Fredericksburg-based environmental consulting firm Marstel-Day once again held its annual holiday party as a benefit for two organizations — Tree Fredericksburg and the National Wildlife Refuge Association.
Since it was first started in 2013, the Green Gala has raised more than $84,000 in donations for these two conservation nonprofits, Marstel-Day reported.
Four awards were also presented during the December 6, 2016, event, held at the Inn at the Old Silk Mill in Fredericksburg.
Dahlgren-based government contractor BCI — Basic Commerce and Industries, Inc. — was named winner of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Green Business Challenge. The annual competition encourages businesses to take sustainable actions that will conserve resources and save money. The runner-up was Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg.
Marstel-Day GIS Analyst Afton Jenkins and GIS Technician Claire Reynolds were honored with the annual Sherri Goodman Award for Conservation Achievement.
The Innovation in Environmental Stewardship Award was presented to University of Mary Washington sophomore Biology major Amanda Gambale for her research. She is studying threats to the blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly predators such as the invasive blue catfish. She received a $1,500 prize.
The mission of Tree Fredericksburg is to maintain a vibrant urban forest in the City of Fredericksburg.
Anne Little of Tree Fredericksburg at the @MarstelDay Green Gala pic.twitter.com/0jzd92Zrld— Fredericksburg.Today (@Fxbg2day) December 7, 2016
The National Wildlife Refuge Association’s mission is to conserve America’s wildlife heritage for future generations through strategic programs that protect and enhance the National Wildlife Refuge System and the landscapes beyond its boundaries.
Desiree Sorensen-Groves of the @WildRefuge at @MarstelDay Green Gala pic.twitter.com/FPTNN1Zo16— Fredericksburg.Today (@Fxbg2day) December 7, 2016
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