Rees Shearer of Emory is the recipient of the 2005 St. Francis Ecological Award for his leadership in the RAIL Solution, a grassroots coalition of over 200 individuals and 10 citizens’ groups promoting railroads as a safe, clean, efficient carrier of freight and people.

RAIL Solution proposes an alternative to the planned expansion of I-81 from its present four lanes to 8-12 lanes.  An expansion of this size will increase vehicle exhaust that would be trapped in the ridge and valley topography of Southwest Virginia, increasing asthma among children and pollution of fields and water systems. A high speed rail solution, on the other hand, will save money, conserve gasoline and give truck drivers a rest while they and their trucks are carried for 300 miles through Virginia’s scenic valley.

St. Joseph School in Petersburg is the second recipient of the 2005 St. Francis Ecological Award. St. Joseph School was chosen for its focus on care of the Earth as a religious value.

Under the direction of Ms. Milly Horner, the students from grades 1 to 8 celebrate Earth Day at a local park.  The day includes an ecumenical prayer service and a key note speaker from an environmental organization.

Miss Horner comes out of a Native American heritage and feels strongly that children must be educated to appreciate and care for God’s Creation.  She uses important events to focus on creation.  When the Tsunami hit she led students to express their sorrow in and art prayer.  Right now students are engaged in creating a butterfly garden to connect them with these special creatures and the wonder of God’s creation.