Five Imagination and Place Environmental Awards were presented this week to individuals, businesses and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to caring for the Earth.

The award was established by the city of Lawrence Waste Reduction and Recycling Division in partnership with the Lawrence Arts Center.

The recipients were Friends of Hidden Valley, Cans for the Community, Friends of the Kaw, Schwegler School Parent-Teacher Association and Marie Stockett, who led the “Pesticide-Free Parks” appeal in Lawrence.

Friends of Hidden Valley supports the Lawrence Hidden Valley Camp for Girl Scouts. Cans for the Community provided financial support to other nonprofit organizations in Douglas County and surrounding communities with money from recycling aluminum cans. Friends of the Kaw was recognized for its efforts to preserve and protect the Kansas River and promoting recreational uses of the river. The Schwegler School PTA board celebrated the school’s 50th anniversary with an environmental theme that helped instill earth-friendly practices in students.