Deborah (Deb) Ellman was named the IPL Environmentalist of the Year for 2007. Ellman was recognized for her efforts in making a difference in the community through her work to preserve a tract of land on the north side of Indianapolis by creating the Daubenspeck Community Nature Park in Washington Township. IPL presents an Environmentalist of the Year award to an Indiana resident who works or volunteers to improve the environment in IPL’s operating territory.

Currently the president of the Daubenspeck Community Nature Park Board, Ellman is a long-time environmental activist. Her efforts in Indiana include starting a recycling program in her community of North Willow Farms. From 2001-2005, she served as the executive director of Earth Day Indiana, Inc., and coordinated the volunteers for the festival for four years prior to that. Ellman also helps out with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Inc., Indiana Native Plant and Wildlife Society, Indiana Recycling Coalition, and others.

She recently received a master’s certificate in non-profit management from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI.

Ellman thanked IPL sincerely, but said, “The nature park is really a grassroots effort that grew from the community’s passion. It wouldn’t have happened and wouldn’t be growing today, without the time, talents, and energies of all the board members, volunteers, supporters, and the Washington Township School Board.”