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One Comment Can Net $500 for Mother Nature

Any organization that's trying to green up our world can take home a bit of green for itself.

 
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A penguin — coated in oil and found on the beach in Tauranga, New Zealand — gets washed at a makeshift camp in October. The belly of the penguin is normally white. The 47,000-ton Rena, a Liberan container vessel, struck a reef on Wednesday causing an oil leak. It was one of the worst environmental disasters ever in New Zealand. Bradley Ambrose/Getty Images
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A penguin — coated in oil and found on the beach in Tauranga, New Zealand — gets washed at a makeshift camp in October. The belly of the penguin is normally white. The 47,000-ton Rena, a Liberan container vessel, struck a reef on Wednesday causing an oil leak. It was one of the worst environmental disasters ever in New Zealand.

Patch is running a contest over the next week in which readers nominate an environmental nonprofit and the winning organization will receive a $500 donation to an environmental charity. 

Your role is simple: leave a comment below, nominating an organization you want to see receive the money.

Then, on April 30, we'll pick a comment at random and the organization gets a check. There is one shot per commenter but other commenters who support the group are welcome — so the more comments an organization receives, the better chance it has at winning. If you know a worthy nonprofit, have it mobilize its supporters to leave comments.

One of Patch's founding principles was that people are interested in helping their communities, and this is an expression of that principle.

This contest is being run on all Patch sites in Virginia, so your nomination will be competing against Patch readers from across the state.

If you click "Follow comments" at the end of this article, you can keep abreast of the nominations. If you sign up for a newsletter subscription, you'll know first thing that your group won.

  • Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.
  • To enter, leave a comment below, nominating an environmental charity (501(c)(3) organization) you would like to see receive the donation from Patch.
  • All entries must be received by April 30, 2012, at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.
  • You may enter once.
  • One (1) winner will be selected in a random drawing.
  • One Grand Prize Winning environmental charity will receive a $500 donation from Patch.
  • Click Here for complete Official Rules.
    Related Topics: Environment and Virginia Environment Contest

    curt

    7:52 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Friends of the Accotink for keeping our local patch of wilderness clean.

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    Nancy Berlin

    10:29 am on Sunday, April 29, 2012

    Master Gardeners of Prince William - 150+ environmental educators serving our community teaching best management practices for turf and landscapes with the goal of protecting water quality.

    Patricia Kobor

    8:01 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    I am so impressed with the work of Earth Sangha, This group maintains a nursery of native plants and uses them to restore critical areas of public land from which invasive species have been removed.

    Woody McMahon

    8:05 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    http://www.cbf.org/
    The Chesapeake Bay Foundation protecting one of our national waterway treasures...

    Cindy Williams

    8:20 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    I second Chesapeake Bay Foundation!

    Meghan Gallardo

    8:20 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    HEN. The Herndon Environmental Network, which is a brand new local community grass roots organization with a mission to work toward a cleaner, safer global environment through local initiatives, education and advocacy. Learn more about them at www.herndonenvironment.com or on Facebook. Support local!

    Greg Crider

    8:42 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Friends of Dyke Marsh (FODM) --- a volunteer group dedicated to preserving and enhancing the only remaining substantial freshwater tidal marsh in the Washington DC capital area. FODM volunteers sponsor many activities including birdwalks (every Sunday morning), other nature walks and talks of flora & fauna, special events such as the raptors exhibit last weekend, quarterly membership meetings with presentations by subject experts, and other volunteer opportunities such as the weekly "Weed Warriors" who help the National Park Service control the invasive plants. www.fodm.org

    Bob Ashdown

    9:04 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    LINK is partnering with Dranesville Elementary School to divert food from the dumpster to hungry families within our community. Dranesville students and staff set aside prepackaged food such as containers of milk that they had been throwing away. LINK volunteers pick up the food, taking it to the LINK pantry where they store it in refrigerators. Other LINK volunteers pack and deliver the food to families in need. The volunteers also give some of the food to the Foundation for Appropriate and Immediate Temporary Help (F.A.I.T.H.), which operates a drop-in food pantry on Center Street. LINK has been partnering for many years with local merchants such as Great Harvest, Chipotle, Safeway, Trader Joe’s, and Wegman’s to “rescue” perishable food that would otherwise end up in landfills. LINK will soon “glean” produce from the vendors when the Herndon Farmer’s Market opens in May.

    Beth

    9:06 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Too many choices - but The Potomac Conservancy, please. www.potomac.org

    Land protection, restoration, community projects, advocacy...

    Chris Anderson

    9:23 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Herndon Environmental Network is just getting started and focused right here locally! www.herndonenvironment.com
    Support your community!

    David Burns

    9:32 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Audubon Society of Northern Virginia for their good work

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    Beth

    10:12 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    That's http://www.audubonva.org/

    I wish someone would post the Wildlife Rescue League. Great folks, all volunteer. Recently helped us with a badly injured goose that needed to be euthanized. Anyway, this is their website: http://www.wildliferescueleague.org/

    http://www.wildliferescueleague.org/

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    Kelly D

    9:40 am on Saturday, April 28, 2012

    Reston Environmental Action (REACT) is a non-profit organization mobilizing residents in grassroots activities promoting the environmental and community health of Reston. We support a sustainable local economy that respects our natural and human resources and strive to increase awareness of the impact of individual and community lifestyle and consumption choices on the land, air, water and the community.

    AeRahn Shupp

    9:44 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Herndon Environmental Network.
    Herndon Environmental Network's mission is to work toward a cleaner, safer environment through local initiatives, education and advocacy.
    Support your Local Community!

    Anne Regan

    10:33 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Herndon Environmental Network is new and filling a void in Herndon.
    www.herndonenvironment.com

    Melissa Rosen

    10:48 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Family Preservation and Strengthening Services for helping to end homelessness in Fairfax County.

    Sou-Yeon

    10:53 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    I second Family Preservation and Strengthening Services (Family PASS) www.familypassfairfax.org!

    Kristen Snellings

    11:01 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    I'm sure that Family PASS is a great organization, but this cash prize is specifically for environmental non-profits.

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    Melissa Rosen

    12:15 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Thank you, Kristin, for pointing that out! I don't know how I missed it!

    Donna Quinn

    11:04 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is a local volunteer organization providing after school nature programs, habitat restoration projects, bluebird/stream/amphibian monitoring and frequent programs available to the entire community, all at no charge and open to all. Please support this important local organization!

    Meredith White

    11:43 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    http://www.wildliferescueleague.org/
    Or Humane Society - anything animal related deserves donations and support :)

    Native Daughter

    12:18 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    The Wildlife Rescue League is a non-profit providing care for sick, injured & orphaned wildlife. Their licensed rehabilitators, located throughout VA & suburban MD, work w/animal shelters, humane societies, wildlife groups, nature centers & veterinary hospitals. WRL operates a hotline to assist the public in obtaining assistance, & is committed to educating the public about the natural history of native wildlife & coexisting with it. http://www.wildliferescueleague.org/

    Natalie Bachiri

    12:27 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Keep it local and help out our community. Herndon Environmental Network is looking for new members and opportunities to help out in our community. A great group to be a part of and exciting to see it grow from just a seed. www.herndonenvironment.com

    Jon Scott

    1:20 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Northern Virginia Conservation Trust - We're a local land trust Saving Nearby Nature - www.nvct.org

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    A. Spence

    1:54 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    I second Mr. Scott's NVCT vote!

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    Trish Strat

    1:23 pm on Sunday, April 29, 2012

    Northern Virginia Conservation Trust

    Michael Nardolilli

    2:00 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    We need the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust to save our quality of life in Northern Virginia!

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    Beth

    2:08 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    And quality of life for birds and other wildlife. Or just life, period. Without sufficient habitat - food, shelter - wildlife suffers and dwindles.

    Try telling people like Trump and Snyder not to tear down trees...

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    J. Pool

    4:35 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    I second the vote for NVCT!

    Carlin Anderson

    3:44 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Herndon Environmental Network in Herndon, VA. A new community organization organizing projects to benefit our local area and the global environment! www.herndonenvironment.com

    mbrown

    4:12 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Herndon Environmental Network in Herndon, VA. Brand new group starting out to make a difference locally - www.herndonenvironment.com

    Paul Siegel

    5:50 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Northern Virginia Conservation Trust. Their slogan, "Saving NEARBY nature" should say it all. This is environmental action for the 99%!

    Michie

    6:13 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Herndon Environmental Network!
    www.herndonenvironment.com
    We into the "think globally, act locally" edict!

    Joe Sixpack

    7:02 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    I too nominate CBF for the oyster rebuilding efforts they initiated. One oyster, ONE, can filter up to 40 gallons of water a day! A few million in each river feeding the bay would do more than 20 of the multi-million dollar programs being administered by Federal and State agencies!
    Joe Sixpack

    Sherri Isbister

    7:15 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    I nominate the Sierra Club. They help to keep our world environmentally safe.

    C.D.

    11:17 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Green Party of Virginia...the others are a bunch of "greenwashers".

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    Ann H Csonka

    1:08 am on Thursday, April 26, 2012

    The Green Party may be a great political party with environmental emphasis, but is it registered as a non-profit environmental organization? Maybe so...I don't know. I do know that there are many eco-groups in Virginia.

    Mary

    8:39 am on Wednesday, April 25, 2012

    Piedmont Environmental Council - VA!

    Joel

    1:47 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012

    Virginia Conservation Network - a coalition of nonprofit and community groups that work together for a cleaner, healthier environment.

    Oya Simpson

    1:59 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012

    PEC is who we need for protecting our resources and environment while we are so busy with our own lives.

    Barbara

    2:14 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012

    Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) for overseeing all of the major conservation efforts around the state, and for convincing many state senators and delegates that voting for conservation is the right thing to do!

    Kristi Smedley

    4:12 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012

    Prince William Conservation Alliance--Think Globally---Act Locally!

    Dan

    4:36 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012

    Virginia Conservation Network - the voice of conservation. http://www.vcnva.org

    JR

    4:50 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012

    Water Environment Federation, WATER'S WORTH IT, www.wef.org

    ljl

    5:57 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012

    LjL
    Water's definitely worth it! Water Environment Federation wants us to know the value of water and respect the efforts of those who keep it clean. Go WEF!

    Annie

    7:55 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012

    Healing Harvest Forest Foundation works hard to create and promote sustainable forests. Their Biological Woodsmen use horses to take the trees out, causing little damage to the forest floor. They need funding to train more Woodsmen.

    Nancy Vehrs

    8:01 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012

    The Prince William Conservation Alliance! Check it out at pwconserve.org.

    Barbara

    9:01 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012

    Healing Harvest Forest Foundation promotes sustainable and even restorative logging, enabling a mutually beneficial relationship between humans (who need forest products) and the all-important forests that are the lungs of our earth. learn more at www.healingharvestforestfoundation.org

    Sean Gallagher

    9:42 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012

    NOVACO is incredible and helps amazing women and families that have survived domestic violence to make a life for themselves and their children. The most vulnerable among us are cared for by NOVACO staff and volunteers.
    http://www.novaco.org/

    Ann H Csonka

    1:19 am on Thursday, April 26, 2012

    I nominate the Herndon Environmental Network in Herndon, Virginia, dedicated to making a difference locally -- and all local actions contribute to the global environment. www.herndonenvironment.com

    Ann H Csonka

    1:27 am on Thursday, April 26, 2012

    PATCH: Virginia is a big state and NOVA is heavily populated with a number of environmental organizations involved in a wide range of positive "green" endeavors.

    For example, over 150 environmental organizations are members of the VIRGINIA CONSERVATION NETWORK (VCN), a network of groups committed to protecting Virginia's natural resources. VCN works to serve and strengthen our member organizations and advocatesfor shared environmental priorities, our common agenda.
    http://vcnva.org/anx/index.cfm/1,1,0,0,html/Home

    So what does this contest become? A challenge to see how many members of groups respond? Okay, whatever . . . it's a random drawing anyway.

    Gail A. Wageley

    10:03 am on Thursday, April 26, 2012

    Piedmont Environmental Council for sponsoring Earth Day at Loudoun where over 6,000 people learn about sustainable practices and are reminded to respect the earth and think of future generations.

    Kim Hosen

    11:20 am on Thursday, April 26, 2012

    Prince William Conservation Alliance protects natural areas close to home, act locally!

    Lorien Walsh

    3:06 pm on Thursday, April 26, 2012

    I second the Water Environment Federation!

    Brittany Burch

    4:11 pm on Thursday, April 26, 2012

    Water Environment Federation (WEF) for furthering water quality across the globe!

    JFinDC

    5:03 pm on Thursday, April 26, 2012

    The WateReuse Association is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the beneficial and efficient use of water resources through education, sound science, and technology using reclamation, recycling, reuse and desalination for the benefit of our members, the public, and the environment. http://www.watereuse.org

    Nancy Vehrs

    9:39 pm on Thursday, April 26, 2012

    Support the Prince William Conservation Alliance, www.pwconserve.org

    Kathy Madsen

    6:50 am on Friday, April 27, 2012

    The Prince William Conservation Alliance! www.pwconserve.org

    Betty Truax

    8:34 am on Friday, April 27, 2012

    Prince William Conservation Alliance (www.pwconserve.org) - an organization that believes in thinking globally but acting locally.

    MBH

    11:00 am on Friday, April 27, 2012

    The Environmentors Program. Mentoring at-risk youth one on one and encouraging them to pursue post secondary education in the environmental sciences.http://ncseonline.org/program/environmentors

    Barb Welsh

    7:37 am on Sunday, April 29, 2012

    Help a budding organization from the ground up. Even if the Herndon Evironmental Network does not happen to get the $500, check them out anyway. They show you how you and your family can make a real difference to our environment. A small ripple can make a big effect. Check it out: www.herndonenvironment.com

    Susan Borchini

    8:20 am on Sunday, April 29, 2012

    Alice Ferguson Foundation. for our kids; for our future!
    Hard Bargain Farm Environmental Center's education program for elementary to middle school students is designed to promote understanding and stewardship of the natural resources in the Potomac River watershed and the legacy of farming in America. Courses at Hard Bargain Farm immerse students in various field studies involving fun and innovative hands-on activities and field investigations designed to engage all learning styles.

    Arja Sahramaa

    8:29 am on Sunday, April 29, 2012

    Walker Nature Education Center in Reston. "Set in the 72-acre Walker Nature Education Center, Nature House has been LEED Gold certified by the U.S. Green Building Council because of its environmentally friendly, sustainable design. It is the first LEED Gold building in the Hunter Mill District and one of only 17 new LEED Gold certified buildings in Virginia. Nature House is open year-round as a hub for environmental learning and appreciation in Reston, teaching people of all ages about green spaces and how to care for the environment. Key environmental areas include: energy savings; water efficiency; CO2 emissions reductions; improved indoor environmental quality; and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts" (quoting Fairfax County website). Thank you, Friends of Reston!

    Mary Brett

    9:47 am on Sunday, April 29, 2012

    Boy Scout Troop 159 does 2 major local stream and neighborhood cleanups annually to have a direct impact on Reston/Herndon, as well as a variety of Eagle Scout projects that leave their mark for years to come. Salute these young men who leave no trace and educate others to do the same.

    Caroline Pickens

    2:14 pm on Sunday, April 29, 2012

    Fairfax Trails and Streams consists entirely of volunteers who spend hours and hours to clean up streams like Pimmit Run and trails as well as sponsor Eagle Scout projects to upgrade the trails. They have been consultants to trail and stream projects in many parts of Fairfax County, as well as the Fairfax County connector trail that crosses the entire county using local trails. FTAS is an awesome group that gives an enormous amount of time and expertise.

    Bruce

    2:54 pm on Sunday, April 29, 2012

    Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia.
    http://mgnv.org/

    This group provides Master Gardener Plant Clinics at local Alexandria and Arlington Farmers Markets, it educates citizen gardeners and non-gardeners through public seminars, it maintains area Demonstration Gardens (including Simpson Garden), staffs the Horticultural Help Desk, promotes School Yard Gardening, and provides Horticultural Therapy to residents in need.

    This is a great "local" organization that our community directly benefits from!

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    Joanne Hutton

    3:42 pm on Sunday, April 29, 2012

    Master Gardeners are out there teaching people how to manage the environment in their own backyards - how to save water, minimize pesticide use and plant wisely, especially for wildlife value.

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    sheri wilson

    9:57 pm on Sunday, April 29, 2012

    MGNV - people who care about their local environment and act on those beliefs by sharing their knowledge and making the community better.

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    Mary

    1:15 am on Monday, April 30, 2012

    Master Gardener volunteers contribute thousands of hours annually to community education programs in Arlington County and Alexandria. They provide local residents with information about gardening practices that protect the environment and promote sustainability.

    Douglas Stewart

    2:54 pm on Sunday, April 29, 2012

    Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling

    Leslie Hagan

    3:22 pm on Sunday, April 29, 2012

    Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Not only do they maintain a beautiful demonstration garden on Monroe Avenue but they participate in a wonderful gardening program for the residents of Ladrey and the children in ARHA housing to have their own gardens and raise their own vegetables and learn about the importance of fresh foods in their diets. They also run extremely helpful plant clinics at our farmers' markets where one can bring gardening problems for advice and recommendations as well as a call-in help desk. They receive very, very little financial support and give enormous service.

    John

    3:45 pm on Sunday, April 29, 2012

    I'll give a second or third for Master Gardner's of Northern Virginia.

    p

    5:43 pm on Sunday, April 29, 2012

    Earth Sangha, definitely!

    Justin Youtz

    8:20 am on Monday, April 30, 2012

    Cub Scout Pack 501
    We do multiple community service projects a year including community clean up projects.
    Our experienced leaders have a Leave No Trace program that we have shared at both local scout camps and District level camps.
    We are a newer pack that split from a larger Pack in order to help grow Cub Scouting in eastern Prince William Parkway.
    We are always looking for other Community Service groups to help support.

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