
Hillsborough County is on the lookout for local environmental heroes and is now accepting nominations for a prestigious accolade. The Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award is an annual honor bestowed upon an individual, or a group dedicated to the preservation of the county's natural environment, as reported by Hillsborough County's official newsroom.
Inspired by the conservation efforts of Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., the 26th president of the United States, the award seeks nominees who have shown "persistence and dedication to long-term conservation of the county's natural resources, demonstrates integrity in performance toward conservation goals, and displays attributes of true conservation stewardship." Nomination submissions are open to those who call Hillsborough home, or have done significant work within the county to merit such recognition, according to Hillsborough County.
Scrutiny of candidates will fall to the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program General Committee. This committee is tasked with reviewing submitted nominations and then, forwarding a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners. According to the Hillsborough County announcement, the board intends to present the award during a ceremony timed with National Arbor Day — a day symbolizing the importance of trees and, by extension, the environment as a whole.
Citizens passionate about the welfare of their surrounding flora and fauna have an opportunity to ensure that the tireless work of their peers does not pass unnoticed. The county's press release encourages residents to take part in this process, effectively acknowledging those among them who labor to secure a greener, more sustainable Hillsborough for present, and future generations. Nominations are being solicited until a yet-to-be-specified deadline, which means that there is still time to put forward a name worthy of such esteemed local recognition.