[Alexandria, VA – February 17, 2026] The City of Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission and AlexRenew, the wastewater treatment authority serving the City of Alexandria, are accepting nominees for the 2026 Ellen Pickering Environmental Excellence Award.

The award was established in 2009, in honor of Ellen Pickering’s lasting legacy of preservation and conservation in the City of Alexandria. As an activist, Ms. Pickering first gained recognition more than 40 years ago for her lobbying efforts that ultimately helped create the Mount Vernon Trail. In addition, she served on city council from 1976-1979 and on AlexRenew’s Board of Directors from 1992-2007. Ms. Pickering was also instrumental in the installation of 1,000 resident-donated cherry trees during her tenure as chair of the Alexandria Beautification Commission.

The annual award honors individuals, organizations, and businesses who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to environmental protection and sustainability that Ellen Pickering demonstrated throughout her life. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged.

Nominations must be received by Monday, March 16, 2026.

Alexandria City residents, groups, clubs, organizations, or corporations may be nominated. The actions of the nominees must have a direct and positive impact on protecting the City’s natural environment and resources. Past award recipients include William Hendrickson, Scott Knudsen and Jennifer Pease, and The Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail.

Visit the Ellen Pickering Environmental Excellence Award webpage for more information, including award criteria and submission requirements.  The Award Committee includes representatives from AlexRenew, the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission, and the Pickering family.

The 2026 award will be presented during the Del Ray GardenFest on Sunday, April 26, 2026, as part of the City’s Earth Month activities.

The City of Alexandria’s Environmental Policy Commission advises and makes recommendations to the City Council, Planning Commission, and City Manager on matters related to conservation and protection of the environment, including the climate crisis, air pollution, land use, and water quality.  

AlexRenew is the wastewater authority for more than 300,000 citizens in the City of Alexandria, VA. AlexRenew is dedicated to treating wastewater to protect public health and the waterways that connect us.