The Ann Hunter-Welborn Circle of Excellence Award
To us, sustainability means making a positive impact on the communities we care about with the planet in mind. What we’ve discovered over the course of our sustainability movement is that we cannot achieve our goals alone. The Ann Hunter-Welborn Circle of Excellence Award is an annual recognition from Hunter Industries that honors companies, individuals, and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship, water conservation, local community support, and various other sustainability measures.
We hope that by sharing the accomplishments of the award recipients, others will be encouraged to join the cause. As the years pass and more recipients are selected, we want everyone to feel inspired by what this award represents to us and to the communities and people that we put above all else.
Meet Our Awardees
2024 Recipients
Project EverGreen
projectevergreen.orgProject EverGreen
projectevergreen.orgProject EverGreen is an environmental nonprofit organization committed to bringing people together to create a greener, healthier, and cooler planet. Recognizing the crucial role that plants, trees, and grass play in cultivating clean air and healthier communities, the organization developed a Clean Air Calculator to quantify and measure the positive impact of green spaces on their surrounding areas. This innovative, web-based mapping tool can now be used by landscape professionals, park directors, golf course superintendents, commercial and residential property owners, and others to calculate and visualize the environmental benefits that plants and green spaces provide for local communities.
Justin Richards – SprinklerDude
sprinklerdude.orgJustin Richards – SprinklerDude
sprinklerdude.org/Justin is an irrigation professional dedicated to educating and empowering others to improve quality and efficiency in irrigation practices for the sake of increased water conservation. Several years ago, Justin identified the lack of comprehensive and accessible educational resources in the industry while working as an irrigation technician. In an effort to leverage his expertise and technical skills to support irrigation professionals and homeowners, he began filming and sharing videos of himself in the field demonstrating various irrigation techniques, discussing common issues, and providing practical solutions. Following an enthusiastic response from the community, Justin launched his official SprinklerDude website to share his many resources with a more diverse audience. Through the website, Justin collaborates with industry experts to educate and inspire others to implement smart irrigation practices that reduce costs and lead to more environmentally friendly landscapes.
Phillip Hisey
Phillip Hisey
Phillip is an experienced Director of Landscape Operations with a demonstrated history of working in the land development industry. Working alongside On Top of the World Communities, he developed a waterwise irrigation system design that incorporates pressure regulation, point-source drip irrigation, and turf sub-separation. He then collaborated with the St. Johns River and Southwest Florida Water Management Districts to create the Florida Water Star Program, which has helped homeowners and businesses alike save up to 48,000 gallons of water per year through its rigorous water conservation standards. As the current 2024-2025 President of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) and an active member of the Irrigation Committee, Phillip has played a key role in shaping the best practices that are now widely adopted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, helping to promote water conservation and sustainability on a large scale. In his additional role as a certified Pest Control Operator, he promotes environmentally focused pest management practices that reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides — an approach that not only protects the environment but also enhances soil health and water retention, contributing to more resilient landscapes.
2023 Recipients
HyTech Seas
papernet.comHyTech Seas
papernet.comSofidel and HyTech Seas are pursuing a new way to tackle the ocean plastic crisis. Fishing nets are one of the main contributors to ocean plastic waste and, through extensive research and development, Sofidel has developed hand towel and toilet paper dispensers that repurpose this fishing net waste. After being recovered from the ocean, the plastic waste is refined and recycled into an injectable material that Dispensing Dynamics then uses to create HyTech Seas paper dispensing products. HyTech Seas’ environmental innovation is a crucial step forward in making products through methods that better serve the planet.
Mark Brotton, Living Water Irrigation and Landscape
livingwatersf.comMark Brotton, Living Water Irrigation and Landscape
livingwatersf.com/Mark is an advocate for creating sustainable landscapes that integrate New Mexico's natural ecosystem. Through careful assessment and thoughtful design, he tailors his approach to match the unique microclimate of each individual area, with a dual focus on elevating the property's appeal and promoting human well-being. As Mark's company name, Living Water, illustrates, Mark views water as a precious and finite resource that demands conscientious preservation and conservation for the benefit of future generations. This philosophy permeates Mark's design methodology as he strives to seamlessly integrate these principles into his projects. By doing so, he ensures the responsible stewardship of not only water but also other vital natural resources.
Nathalie Rozot, PhoScope / Light Reach
lightreach.net phoscope.orgNathalie Rozot, PhoScope / Light Reach
lightreach.net phoscope.orgNathalie is a lighting humanitarian who thinks about lighting in a totally different way than most people. Her lens is one of lighting justice, realizing that in places where individuals are not in control of their lighting, they are no longer in control of their lives. The privileges tied to having consistent access to light, such as for reading or gathering at any hour, are often taken for granted. In the absence of this access, darkness takes over a significant portion of our lives. Nathalie creates replicable programs that focus on serving marginalized or suddenly vulnerable communities, many of which have been impacted by natural disasters. With a focus on providing sustainable lighting solutions, she has done extensive product research to identify product requirements for durability, modularity, and ease of repair. Her projects have successfully illuminated streets, soccer fields, children’s bedrooms, and more. Nathalie realizes that this type of work requires boots on the ground, and she seeks to empower others to participate in various programs tailored to specific crises. Through her work, Nathalie has improved the lives of many people in some of their most vulnerable moments. Her endeavors champion principles of sustainability because, though these principles are important to us, they are imperative in the most vulnerable parts of the world.
Pland Collaborative
plandcollab.com/Pland Collaborative
plandcollab.com/Pland Collaborative considers environmental improvement to be a basic tenet of landscape architecture. Thoughtful landscape design can greatly improve environmental conditions and mitigate negative impacts of development. Water management is carefully considered for each of Pland's projects, from capturing stormwater runoff and managing erosion control to making soil amendments and ensuring irrigation efficiency. Pland Collaborative also routinely incorporates passive water harvesting techniques into their landscape designs and are also experienced with active harvesting methods, including cisterns and ponds. Recognizing the pivotal role of irrigation efficiency, Pland collaborates closely with irrigation experts to ensure their systems remain efficient, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. Several Pland team members are LEED Accredited Professionals, and the entire staff is well-versed in the LEED certification process. This enhanced design experience provides access to a wide network of professionals and technical tools to improve the sustainability of the built environment.
Scott King, Scott King Services
Scott King, Scott King Services
Scott King is an industry veteran of nearly four decades who possesses an unwavering commitment to the water conservation cause. His journey through the industry has been one of innovation and transformation, particularly in the realm of irrigation practices across Florida. During his tenure on the State Board of Directors, Scott displayed leadership by spearheading the introduction of irrigation licensing regulations. Notably, he took the initiative to contribute to the formulation of the licensure examination, illustrating his dedication to ensuring industry competence and professionalism. As a member of the Florida Irrigation Society, Scott collaborated with Martin County to help write and update irrigation codes. This achievement was replicated in Alachua County, where Scott's involvement facilitated the establishment of a similarly impactful ordinance. Additionally, Scott worked to get Appendix F adopted into plumbing code in Florida, which addresses standards and specifications of turf and landscape irrigation systems. Recently, Scott's efforts over the past decade culminated in the successful revision of the irrigation code for the City of Cape Coral. Scott's pursuit of water conservation promotion is unparalleled, underscoring his profound dedication to the cause. The dividends of his work are poised to enrich communities and safeguard water resources for generations to come.
2022 Recipients
Ellie Kamara, Santa Teresa Enterprises Limited
melbournefc.com.au/support-the-club/santa-teresa-oval-projectEllie Kamara, Santa Teresa Enterprises Limited
melbournefc.com.au/support-the-club/santa-teresa-oval-project– In the remote outback of central Australia, the community children of Santa Teresa enjoy a game of Australian Rules Football. However, the exposed soil lot delivered less than ideal conditions, creating a dusty and dangerous play space for community members. Through the relationship between Santa Teresa Enterprises Limited and the Melbourne Football club, the play space has received irrigation and turf. This transformation has not only created a safe space for children to play, but it has also created a gathering space for surrounding communities to use and gather.
Stan Southwick, SLA Land Architect
slalandarchitects.com/Stan Southwick, SLA Land Architect
slalandarchitects.com/Dedicated to sustainable design in the southwest desert, SLA Land Architects strive to deliver low maintenance, water efficient, and functional spaces for their clients. LEED design practices are followed on all projects whether certification is being sought after or not. Dedicated to sharing these ideas, several SLA staff members allocate time to teach at collegiate design programs.
Glen Schmidt and Jennifer Montgomery, Schmidt Design Group
schmidtdesign.comGlen Schmidt and Jennifer Montgomery, Schmidt Design Group
schmidtdesign.comIn 2007 Schmidt Design Group embraced the opportunity and responsibility of pledging a Sustainable Sites Initiative pilot project in the San Diego Area. The project remains a beacon of sustainable design practices blended with functional use. Taking the time to understand the relationship between stakeholders, site conditions, and project goals, Schmidt Design Group has no problem leading their clients out of the comfort zone to deliver truly impactful projects.
Billy Krimmel, Miridae Landscape
miridae.comBilly Krimmel, Miridae Landscape
miridae.com/With a mission to break down barriers between human-occupied areas and wild native habitats, Miridae Landscape believes that connecting these environments promotes healthy communities for both the natural and built environment. With each project they come one step closer to creating a network of habitat gardens and migrations corridors to support resilient populations of native species while providing education opportunities for human environments.
Les Hill
asgca.org/architect/lhill/Les Hill
asgca.org/architect/lhill/No two projects are the same and as a golf course irrigation consultant, Les Hill understands the importance of thorough site knowledge. From existing irrigation application audits and management to budget considerations and playability, Les strives to deliver long lasting solutions that maximize water efficiency with low maintenance products with a robust life span.
2021 Recipients
Bill Cohn, Massey Services
masseyservices.com/about-us/community-involvementBill Cohn, Massey Services
masseyservices.com/about-us/community-involvementBill and the Massey family understand the critical importance of protecting the environment while supporting local communities. The team at Massey Services actively seeks new ways to mitigate the company’s environmental footprint while positively impacting the diverse communities it serves.
Jon Lauer, Professional Irrigation Systems
proirrigation.comJon Lauer, Professional Irrigation Systems
proirrigation.comIn 2020, Jon and his team at Professional Irrigation Systems hosted their 10th-annual food drive. With 17,000 cans of food collected from customers, vendors, distributors, and community members, Jon matched the donation 100% and delivered a truckload of food to the Powell Terrace Food Pantry in St. Charles, Missouri.
Shawn Maestretti, Studio Petrichor
studio-petrichor.comShawn Maestretti, Studio Petrichor
studio-petrichor.comShawn is a proponent of forward-thinking environmental initiatives that embody ethical practices and nature-based solutions. His goal is to mitigate the effects of global climate change through local landscape design. Shawn also educates his community on the benefits of hügelkultur, a traditional method of gardening that uses raised beds of wood and plant debris.
Paul Vecchia, Collaborative V Design Studio
collaborativev.comPaul Vecchia, Collaborative V Design Studio
collaborativev.comPaul and his team at Collaborative V Design Studio have long demonstrated their commitment to environmental conservation by sponsoring innovative design projects. Their collaborative approach to client relationship management encourages environmentally minded solutions for projects around the globe.
2020 Recipients
Doug Bennett, Southern Nevada Water Authority
watersmartinnovations.comDoug Bennett, Southern Nevada Water Authority
watersmartinnovations.comDoug is a fierce advocate for water conservation. He was instrumental in organizing the Irrigation Association’s Smart Water Application Technologies (SWAT) initiative. SWAT brought together irrigation equipment manufacturers, water agency representatives, irrigation contractors, and distribution channel professionals to promote creative approaches to water-use efficiency. Doug and his staff from the Southern Nevada Water Authority are also the creators of the WaterSmart Innovations Conference, which began in 2007 and is the largest urban water efficiency conference of its kind in the world.
Jack Zunino, JW Zunino Landscape Architecture
jwzunino.comJack Zunino, JW Zunino Landscape Architecture
jwzunino.comJack is a fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects, an icon in the landscape design community, and a longtime educator at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. He promoted sustainability and water conservation well before they became commonly accepted best practices. The design concepts and methods pioneered by Jack’s firm have saved millions of gallons of water over many years of service to the environment and our planet.
Terra Prima
terraprimainc.comTerra Prima
terraprimainc.comInnovative landscape design firm Terra Prima borrows its name from an Italian phrase that translates to “Earth first” — their approach in everything they do. Based in Orange County, California, the company believes that every client has a unique and specific set of needs. In turn, every project that Terra Prima undertakes requires a one-of-a-kind solution. From the construction phase to project completion, Terra Prima employs a range of measures to ensure impressive results, including using the latest building techniques, purchasing only the highest-quality materials, and leveraging the most advanced technologies on the market.
2019 Recipients
Arch Nexus
archnexus.comArch Nexus
archnexus.comArchitectural Nexus is a multi-disciplinary architectural design firm whose values are centered on inspiration, stewardship, and regeneration. In 2016 Arch Nexus set out to design and build a new building for their practice in Sacramento that would stand as a physical testament for these values. In doing so they took on the Living Building Challenge as a framework for creating building that goes beyond sustainability and enters the realm of environmental regeneration. It was not easy, but through determination, collaboration, and sheer blood, sweat and tears, Arch Nexus SAC became the first Certified Living Building in the State of California, and the only Living Building in the world that is an adaptive reuse project. A few of the regenerative features at Arch Nexus SAC include rainwater harvesting used for all irrigation, gray water recycling, a living wall, an on-site PV array that produces 175 percent of annual energy needs, an urban agricultural garden, and many more.
Hermann + Simon
hermanndesigngroup.comHermann + Simon
hermanndesigngroup.comIn 2015, the San Diego Mayor led a City-Wide “San Diegans Waste No Water Campaign.” The City identified the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) as a top 20 water user in the City. SDHC was asked to reduce water usage by 16%, in order to comply with limits the State Water Resources Control Board has set. In response, SDHC partnered with University of California San Diego Bioregional Center for Sustainability Science (UCSD), and Hermann + Simon Landscape Architecture to work with stakeholders (residents, partners and neighbors of SDHC properties) and prepare both a standard BMP design package as well as 5 site specific landscape designs. Prior to completing any designs, it was important for the design team to engage with the stakeholders, learn about their understandings and impressions of a sustainable design, and teach them about nuances in sustainable design such as BMP’s, greywater, efficient irrigation, rain water reuse and site adaptive plants. Upon completion of the stakeholder conferences, Hermann + Simon worked with the design team to create environmentally friendly designs that can be easily replicated, and maintained. In order to create a sense of place, the site specific designs introduced atypical solutions (native turf areas, rain barrels and community gardens) to deliver upon the stakeholder feedback while still providing a sustainable design.
Imad Shaar
Imad Shaar
Imad Daher Shaar; Born 1953 in beautiful Ainab, Lebanon; completed collage studies at The Evangelical School and proceeded to graduate and post graduate studies at the American University of Beirut until a Masters Degree in Agriculture / Irrigation Major. Started his career in 1980 at Rabya Landscaping, a great molding school for five years. Co-founded MEAC in 1985 that later in 1995 went under Abunayyan Group to become what it is now, a major regional. He is a known visionary, inspirer, challenge taker and achiever without compromising basic values and ethics. Always worked with strong passion and necessary skills in addressing and providing solutions in water management in the Arabian Gulf Region. During his service as CEO, MEAC picked up most of the iconic projects in Saudi, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar. Atlantis Hotel, Yas Island Projects, Zaabeel Palace, Abu Dhabi Corneich, RIYADH and Buraidah Ringroads, Jubail Royal Commission Industrial city irrigation and automation, Yanbu Royal Commission Industrial City Central irrigation control, Bahrain irrigation and automation. Modestly pleased to have successfully introduce with his team the drip irrigation on date-palms in Saudi Arabia in late nineties in spite of several incidents of being literary kicked out of many farms with his team. An experience will never forget. He pioneered the introduction of Super High Density olive plantation technology into Saudi that saved 50% of the water compared to wheat and increased farmer financial return by 8 times. Through all the years of his career no priority was ever above the respect, appreciation and well being of his colleagues and Human Talent who are the main contributors to the above and many other achievements under MEAC.
Lori Palmquist
puddle-stompers.comLori Palmquist
puddle-stompers.comLori Palmquist teaches and practices environmental sustainability continuously, thanks to her double-passion for irrigation efficiency and teaching. Since 2008, she has enjoyed a prime position to influence thousands of professionals and homeowners to use water more wisely. California Water Efficiency Partnership (CalWEP) recently chose Lori and another instructor to train their new trainers of the Qualified Water-Efficient Landscaper course (QWEL). She has taught QWEL 16 times since 2010. Aligned with ReScape California, she has taught water management in 28 of their Qualification Trainings (formerly Bay-Friendly), since 2009. For the UC Master Gardeners, Lori has provided water management classes in four counties, for the past five years. She rewrote the irrigation curriculum and taught 23 Green Gardener trainings for nine years for EcoLandscape California (now merged with ReScape CA). Well-versed in California’s Model Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance, Lori presents MWELO-compliance trainings – 14 combined solo and team presentations, so far. She’s created irrigation system designs and compliance documents for 62 properties in the Bay Area, Sacramento region, and Southern California. To make irrigation technology more accessible, Lori has created 23 apps, websites and educational platforms as tools for practicing landscape water efficiency. She is developing Puddle-Stompers.com to offer online irrigation education and small-group coaching in irrigation design.
Sports Turf Managers Association
stma.orgSports Turf Managers Association
stma.orgThe Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) is the non-profit, professional association for men and women who manage sports fields worldwide. Since 1981, it has provided education, information and practical knowledge in the art and science of sports field management. More than 2,700 members across 34 local chapters oversee facilities at schools, colleges and universities, parks and recreational facilities, and professional sports stadiums. Sports include football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, rugby and horse racing. Sports field managers have long been known within the turfgrass industry as dedicated to field and facility management practices that minimize impacts on the environment. This is why the STMA developed a program which validates their stewardship of natural grass fields to their employers, local community and regulators. The program consists of two stages. First, there is an electronic form for the field manager to assess 10 areas of stewardship on an individual field or at a sports complex. After that assessment has been reviewed and graded at an 80 percent or higher level, an attesting process is implemented. That consists of a Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) conducting a face-to-face walkthrough of the facility with the sports field manager to validate that the environmental practices are in place. Certification is valid for three years at which time the sports field manager conducts a streamlined reassessment process for recertification. Currently there are 41 facilities certified including two that are in Madrid, Spain. STMA’s Environmental Facility Certification Program is in its second version; version 3.0 will be presented in the summer of 2020 and will be expanded to an eleventh section: Managed Landscape and Open Space.
2018 Recipients
Butte College
butte.eduButte College
butte.eduChampioned by Craig Stenvall, facilities director,and Jeff Jurickovich, the irrigation and maintenance supervisor, Butte College is an excellent example of Hunter values by supporting sustainability and lowering their footprint on the environment. They have accomplished this in several ways. First, the college is off the electrical grid. They have installed solar panels in parking lots and throughout the campus which not only supply all the power the campus needs, they also are putting power back on PG&E's power grid. Second, the water for the entire campus, domestic and irrigation, comes from a single well which is also solar powered. To help conserve our natural recourses Butte College has installed Hunter's IMMS Central Control System, which Mr. Jurickovich can access from anywhere in the world. Jeff has also retrofitted all their mix of sports turf rotors to our I-Series rotors, replaced spray nozzles with MP Rotators and updated all Thermal Hydraulic irrigation valves to our ICVs. Finally, Butte College also understands that using the best irrigation equipment isn't enough to maximize savings and make the most of Butte College's conservation efforts, Mr. Jurickovich has completed ALL Hunter technical courses and became one Hunter's first to complete our Expert Irrigation Technician training.
Carl Kominsky
Carl Kominsky
Carl Kominsky, Carl Kominsky and Associates/ Owner [Hunter Trailblazer] Carl Kominsky is a Landscape Architect, Irrigation Consultant and Educator from Tucson, Arizona. Carl is an icon in the irrigation, specification and landscape architecture community. He taught irrigation classes at Pima College and the University of Arizona, Architecture Programs. His vast project experience emphasizes creative design concepts and water conservation innovations. Carl’s “award winning” lifetime project portfolio is truly magnificent. He loves his wife; Terri, traveling, friends, family and the Boston Red Sox! Mr. Kominsky is a living and breathing advocate for sustainability in his work and in his life.
Fytogreen
fytogreen.comFytogreen
fytogreen.comProviding Sustainable Solutions for the Built Environment. Ftyogreen is Australia’s leading specialist in environmental extensive and semi extensive roof gardens, light weight intensive roof gardens, vertical gardens and green facades. They are the key company to help Australian and International developers, architects and landscape architects to create environmentally sustainable gardens integrated into architectural form. They use proprietary technology with 28 years of international research and growing experience perfected to suit various climatic conditions worldwide. The resulting performance of all the gardens is due to the excellent water and nutrient holding properties that enable the gardens to thrive in a sustainable manner.
Studio-MLA
studio-mla.comStudio-MLA
studio-mla.comStudio-MLA believes in advocacy – connecting people and empowering ideas through design initiatives. We leverage the systems-thinking of landscape architecture to recalibrate infrastructure, design high performance landscapes, and apply ecological thinking to urban environments. Through our projects, pro bono efforts, and strategic relationships … we advocate by design. For over twenty years, our role as catalyst has educated and empowered people to translate ideas into culturally-relevant and climate-appropriate places.