The 2012 Arroyo Verde Awards

our region's most prestigious
environmental stewardship awards

The Arroyo Verde Awards are given out by the Council of Arroyo Seco Organizations and the Arroyo Seco Foundation to recognize and give thanks to those who have made a valuable contribution to protecting and improving the Arroyo Seco Watershed and our local communities over the past year. This year's ceremony was held at the beautiful La Casita del Arroyo. Nine awards were conferred to individuals and organizations whose exceptional work has helped make the Arroyo a more environmentally sustainable and enjoyable place for all of us. Scroll down for photos from the awards ceremony and more information about the winners.


Arroyo Verde recipients show off their well-earned awards:
(left to right) Lisa Novick, Lewis MacAdams, Lin Cher, Meredith McKenzie, Phyllis Currie, Tim Wendler, Ninarose Mayer, John Howell, Lee Zanteson, and Dianne Patrizzi


Arroyo Verde Award tiles and certificates


Arroyo Verde recipient Lin Cher brought ASF's logo to life with this wonderful homemade cake


Lee and Sue Zanteson


Natalie Ouwersloot of Pasadena Water and Department & Nancy Steele of the Council for Watershed Health


Artist and urbanist James Rojas with Friends of the Los Angeles River founder and president Lewis MacAdams


The Pasadena Water & Power crew, including
Phyllis Currie, Brad Boman, Shan Kwan, and Natalie Ouwersloot


ASF Managing Director Tim Brick (right) presents Tim Wendler of the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy (left) with the award for Greening the Arroyo - Organization


Petrea Burchard introduces Citizen Activist Awardee Dianne Patrizzi


Congratulations to this year's winners!

Best Advocacy

to the individual who has made the greatest contribution in improving policy, programs, or funding for the Arroyo.
Lee Zanteson

protecting Central Arroyo neighborhoods
Greening the Arroyo (Organization)

to the organization that has made the biggest difference in improving the environment in the Arroyo
Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy

Millard Canyon preservation
Greening the Arroyo (Agency)

to the city or governmental agency that has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the stewardship of the Arroyo.
Pasadena Water & Power Department

Hahamongna Restoration and 100 Years of Service
Greening the Arroyo (Business)

to the business or commercial association that has contributed the most to the enhancement of the Arroyo
Theodore Payne Foundation

promoting and providing California-friendly plants
Best Volunteer

to an individual who has improved the Arroyo through consistent, dedicated physical labor throughout the year
Lin Cher

tireless dedication to all Arroyo Seco causes
Citizen Activist

to an individual who has shown leadership and mobilized others to improve the Arroyo
Dianne Patrizzi

keeping Hahamongna on the Pasadena agenda
Public Official

to an elected or appointed official or governmental employee who has made an outstanding contribution to the protection and promotion of the Arroyo Seco
Terry Tornek

Arroyo Seco champion on the Pasadena City Council
Lifetime Achievement

This award, which is not given every year, is confered on an individual who has devoted considerable energy and enthusiasm to protecting and promoting the Arroyo over many years
Lewis MacAdams

a lifetime of service to the Los Angeles River Watershed
Special Award

for championing the Hahamongna Canyon project through IRWMP
Meredith McKenzie

Cal Poly Professor and Director of the Urban Rivers Institute