Dr. Puhalla was nominated for her exceptional leadership in advancing sustainability and beautification efforts throughout Upper Hanover Township in Montgomery County and beyond.
A Penn State Master Watershed Steward, she has been instrumental in organizing educational workshops, volunteer training sessions, and hands-on restoration projects that have transformed local landscapes and inspired civic engagement.
Township Supervisor Stefan Laessig presented Dr. Puhalla with the Community Pride Award and thanked her for her tireless efforts--
"Eve works incredibly hard and is always ready to help advise the Township on special projects and leverage volunteers for intensive work restoring the Camelot Park pond, planting trees, and coordinating free tree giveaways for residents. As busy as she is, she always has time for her home community."
Clearly surprised, and moved, Dr. Puhalla was quick to recognize and share the award with fellow Watershed Stewards JoAnn Redmond and Sunni Barndt, both present in support.
"The team of Master Watershed Stewards and community members who volunteer their time make all this happen, not just me. I may be the ringleader, but the reality is, it takes all of us to do this work. It's important work, especially in the light of climate change. We need to ensure our community is environmentally ready for the changes that are happening and removing invasive plants and planting native trees, and shrubs help with that effort."
Her initiatives include securing grants for tree giveaways and riparian restoration, coordinating volunteer-driven events, and fostering long-term stewardship to ensure lasting impact.
Dr. Puhalla has collaborated with numerous Montgomery County municipalities, delivering webinars on topics such as “Zero Waste Living,” implementing streambank restoration, and converting traditional lawns into vibrant native wildflower meadows.
In addition to her project leadership, Dr. Puhalla serves on the Upper Hanover Township Parks and Recreation Committee and volunteers extensively across Township Open Space properties.
Her expertise also aids township decisions on flood mitigation, native tree selection, live-stake harvesting, and tree management.
She actively mobilizes volunteers for stream restoration and tree planting efforts, working in close partnership with local organizations and community groups.
Her impactful work at Camelot Park where she monitors water quality, removes invasive species and dead ash trees, plants native trees, and reinforces pond infrastructure, was recently featured in the Penn State Extension statewide newsletter.
“We are continually inspired by individuals like Dr. Puhalla whose dedication to environmental stewardship uplifts entire communities. Her work exemplifies the spirit of the Community Pride Award, making Pennsylvania cleaner, greener, and more beautiful for all,” said Shannon Reiter, Executive Director, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.
The Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Community Pride Award recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship by an individual, school, community organization or civic group that makes an outstanding commitment to litter control, recycling, or general environmental stewardship.
The Community Pride Award is available to elected officials to recognize those in the community working to change behaviors at the local level.
Elected officials interested in nominating a constituent for a Community Pride Award should visit the KPB Community Pride Award webpage for more information.
Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s vision is a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania.
Since 1990, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has worked with hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the state to pick up nearly 162 million pounds of trash from Pennsylvania's roadways, waterways, greenways, vacant lots, forestlands, and other community spaces.
(Photo: Upper Hanover Township Supervisor, Tim Woodward, Supervisor Dottie Diehl, Watershed Steward JoAnn Redmond, Dr. Eve Puhalla, Watershed Steward Sunni Barndt, Board of Supervisors Vice-Chair Ben Fiorito and Supervisor Stefan Laessig.)
[Posted: September 16, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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