The 2001 Environmental Excellence Awards, presented by International Paper [3] and The Conservation Fund [4] were presented to William H. Crawford of Frederick, Okla., and Keith Etheridge of East Lansing, Mich. Each award is accompanied by a $10,000 grant from the International Paper Company Foundation. The Conservation Fund works to protect land through corporate partnerships [5]. "Though the concept of the EPA as an enabler -- rather than enforcer -- has been seen as a sea change by some, it is clear that it is an old concept to folks at the Conservation Fund, International Paper, and certainly to today's honorees," said EPA Administrator Christine Whitman, who spoke at the ceremony. Mr. Crawford, received his award for leading a six-year effort to restore the Hackberry Flat wetlands in southwestern Oklahoma through a partnership between business, government, and conservation organizations. Mr. Etheridge, a fifth grade teacher at Murphy Elementary School, was awarded for promoting elementary environmental education that reflects the complex relationship between the environment, business, and a healthy economy.