The Water Innovation Strategies of Excellence (WISE) Awards recognize innovative Projects, Programs, or Individuals in the Houston-Galveston region that serve as models for improving and protecting water quality. On September 29, Tom Douglas received the WISE Award for Individual Excellence for Protecting Water Quality. Here, he is shown being presented the award by Rachel Windham, Senior Planner at the Houston-Galveston Area Council. 

Photo by Kendall Guidroz, Houston-Galveston Area Council

The text of the presentation, in part, reads as follows:

One of the goals of the WISE awards program is to recognize the unsung heroes who go above and beyond to protect water quality. Tom Douglas has been a stalwart champion for protecting our region’s natural resources – especially water resources. Between his background in academia and his continued passion for recreation in our region’s natural areas, Tom’s wealth of knowledge about Houston area waterways and the science of understanding them has been an invaluable asset to countless local projects and committees. Tom’s commitment to protecting natural resources is evident in his reliable participation in and vocal support of numerous natural resources organizations. [His participation is marked by a] collaborative spirit, and generosity of knowledge, kindness, and respect. 

The certificate of award

Photo by Kendall Guidroz. Introductory photo by Susan Eda.