The Frederick County Sustainability Commission and the Division of Energy and Environment have announced this year’s Sustainability Award recipients.
FREDERICK, Md.– The Frederick County Sustainability Commission and the Division of Energy and Environment have announced this year’s Sustainability Award recipients. The nominees and award winners were recognized during the annual Green Homes Program Recognition Event held on October 20. Honorees were selected based on their leadership, innovation, and success in furthering Frederick County’s sustainability goals.
The awards were presented as follows:
Tree Trekkers – Category: Commercial Enterprise- 50 or Fewer Employees. This local business has preserved thirty acres of forest in a rapidly developing area of the county, offering an outdoor recreation experience that gets people “off the screen and into the green”. Through invasive species removal, native plant restoration, and pollinator gardens, Tree Trekkers is fostering environmental stewardship, clean air, and sustainable lifestyles for future generations.
Frederick County Department of Social Services Green Team – Category: Commercial Enterprise- Over 50 Employees. Staff from this social services agency actively support environmental education and action through community cleanup events, native gardens, tree plantings, and recycling initiatives. They also form local partnerships to lead collaborative events and eco-educational presentations.
Frederick County Master Gardeners – Category: Nonprofit Organization. This group of dedicated volunteers educates people on sustainable “Bay-Wise” landscaping practices that protect local ecosystems and watersheds. Through their demonstration garden and extensive public outreach on composting, native plants, and low-impact gardening principles, they empower individuals to create healthier, more resilient environments right at home.
Wild Sprouts Inc – Category: Nonprofit Organization. A nature-based nonprofit that fosters environmental stewardship through outdoor early childhood education rooted in sustainability, conservation, and hands-on learning. From waste-free practices and native ecosystem lessons, to green administrative operations and community partnerships, Wild Sprouts models what it means to live and teach sustainability every day.
VT Seva Maryland – Category: Student Group. Empowering youth to lead sustainability efforts through upcycling events, battery recycling drives, native plantings, and community education programs across Frederick County. VT Seva Maryland fosters a culture of conscious living and combines environmental action with public awareness, STEAM education, and civic engagement. Students are empowered to take individual action and make a collective impact.
Sarah Frost – Category: Individual. A leader of the Brunswick Green Team, she helped attain Sustainable Maryland certification for the City of Brunswick, bringing sustainability to the forefront of local planning and development. Through plant restoration, invasive species removal, and many collaborative projects, her leadership has left a lasting mark on the city’s environmental future.
Lauren Paulet-Miller – Category: Individual. A transformative leader of environmental efforts across the City of Frederick, from launching a composting program to securing Maryland’s first Bird City designation, Lauren champions sustainable practices through grassroots education. Her work seamlessly blends advocacy, accessibility, and daily action—making Frederick a model for community-driven climate resilience, wildlife protection, and waste reduction.
Deborah Portney – Category: Individual. A dedicated environmental advocate who has empowered the Frederick community to restore native habitats through education, hands-on volunteerism, and the founding of the Wildlife Habitat Advisory Program. Through invasive species removal, native planting, free seed swaps, and collaborative site visits, Deb’s work builds critical habitat corridors that support birds, pollinators, and wildlife across the region.
The Frederick County Division of Energy and Environment serves as the agency liaison to the Frederick County Sustainability Commission. The Sustainability Commission's mission is to represent the natural environment's critical relevance in making community decisions that will sustain for all time a healthy, abundant, affordable, and inspiring place to live and work. Community members are encouraged to learn more and get involved at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/DEE.
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