# Lexington celebrates environmental leaders at awards dinner **Published:** 2026-06-09T20:13:34.000Z **Source:** [LFUCG General News](https://www.lexingtonky.gov/news/lexington-environmental-commission-celebrate-environmental-award-recipients-mcconnell-springs-park) **AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) **Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/lexington-celebrates-environmental-leaders-at-awards-dinner LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Environmental Commission will honor local environmental leaders and organizations at [the 52nd Annual Environmental Awards Dinner](https://www.lexingtonky.gov/news/lexington-environmental-commission-celebrate-environmental-award-recipients-mcconnell-springs-park) on Sunday, June 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the McConnell Springs Education Center. The annual ceremony recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations, businesses, and projects that have made significant contributions to environmental awareness, protection, and sustainability throughout Fayette County. Award recipients were selected for exemplary efforts completed or demonstrating measurable results between 2020 and December 31, 2025. "The Environmental Awards highlight the dedication and creativity of community members who work every day to protect Lexington's natural resources and build a more sustainable future," said Blaine Early, Chair of the Environmental Commission. "This celebration is an opportunity to recognize leadership, inspire collaboration, and reaffirm our community's commitment to environmental stewardship." [McConnell Springs](https://www.lexingtonky.gov/playing/parks-natural-areas/natural-areas/mcconnell-springs-park), the venue for the awards dinner, is a 26-acre natural area and historic site where Lexington was founded in 1775. The park is home to unique karst features, including sinking artesian springs that give the site its name and serve as an educational resource for the community. The dinner will bring together community leaders, environmental advocates, and residents to recognize innovation and progress toward a more sustainable Lexington. The event will feature a buffet-style dinner with vegetarian options available. In keeping with the awards' sustainability focus, guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable plates, utensils and drinkware to reduce single-use waste. The [Environmental Commission](https://www.lexingtonky.gov/government/boards-commissions/environmental-commission), founded in 1969 and funded by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, has the mission to protect and improve the environment by advising officials, promoting sustainability through research-based evidence, and facilitating environmental awareness throughout Fayette County. Event Details: Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 5–8 p.m. | McConnell Springs Education Center, 416 Rebmann Lane, Lexington, KY 40504 ## Sources - [LFUCG General News](https://www.lexingtonky.gov/news/lexington-environmental-commission-celebrate-environmental-award-recipients-mcconnell-springs-park) - [McConnell Springs Park - City of Lexington](https://www.lexingtonky.gov/playing/parks-natural-areas/natural-areas/mcconnell-springs-park) - [Environmental Commission - City of Lexington](https://www.lexingtonky.gov/government/boards-commissions/environmental-commission) --- This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from LFUCG General News, enriched with 3 web searches. The original source is available at https://www.lexingtonky.gov/news/lexington-environmental-commission-celebrate-environmental-award-recipients-mcconnell-springs-park.