Keep Henrico Beautiful recognizes owners of exceptional residential, business properties

The Keep Henrico Beautiful Committee has selected the winners of its annual awards program that recognizes properties that are beautifully landscaped and highlight best practices for soil and water conservation and garden habitats.

In its 27^th year, the awards program is honoring each magisterial district’s recipient of the Land Lover Award and a countywide winner of the Clean Business Award. The Board of Supervisors recognized all of the honorees at its meeting Tuesday.

The winners of the Land Lover award for residential properties are the Hayes family, of the Brookland District; Karen Wolfe and Ron Stradone, of the Fairfield District; Judiann and David Drash, of the Three Chopt District; Sheryl Smith, of the Tuckahoe District; and Evelyn B. Dixon, of the Varina District. Rivanna Natural Designs, at 3009 Lincoln Ave., is the recipient of the Clean Business Award.

The awards, presented annually since 1995, recognize residential and business properties that are attractively landscaped, well-maintained and litter-free.

To be eligible for a Land Lover Award, residents must perform their own landscaping and lawn care. Nominees for a Land Lover or Clean Business award must participate in an ongoing recycling program, such as composting, curbside pickup or drop-off service.

Recipients of a Land Lover Award were recognized for embracing a variety of conservation best practices, including the use of pollinator gardens, native plants, rain barrels, permeable paving, compost systems and solar panels. As the Clean Business honoree, Rivanna Natural Designs, which produces eco-friendly awards and plaques, was noted for its sustainable production model and carbon-neutral shipping processes and for reducing impervious surfaces in its parking lot.