KEA Awards Presented at Gala

Our 2nd annual Earth Day Gala was a 2nd annual success last Friday at the Hayden Lake Country Club.  Dinner was served, items were auctioned, money was raised, speeches were given, and fun was had. Special thanks to all three Kootenai County Commissioners who joined us for our 40th Anniversary celebration.

At the Gala, KEA President Janet Torline presented awards to some great KEA members for service to our mission and our community.

The Art Manley Award — Named after a KEA founder, this year’s award went to Kris Buchler for her hard work as an activist and educator with Coeur d’Alene Audubon Society. Kris has created bird identification classes and educational programs, leads bird counts, and has been monitoring bird populations in the area for more than 12 years.

Scott and Mary Lou Reed Community Conservation Award – Named for great local citizens, this year’s award went to Sandy Emerson, a long-time business owner and conservationist. Sandy’s work in the business community brings together many interests in the name on conservation, and his work has led to the preservation of thousands of acres for public use, habitat, and permanent protection through conservation easements throughout the region. Scott and Mary Lou Reed, who were out of town, sent their congratulations to Sandy, noting “He never quits thinking about how to use our natural resources wisely.”

Community Volunteer Award — This year’s award went to Kim Normand, the tireless leader of the Shared Harvest Community Garden on 10th and Foster in Coeur d’Alene. The Garden, entering its 4th growing season is a wonderful community asset, growing local fresh food for plot holders, and for KEA’s Community Roots program.

Community Business Award – This year’s business award goes to DOMA Coffee Roasting Company, a leader in sustainable business and roaster of extremely delicious coffee. DOMA is a great supporter of local conservation causes, and a great supporter of KEA’s work.