Keep Golden Isles Beautiful Awarded Two State Honors

Keep Golden Isles Beautiful (KGIB) recently was named recipient of two separate State level honors from the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation (KGBF) and the Georgia Rivers Alive program.

The KGBF “Greenspace Guardian” award was presented for KGIB’s Community Orchard Project, which has seen 12 citrus groves installed in Brunswick public spaces and one in Glynn County. The Greenspace Guardian award commends a group who has added vibrancy and resiliency to the local landscape through native plantings, pollinator habitats, urban forests, or placemaking.

“It’s always inspiring to recognize the people and programs leading the way in environmental stewardship,” said Natalie Johnston-Russell, executive director of KGBF. “This year’s honorees exemplify the dedication and creativity it takes to build a cleaner, greener, more beautiful Georgia.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division Rivers Alive program “Keep Georgia Beautiful Award” was presented for KGIB’s three Torras Foundation fall water adjacent cleanups. The Rivers Alive board recognized the three salt marsh and marsh-adjacent cleanups for their efforts in maintaining this important and delicate ecosystem.

“These awards celebrate the efforts of KGIB’s many dedicated volunteers, committed community partners and invaluable supporters,” said KGIB executive director Lea King-Badyna. “With just a two-person staff, our litter prevention, waste reduction & recycling, community greening, water resource awareness and education efforts and projects would not happen without this tremendous support.”