2026 Environmental Champions - New Hampshire
On June 18, 2026, Aquarion Water Company honored four New Hampshire winners of the 2026 Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards at the Seacoast Science Center in Odiorne State Park, Rye, NH. The annual awards recognize individuals and organizations making a meaningful difference across business, nonprofit, adult, and student categories.
Large Business Category
Throwback Brewery – North Hampton, NH
Located in North Hampton, Throwback Brewery is a locally sourced, sustainable brewery whose vision is to create beer made with 100% local ingredients and enjoyed across New England. The brewery’s founders, Nicole Carrier and Annette Lee, are also dedicated to environmental responsibility, which has been a top priority since it launched in 2011. A few of the brewery’s sustainability initiatives include community outreach, waste reduction, and the implementation of water-saving techniques in brewing and reusing water. For every batch of beer brewed, Throwback Brewery conserves about 20 barrels of water for reuse. In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, all ingredients – from hops to grain – are sourced locally within 200 miles, and produce and herbs that can’t be found nearby are grown on site for use in the brewery and restaurant.
Throwback Brewery is the largest solar-powered brewery in New Hampshire, generating electricity and employing energy-efficient brewing processes. All restaurant food waste and spent grains are composted and recycled or reclaimed materials are used whenever possible. Beer is packaged in cans rather than glass bottles, using recyclable materials. The brewery also regularly partners with nonprofits and local clubs to coordinate Science Cafes and summer kick-off parties, promoting sustainability awareness in its community.
Non-Profit Category
Gundalow Company – Portsmouth, NH
The Gundalow Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Piscataqua region’s maritime heritage through education and action. The organization offers students a unique opportunity to experience the watershed by inviting them aboard a reproduction of a 19th-century Piscataqua gundalow, a flat-bottomed cargo vessel used to navigate the rivers and bays of coastal New England. On board, students take a 90-minute journey through Portsmouth harbor and learn about local maritime history, marine science, navigation, and the importance of preserving natural resources. Participants learn about the parts of the vessel and help lift the sails to move the boat.
In 2025 alone, the Gundalow Company welcomed 1,640 students and 600 passengers from 20 community groups, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, and underserved youth, to participate in the experience. The non-profit regularly helps schools fund the program’s costs, in part or in full, based on the core belief that no school, student, or camper should be denied the opportunity to learn about their environment because of their ability to pay. By providing accessible opportunities to participate in environmental conservation, the Gundalow Company is preparing the next generation of river and bay stewards and ensuring local resources remain protected.
Adult Category
Andrew Vorkink – North Hampton, NH
Andrew Vorkink is a leader in land conservation, trail development, and wetland protection. Since joining the North Hampton Conservation Commission in 2015, Andrew has led initiatives to educate the public about the importance of preserving and protecting the town's water supplies and natural resources. He has built and maintained a comprehensive database for all conservation parcels and strengthened conservation restrictions with a focus on sensitive wetlands. Andrew has led several key land acquisitions, including an innovative land swap to connect a 24-acre landlocked parcel to the town's trail network.
One of his deepest passions is providing his community with safe and accessible recreational trails. As a result of his efforts, the Commission was awarded a $26,000 federal grant to construct the 1.4-mile Oliver Brook Trail, providing a unique opportunity to educate residents about the benefits of wetlands. Andrew remains involved in every step of trail creation, from laying out routes to building trail maps and guides. His work as a member and Chair of the North Hampton Conservation Easement Subcommittee ensures that future generations continue to protect and enjoy the region’s land, water, and natural heritage.
Student Category
Anna Doherty – Hampton, NH
Anna Doherty, a high school senior from Hampton, is an accomplished researcher, avid volunteer, and passionate advocate for marine life. What began as volunteer work through Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation evolved into an internship as a peer educator, during which Anna educated visitors on marine species and coastal ecosystems. She was later selected as the first coral researcher at the Governor’s Academy at the Alfond Coastal Research Center, which sparked her passion for coral husbandry and research. The multi-year project studies how Astrangia coral frags recover from temperature exposure, and the project will be passed on to a new student, ensuring its continuation.
After witnessing the power of philanthropy, Anna decided to author and publish a children’s book called My Blue Ocean. Proceeds from the book raise funds for non-profits dedicated to marine conservation. Anna led book readings and educational talks to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
This fall, Anna will attend the University of Miami to major in Oceanography and deepen her love for corals through the hands-on opportunities offered by the university, including the Rescue a Reef Program. She hopes to use her degree and experiences to inspire ocean conservation around the world.
