King County wants to honor the very best students, teachers, staff, school volunteers, programs and even entire schools that have contributed to both environmental protection and student environmental education, through the County's Earth Heroes at School awards program.

Nominations for the 2011 Earth Heroes at School are due March 4. Winners will be honored at King County's 10th-annual Earth Heroes at Schools recognition event in April.

"King County wants to recognize the schools and individuals at those institutions that play a vital role in teaching our youth about the importance of environmental stewardship," said King County Executive Dow Constantine.

Recycling, restoring habitat, composting lunchroom waste, and growing pesticide-free gardens are among the many types of projects conducted by students, teachers and others in schools across the county.

In acknowledging the accomplishments of environmental leaders in the school community, the Earth Heroes at School Program hopes to bring attention to their innovation, creativity and dedication and inspire others to adopt similar actions to protect the environment. The program is offered through the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks' Solid Waste Division.

Colleagues, classmates and the general public can nominate Earth Heroes. Self-nominations are also encouraged. Nomination forms and the list of 2010 winners can be found at http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/education/earth-heroes.asp, or by calling Donna Miscolta at 206-296-4477.