At our Annual General Meeting this year, we were proud to recognize an exceptional individual whose dedication to environmental stewardship and community involvement has made a lasting impact on our local waterways. Please join us in congratulating Andrea Beard, the recipient of this year’s PCS Annual Award for Environmental Stewardship and Involvement!
Andrea’s journey with Clean Your Streams and being the Oregon Kickoff Coordinator began over 20 years ago, and her commitment to protecting our streams and rivers has only grown stronger with time. As we reflect on her years of service, it’s clear that Andrea’s efforts have touched countless lives and made a tangible difference in the health of our local environment.
One of Andrea’s most remarkable qualities is her deep, genuine passion for the work she does. She sums up her commitment with these words: “I enjoy walking the creeks in preparation for the event. It gives me a sense of satisfaction reading through data cards knowing that we have done a small part of eliminating trash from the streams.” This simple yet powerful sentiment perfectly encapsulates Andrea’s dedication. She doesn’t just volunteer her time; she actively engages with the environment she’s working to protect—walking the creeks, collecting data, and ensuring every effort is meaningful.
Andrea’s impact extends far beyond CYS. She has been an invaluable resource, particularly when it comes to storm drain stenciling, where her knowledge and expertise have ensured projects are both effective and impactful. Andrea has also contributed to local youth development, helping with Patch Day events for the Boy Scouts, passing on her love for environmental stewardship to the next generation.
In her role as a River Certification Contact, Andrea has provided critical support to help certify local rivers, ensuring they meet high standards for environmental health and sustainability. Her work has played a pivotal role in improving water quality and protecting the ecosystems that depend on these waterways.
Perhaps one of her most significant contributions has been her leadership on the Merlin Avenue Stream Connection (MAP OC-3.2) as part of the Maumee Area of Concern Advisory Committee. Andrea’s hands-on approach and tireless advocacy have helped bring this important project to life, making a lasting impact on local water quality and creating improvements that will benefit our community for years to come.
Through her work, Andrea has laid the foundation for future generations to understand the delicate balance between nature and people. Her leadership serves as a powerful reminder that each of us plays a role in protecting the environment—and through her efforts, Andrea ensures that those who follow in her footsteps will carry the torch of environmental stewardship.
On behalf of everyone at Partners for Clean Streams, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Andrea for her tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to our cause. Andrea, you are an inspiration to us all, and we are honored to present you with this well-deserved award. Thank you for all the big and small ways you have made our community cleaner, safer, and more environmentally conscious.
Congratulations, Andrea! Your impact will be felt for years to come, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you’ve done.