Montgomery County’s Carole Williams-Green has been honored with the 2016 Meigs Award for Environmental Leadership by the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education for her work in spearheading the foundation of the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center, writes Valerie Russ for Philly.com.

In her years as a teacher, Williams-Green always tried to find ways to improve science education. She often visited the Pennypack and Wissahickon Environmental Centers and expressed her desire for a similar venue closer to home.

After retiring, Williams-Green, the mother of State Senator Anthony H. Williams, took on the task of converting Cobbs Creek Park’s abandoned stables into an environmental center.

The process of renovating the stables off 63rd Street near Catharine Street took nearly a decade of strong community support and included raising nearly $2.7 million for the project. Finally, in 2001, the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center opened its doors to visitors.

“Carole is a force of nature. She doesn’t take no for an answer,” commented Alan Fastman, the first executive director of the Cobbs Creek center. “It was her dream and it was her drive. She had tremendous support from the community.”

Read more about Williams-Green’s environmental efforts at Philly.com by clicking here.