Cambridge, Md. (May 23, 2007) – The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science has awarded the Reginald V. Truitt Environmental Award to Former U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes for his lifelong work to help improve Maryland’s environment and the Chesapeake Bay.

The Truitt Environmental Award is the most prestigious award given by UMCES and honors a Marylander whose dedication, efforts and achievements in the fields of public service, communication and management have resulted in the better understanding and stewardship of Maryland’s aquatic environment.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Senator Sarbanes led the Bay delegation’s efforts to foster scientific research and policy initiatives designed to help protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay,” said UMCES President Donald F. Boesch. “Senator Sarbanes not only represented the needs of Marylanders in Congress, he represented those of Chesapeake Bay as well.”

The award is named for Dr. Reginald V. Truitt who founded the Center’s Chesapeake Biological Laboratory at Solomons Island in 1925. Previous recipients include Governor Parris Glendening, Governor Harry Hughes, Senator Bernie Fowler and Senator Charles Mathias.

“As but one example of Senator Sarbanes’ legacy, the Senator was the driving force behind establishing the Captain John Smith Historic Water Trail, America’s first National Trail located entirely on water, spanning the states of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware,” said Conservation Fund Chairman Emeritus Patrick F. Noonan.

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is the principal research institution for advanced environmental research and graduate studies within the University System of Maryland. UMCES researchers are helping improve our scientific understanding of Maryland, the region and the world through its three laboratories – Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Solomons, Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg, and Horn Point Laboratory in Cambridge – and the Maryland Sea Grant College.

CONTACT:
Chris Conner
443-496-0095