DeKalb Recognizes Local Sustainability Leaders With STARR Awards

DEKALB — Four local individuals and organizations were honored April 11 with DeKalb’s annual STARR Awards during Earth Fest at Northern Illinois University’s Founders Memorial Library, recognizing efforts in sustainability and environmental work. The Rick Johns Memorial Donation Garden at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church received the Sustainable Community Project award for its Communiversity garden, which provides learning opportunities for NIU students and produced more than 1,000 pounds of food last year. Austin Cliffe, executive director of the Pawpaw Foundation, was named Individual Sustainability Champion for work promoting native pawpaw trees and their environmental and cultural value. Every Little Bit received Green Business of the Year for its focus on sustainable food production and preservation education. The Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District was honored for Corporate and Institutional Environmental Leadership for projects including native plant restoration, facility upgrades, and biogas powered generators as part of efforts toward energy neutrality.