05/24/2026
Over the last week, we've celebrated winners of the 41st Annual Environmental Awards Reception held on Wednesday, May 13th. Today, we're featuring our final and most prestigious award - THE PIONEER AWARD. 💚🌎💙
Each year, one individual is chosen to receive the most prestigious award - the Mayor’s Pioneer Award!
This award recognizes an individual’s efforts to improve the environmental well-being of the citizens of Chesapeake, Virginia and their dedication to improving the environment for all who live in the Hampton Roads community. This year’s recipient is recognized for his many years of service to the City of Chesapeake and to the environment.
Our Pioneer award goes to Jeff Staples. Since joining the CEIC just one year ago, he has become an active member helping with events, leading multiple community cleanups, and serving on the Litter Reduction Committee and the recently added Environmental Justice and Diversity Committee.
Jeff developed a love of the outdoors at an early age. He grew up in Virginia Beach and also lived with his grandparents for a while in Lynchburg. He could often be found exploring the nearby woods or fishing where he learned to love spot, croaker, and crawdads! When he started hunting at 14, he became interested in trees and the interaction between flora and fauna – he learned at an early age that everything is connected!
A 1984 graduate of the University of Lynchburg, he worked as many as 3 part-time jobs to support earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in History. While waiting to find a job teaching history and needing to pay off student loans, he returned to his college days of work, ultimately continuing his career as an automotive repair professional. He worked in every aspect of automotive repair from turning wrenches to managing a business.
Jeff Staples moved to Chesapeake from Virginia Beach in 2002 – and how fortunate for us that he did! He has been an advocate for social and conservation issues for many decades. His first jump into the environmental world began with joining the Sierra Club over 20 years ago. He served on the executive committee and was their representative on the State executive committee. He also worked for them for few years as a Community Outreach Coordinator. He twice received the Outstanding Leadership Award related to environmental protection.
Jeff is currently the Founder and Director of Save the Dismal, a non-profit whose stated mission is to protect the ecological and historical integrity of the Great Dismal Swamp. Jeff leads several hikes each year to explore the trail and educate the participants on the plant diversity and history of the area. He has also conducted fishing classes there and at Northwest River Park, helping people understand the effects of the overuse of chemicals in yards as related to our waterways. Save the Dismal won the Silver Award for Best Non-profit through Community Votes.
Jeff is a dedicated outdoorsman who hunts, fishes and camps across Virginia from the mountains to the sea. His resulting passion for a clean environment has resulted in countless hours of volunteering, organizing and action, advocating for environmental protection in Chesapeake and throughout the state. 🌳🎣🏕
Jeff, we thank you for your dedication, your vision, and your time!
Presenting the award to Jeff are Amy Weber - CEIC Chair, and Mike Barber - Director Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
