Bill Hendrickson Receives 2025 Pickering Award
Hendrickson has contributed to the city's land use policies for over 30 years
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The City of Alexandria’s Environmental Policy Commission (EPC) and AlexRenew honored longtime environmental advocate William “Bill” Hendrickson with the 2025 Ellen Pickering Environmental Excellence Award. The award was presented on Sunday, April 27, during the Del Ray Citizen’s Association’s (DRCA) Gardenfest, a highlight of Alexandria’s Earth Month celebrations.
His Accomplishments
Sometimes Hendrickson led initiatives. Other times he was part of the planning group. Either way, he has contributed to the City of Alexandria’s land use policies for over 30 years, and he’s just getting started. A quick summary of his accomplishments:
- Launched the Del Ray House and Garden Tour in 1999 to raise funds for tree planting and green initiatives
- Developed the Potomac Yard Plan in 1997 as the land use chair of the DRCA, leading to a new public park, and transformed a highway bridge over Route 1 into accessible recreational space
- Drafted the Alexandria’s Urban Forestry Master Plan in 2009 to target 40 percent tree canopy coverage citywide
- Held key roles in the City of Alexandria’s Open Space Plan (with Ellen Pickering),Eco-City Charter, Environmental Action Plan, Green Buildings Plan, and the Four Mile Run restoration
- Advocated for using land to create the Judy Lowe Neighborhood Park
- Held leadership roles in the DRCA, Historic Alexandria Resources Commission, and Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee
Imparting Wisdom
While he may be spending more time in Massachusetts, Hendrickson feels like his work in this city is not done. During a phone interview for this story, he had some thoughts for readers who want to effect change, saying that both individual input and committes “are important.”
Because timing is everything, Hendrickson said that residents must “know the issue, know the key people who are involved. Sometimes you can get more done if the timing is right, if the circumstances are right.”
The Ellen Pickering Environmental Excellence Award recognizes community members who demonstrate a commitment to protecting the environment and preserving local natural resources. The annual award honors the late Ellen Pickering and her lifelong dedication to the preservation of green space throughout the city.
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