By Hailey Murphy, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium.
Kelly Thorvalson holding the S.C. Environmental Awareness Award surrounded by joyful supporters and colleagues. Photo courtesy of Doug Wood, Communications Director at the S.C. Forestry Commission.
Kelly Thorvalson, Senior Manager of Conservation Programs with the South Carolina Aquarium was awarded the 2024 S.C. Environmental Awareness Award for her conservation efforts in plastic pollution mitigation, sustainable seafood, and resilience. Thorvalson was recognized at an award ceremony hosted on February 21 by the S.C. Forestry Commission at the Harbison State Forest Environmental Education Center in Columbia, S.C.
Thorvalson assisted in establishing the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center™ and has led community-based conservation programs that support marine life and habitats including Plastic-Free Waters, an Aquarium program that mitigates plastic pollution impacts.
The South Carolina General Assembly established the South Carolina Environmental Awareness Award, now in its 33rd year, during the 1992 legislative session to recognize outstanding contributions made toward the protection, conservation, and improvement of South Carolina’s natural resources.
Photo courtesy of Doug Wood, Communications Director at the S.C. Forestry Commission.
Each year, residents are encouraged to submit nominations that are then reviewed by an awards committee comprised of representatives from the S.C. Forestry Commission, S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium. The committee considers several factors when reviewing nominations, including excellence in innovation, leadership, and accomplishments that influence positive changes affecting the state’s natural air, land, water, and coastal resources.
For more information about the award and nomination process, contact April Turner, Coastal Communities Program Specialist, or Susannah Sheldon, Research and Fellowships Manager.