Your 2018 Tod J. LeFevre Sustainability Award Winners!
Gorge Owned is proud to announce the 2018 recipients of the Tod J. LeFevre Sustainability Champion Award. The awards were presented at the Gorge March for Science, held Saturday, April 28th at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon.
About the Award
This annual award presented by Gorge Owned around Earth Day is named after Tod J. LeFevre, a longtime resident of Hood River and a true champion of sustainability. Tod passed away on March 7,
Business
Analemma Wines, of Mosier, Oregon won the business category for their commitment to energy, water, and soil conservation and community engagement. The company’s biodynamic approach to farming results in healthier soil, reduced water use, effective erosion control, biodiversity—not to mention, delicious wine.

Marti Poseley
Organization
Hood River County won the organization category for its leadership in developing the Hood River County Energy Plan. The forward-thinking plan is a guide help the county and its residents use energy wisely, reduce fossil fuel emissions related to energy use, and improve resilience and energy independence.

Individual
Samantha and Jeff Irwin, of Hood River, received the individual category for their radical reduction of waste at home. Through the daily practice of “reduce, reuse, and recycle” they reduced their garbage to three cans for the entire year of 2016 and managed to decrease their garbage to only two cans in 2017. With the average person generating 4.3 pounds of trash per day, Samantha and Jeff were recognized proving that one family can truly make a difference when they commit to changing their habits.
Full List of this Year’s Nominees
Individual
Business
Organization
Under the leadership of Hood River County, the Hood River County Energy Plan was completed and adopted by numerous government agencies in 2018. A group of volunteers from numerous government agencies, nonprofits, utilities and businesses with a common goal crafted the forward-thinking plan to help the county use energy wisely, reduce fossil fuel emissions related to energy use, and improve resilience and energy independence. The volunteer committee was led by Marla Harvey, Hood River County Energy Plan Coordinator, whose dedication has helped position Hood River County as a model rural community for energy planning.
Past Winners
2017 Winners
Individual: John Nelson
Business: Columbia Gorge Women’s Action Network
Student: Isis Stenn
2016 Winners
Individual: Heather Staten
Business: Rebuild it Center
Student: Clare Davies
2015 Winners
Individuals: Jurgen and Susan Hess, Hess Photography and Envirogorge
Business: Solstice Wood Fire Cafe and Bar
Student: Charley Boonstra, HRVHS Climate Action Club
2014 Winners
Individual: David Skakel, Tri-County Hazardous Waste and Recycling Program
Business: Humble Roots Nursery, Kristin Currin & Andrew Merrit
Students: Daeuthen Dahlquist and Erik Siekkinen
2013 Winners
Individual: Michael Becker, Hood River Middle School
Business: Cascade Acupuncture Center
Student: Paul Cook, Columbia Gorge Community College
2012 Winners
Individual: Linda Short
Business: Dirt Hugger
2011 Winners
Individual: Tod J. LeFevre
Business: Springhouse Cellar