The Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council (NMEAC) is the Grand Traverse region's oldest and best-known grassroots environmental advocacy organization. Meetings are the 2nd. Tuesday each month—the public is invited.

2009
Environmentalist of the Year Award Recipients

-- Student Environmentalist of the Year: Mackenzie Vance, Traverse City West High School

-- Environmental Educator of the Year: Mark Wassa, Betsie Valley Elementary

-- Environmental Grass Roots Group of the Year: Friends of the Jordan River Watershed

-- Environmentalist of the Year in Journalism and Communications: Lou Blouin, Radio Anyway

-- Environmentalist of the Year in Business: Chris and Jody Treter, Higher Grounds Trading Company

-- Environmentalist of the Year in Public Service or Public Office: Grand Traverse County Health Department: Fred Kesslar, Tom Buss and Dan Thorell

-- Environmentalist of the Year, General: Patty Cantrell, Michigan Land Use Institute

-- Environmentalist of the Year, Professional: Patty O'Donnell, Northwest Michigan Council of Governments

-- Environmentalist of the Year, Volunteer: Terry Swier, Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation

-- The John Nelson Water Steward Award: Colleen Masterson, Grand Traverse Conservation District

-- The Golden Beaver: Penny Krebiehl, founder of Little Artshram

-- The Clarence Kroupa Award: Steve Largent, Grand Traverse Conservation District

-- The River Guardian Award: Rusty Gates, Anglers of the Au Sable

-- Education Through Music Award: Earthwork Music Collective

-- Excellence in Business Award: Jim MacInnes, Crystal Mountain Resort

-- Bioneer of the Year Award: Bob Struthers, general manager of Oryana Natural Food Market