustainability and community involvement. The campaign motivates students, faculty, and staff to donate durable goods during move-out periods, significantly reducing waste by repurposing or recycling these items.

Since its inception in 2023, over 16,000 lbs. of goods have been diverted from landfills. The initiative fosters community spirit, educates about recycling, and has led to future plans for an on-campus thrift store. By collaborating with Green City Recycler and involving various university departments, the campaign strengthens community ties and promotes long-term sustainable practices, making a meaningful impact on both the environment and the campus community.

The Cen-Tex Sustainable Communities Partnership began in 2009 as a collaboration between Fort Cavazos and nearby cities—Killeen, Gatesville, Harker Heights, and Copperas Cove. Its goal is to promote sustainability and environmental quality in Central Texas.

Key initiatives include the Youth Environmental Ambassadors (YEA!) program and the annual Sustainable Environment Month Proclamation Signing & Environmental Ambassadors Awards Ceremony. These efforts encourage community involvement, environmental education, and waste reduction.

The partnership has led to significant waste diversion and community improvements, with schools and students recognized for their sustainability efforts. With plans extending until 2034, it continues to grow, setting an example of how the military, local governments, and schools can work together to support sustainability.

Austin Youth River Watch (AYRW) provides multi-year environmental education programs for high school students and young adults, particularly those from underserved communities, to become environmental leaders. Through programs like River Watch and the Austin Environmental Leaders internship, participants gain hands-on experience in water quality monitoring, ecosystem restoration, and environmental advocacy.

AYRW partners with local organizations to execute community projects, such as cleanups and habitat restoration, and engages youth in meaningful conservation efforts. By offering outdoor adventures and emphasizing the connection between local and coastal ecosystems, AYRW fosters a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, leaving a lasting impact on both the Austin community and the youth leaders it helps develop.