SCDES Opens Nominations for Community Star Award to Recognize Environmental Stewardship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 2, 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is now accepting nominations for its annual Community Star Award, which recognizes those who make a positive difference in their communities through environmental stewardship, sustainability and resilience. From grassroots initiatives to innovative local solutions, Community Stars exemplify how everyday actions can lead to far-reaching environmental and community impacts.
The nomination period opens today, Feb. 2, and closes Saturday, Feb. 28. Anyone may submit a nomination, and self-nominations are encouraged. Eligible nominees include any person or group whose work positively affects the natural environment within their community through sustainability practices, environmental awareness or the preservation of natural resources.
“Through our Community Star program, we’re proud to recognize the people, businesses and organizations that demonstrate the value of environmental stewardship and take it upon themselves to improve the air, land, water or coastal resources within their communities,” said Myra Reece, SCDES Director. “The actions of our Community Stars benefit their neighbors and our state.”
A selection committee comprised of SCDES environmental experts and agency leaders will review nominations and select a Community Star honoree using a weighted scoring process. Nominees who hold an agency-issued permit must be in compliance with their permit and must have no recent deficiencies, violations or enforcement actions.
The 2026 Community Star recipient will be recognized during an SCDES award presentation, highlighted in a statewide news release and promoted across SCDES’s social media platforms.
To submit a nomination, complete the Community Star Award nomination form available at des.sc.gov/CommunityStar by 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28.
For more information about the SCDES Community Star Award, contact Lesley Jones, Director of Strategic Outreach, at 803-497-6299 or lesley.jones@des.sc.gov.
