2025 “Go for the Green” Awards Winners

Recognized at Special Ceremony

Winners of the 2025 Go for the Green Awards were recognized at a special ceremony on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Appleford Estate. Clean energy policy expert, Rob Altman, gave the keynote address.

The Lower Merion and Narberth Environmental Advisory Councils and Shade Tree Commissions host the annual Go for the Green Awards to recognize residents, businesses, organizations and schools for significant contributions to enhance or protect the environment and natural resources, by raising awareness or addressing important environmental issues.

The following awards were given:

Maki San Miguel Paulson Sustainability Award: Joe MacNeal

For tirelessly advocating for environmental stewardship of the Township’s tree canopy and natural environment and for founding and leading Ardmore Tree Stewards planting hundreds of trees in Ardmore and surrounding communities. 

Resident Award: Dr. Karen Snetselaar

For years of sustained service as a community leader, volunteer, sustainable landscaping expert, and environmental educator positively impacting the people, environment, and ecological health of our community and region.

Commercial Enterprise Award: Appleford Estate

For ongoing initiatives at Appleford Estate that demonstrate a commitment to environmental conservation, preservation and accessibility, while ensuring the cultural landmark remains vibrant for future generations.

Institution Award: Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El

For planning and implementing sustainability best practices throughout the Temple, to reduce their carbon footprint including procurement of clean energy, energy efficiency measures, resource management, tree planting, community education and engagement, and recycling and composting.

Educational Award: Alex Borghese and Camila Tobon

For founding Youth Sustainability Leaders (YSL). YSL advocates for and organizes plastic film recycling in the local community and provides workshops to teach sustainability, recycling, and community action.

Community Organization Award: Narberth Train Station Volunteers (Marie Kelly, Stacy Gordon, and Noel Libert)

For ongoing work in maintaining the plantings and pollinator garden at the Narberth train station, both beautifying and supporting local biodiversity.

Green Development and Design Award: Penn Wynne Library Reading Garden

For leading the design and securing financing of a Reading Garden that utilizes sustainability best practices, connection to nature, recycling, native plantings, and community development.

Friend of Penn’s Woods Award: Nick Cronin

For his tireless volunteer efforts to improve the East Woods and West Branch of the Indian Creek riparian areas through community organization, tree planting, invasive species removal, and personal dedication.

Government Service Award: Elizabeth “Lizzie” Diacik

For her instrumental efforts supporting Lower Merion Township sustainability programs including EV programs, volunteer organization, communications and grant applications.

For more information on the 2025 Go for the Green Awards visit the Environmental Advisory Council page on the Lower Merion Township website:  https://www.lowermerion.org/government/other-boards-and-commissions/environmental-advisory-council/go-for-the-green-awards-program