Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation Honors Smyrna for Environmental Excellence
Earlier this month, Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation (KGBF) recognized Keep Smyrna Beautiful (KSB), the City of Smyrna Recycling Center, and dedicated volunteer Eric Dennis with environmental excellence awards during a ceremony held at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in Young Harris, Georgia.
Award Recipients and Honors:
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Clean Community Champion Award – Keep Smyrna Beautiful
This award honors organizations that lead the charge in changing community attitudes and behaviors about litter. KSB earned recognition for its impactful cleanup events, educational workshops, and public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing litter. -
Waste Reduction Warrior Award – City of Smyrna Recycling Center
Presented to groups making significant progress in reducing waste, this award highlights the Recycling Center’s efforts in promoting sustainable practices and making recycling accessible for community members. -
Carolyn Crayton Volunteer of the Year Award – Eric Dennis
Named after Georgia’s first affiliate leader, this award celebrates a passionate volunteer who has made a lasting impact. KGBF honored Eric Dennis for his extraordinary dedication and long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.
“We’re honored to have Smyrna recognized by the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation,” said Julie Barwig, Executive Director of Keep Smyrna Beautiful and Environmental Services Director for the City of Smyrna. “The Clean Community Champion Award highlights our team’s commitment to reducing litter through education and action. The Waste Reduction Warrior Award celebrates the incredible work of our Recycling Center in promoting sustainability and providing effective and accessible recycling services. And we are especially thrilled to celebrate Eric Dennis, whose unwavering volunteer spirit and commitment to Smyrna’s tree canopy embodies the very heart of the Carolyn Crayton Volunteer of the Year Award.”
Recognizing Environmental Excellence
Each year, KGBF celebrates individuals, groups, and organizations across Georgia that demonstrate environmental excellence in litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and community beautification. This year, a committee of representatives from multiple environmental agencies selected nine honorees across multiple categories through a nomination and review process.
“It’s always inspiring to celebrate the people and programs making a real difference in protecting Georgia’s environment,” added Natalie Johnston-Russell, Executive Director of KGBF. “This year’s honorees truly embody the mission of building a more beautiful Georgia.”
These awards underscore the strong partnership between Keep Smyrna Beautiful, the City of Smyrna, and its engaged residents—working together to keep Smyrna clean, green, and beautiful.
