EPA Administrator Recognizes Fresno Citizen With President’s Volunteer Service Award

SAN FRANCISCO - Yesterday, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson honored George Folsom with the President’s Volunteer Service Award following an address to the San Joaquin Valley Air Quality Roundtable in Fresno, CA.

As a leader of two Fresno area non-profit organizations – the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, and the Revive the San Joaquin, a grassroots organization, Folsom actively recruits volunteers and helps with fundraising events. Folsom’s passion and knowledge as a dedicated volunteer has led him to help preserve and protect the public’s enjoyment of the San Joaquin River.

“Today we honor George Folsom for answering President Bush’s call to serve a cause greater than himself,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Dedicated volunteers like Mr. Folsom are inspiring others to join them in delivering America a brighter, healthier future"

During his travels across the country, Administrator Johnson meets with individuals like Folsom who are answering the call to volunteer service, environmental education and pollution prevention.

Folsom has helped to protect the San Joaquin River basin which is 38,000 square miles in size, originating in the high Serra Mountains and flowing through the San Joaquin Valley out to the San Francisco Bay. Since 1996 George has served as a member of the board and on the Executive Committee of the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, a 22 mile linear greenway of conservation lands with river access.

He chaired the restoration committee for Hallowell Center for River Studies
located on the San Joaquin River. This interpretive center is an 1890 ranch which was restored thanks to George Folsom’s volunteer efforts and chairmanship of the Restoration Committee. More than 16,000 people a year visit the Center. He also chairs the River Center Committee for outdoor programs which bring people to the river for education programs. George is also Board President and a founding member of Revive the San Joaquin, a non-profit focused on restoring water flows and salmon to the San Joaquin River
In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. Go to www.volunteer.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs, including national service programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Citizen Corps. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit www.volunteerkids.gov for games and ideas to see how America’s youth are making a difference.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award was created at the President’s direction by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.