Environmental Services is proud to recognize three outstanding recipients for the 2025 Volunteer of the Year awards. This year, we introduced new categories to better reflect the diversity of service in our programs: Individual, Corporate Group, and Volunteer Group. Each of these honorees represents the best of what it means to give back through time, talent, and dedication to a cleaner, greener community.
Individual Volunteer of the Year – Matthew Zielinski
Matthew Zielinski exemplifies commitment through action. In 2025 alone, Matthew contributed 112 volunteer hours and removed over 215 gallons of litter from Township pathways. He currently maintains two separate paths in Creekside Park and actively supports Environmental Services events, including the 3R Recycling Drive-Thru. Matthew has provided thoughtful feedback for improving the volunteer experience and is the brain behind this year’s inaugural Adopt-A-Path litter grabber giveaway. Whether picking up litter or helping at community events, Matthew brings reliability, enthusiasm, and a true volunteer spirit. He’s the embodiment of an all-star volunteer.
Corporate Volunteer Group of the Year – Indovinya Green Team
The Indovinya Green Team shines as a model of corporate citizenship. This team of more than 25 employees has contributed across a wide range of Environmental Services projects. Their efforts include reforesting sections of Rob Fleming Park during our annual Community Tree Planting event and answering the call for additional tree planting assistance in the weeks following. They have played a critical role in our Storm Drain Marking program, helping fully mark the Village of Panther Creek, and have adopted two pathways near Ridgewood Park and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. They even lent a hand at Pumpkin Smash to promote composting and divert waste from landfills. The Indovinya Green Team is a joy to work with and an invaluable partner.
Volunteer Group of the Year – Montgomery County Master Gardener Composting Team
For more than two decades, the Montgomery County Master Gardener Composting Team has served as the backbone of the Township’s compost education efforts. This passionate group leads monthly backyard composting classes from November through March and delivers fast-paced, 30-minute lessons at Woodlands Landscaping Solutions each September. Their instruction covers every element of composting: building and balancing piles, troubleshooting, selecting tools, and helping residents overcome challenges. Beyond the hands-on education, they provide helpful handouts, resource guides, kitchen scrap buckets, and personalized advice that empowers residents to turn waste into soil. The Montgomery County Master Gardener Composting Team’s long-standing service has helped thousands of local residents become successful composters. This team brings both heart and science to every class, and their dedication to sustainability has made a lasting impact on our community.
Each of this year’s honorees exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that makes Environmental Services programs possible. From individual champions to dedicated teams, their commitment to stewardship, education, and community service continues to shape a cleaner, greener future for The Woodlands. We are proud to recognize their achievements and deeply thankful for their continued partnership in serving our community.
