Angie Eckman, environmental manager for the City of Foley, has been awarded the 2024 Baldwin County Environmental Stewardship Award for her exemplary service as a government employee.

Baldwin County Commission bestowed this honor upon Eckman and other recipients during an awards ceremony held on Tuesday, April 16. In total, 11 awards were presented, recognizing outstanding individuals, businesses, and agencies for their commitment to sound environmental practices in their daily operations.

Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich commended Eckman for her exceptional dedication to both the city and the environment.

"Ms. Eckman is absolutely deserving of this award," Hellmich said. "She exemplifies our city's commitment as good stewards of our environment."

Eckman's recognition stemmed from her active community engagement and various initiatives, according to Thomas Schmitz, a member of the Baldwin County Environmental Advisory Committee.

"She goes above and beyond in assisting not only the citizens of Foley but also those throughout Baldwin County. As an Alabama Water Watch monitor, she actively contributes to the protection and monitoring of our local waterways. Moreover, Angie generously shares her knowledge as a trainer, empowering others to become proficient in water quality monitoring. Her role in handling water testing chemicals for the entire county highlights her organizational skills, demonstrating responsibility in overseeing inventory and storage. Her sustained involvement underscores her commitment to preserving our coastal ecosystems and fostering a sense of responsibility within the community. Angie is an outstanding government employee, and she deserves recognition for her distinguished service and strong commitment to the environment, our community and all the citizens of Baldwin County," Schmitz said reading from the award at the commission meeting.

Eckman has served the City of Foley for four years, where she contributes to the Foley Environmental Department. Apart from her departmental duties, she collaborates with volunteers engaged in monitoring water quality.

Eckman highlighted the efforts of organizations like the Wolf Bay Watershed Watch, emphasizing their role in safeguarding local streams and the environment. She attributed the success of initiatives like the water monitoring program to active citizen participation.

"We work with people on the monitoring program checking water quality," Eckman said. "It's going really well. We have a good group of people working in Wolf Bay and we'd like to get more people involved in some other areas."

Baldwin County Commissioner Charles "Skip" Gruber commended the award winners and the advisory committee for their efforts in environmental preservation.

"It's great to see this organization doing what it's doing to help with the environment and the recipients were spectacular this year. I think they made some very fine decisions in their selection," Gruber said. "We are truly very sensitive about our environment because that's what makes Baldwin County what it is today. It's the environment that brings everybody here. It's our beaches and everything else."