Nominator: Martha Monroe

William Hammond’s contributions to environmental education across the continent are deserving of several awards, but his commitment to south Florida and providing quality environmental education for generations of residents to learn about and care for their place is why he is receiving this award for Outstanding Service to Local Environmental Education by an Individual. Bill helped create the Monday Group—a group of high school students who researched and acted on community environmental issues—long before EIC and service learning were popular. Bill’s work has led to the protection of conservation lands in Southwest Florida, a course required for all majors at Florida Gulf Coast University in environment and sustainability, and most recently, plans for the development of a new green city. Typical of his humble nature, Bill is most proud of surviving and enjoying 47 years of teaching, having the chance to be in one community long enough to have taught a generation of leaders, and being blessed with great family, friends, and mentors. He embodies the guidelines he gives to students: Be for something, not against; Do your homework; Be persistent; Work in the force field; and Never give up.