Mystic — The Aquarion Water Company has named the Avalonia Land Conservancy of Old Mystic as one of its statewide Environmental Champions.

The company’s eighth annual awards recognized five “standout efforts to preserve Connecticut’s environment” and were presented during a Saturday ceremony at the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport.

Avalonia was honored in the nonprofit category.

Aquarion said it received hundreds of nominations for the awards, which “recognize volunteer projects that have significantly contributed to the improvement of environmental quality through the protection, conservation, restoration and stewardship of Connecticut’s water, air, soils, and plant and wildlife habitats.”

In announcing the awards, Aquarion stated that “for over 50 years, Avalonia has been safeguarding wildlife habitats, recreational lands, and scenic vistas. As the largest regional land trust in southeastern Connecticut, Avalonia protects more than 90 parcels totaling over 3,500 acres of land. The Conservancy has built a membership of more than 900 households and organizations. Equally impressive, Avalonia boasts over 160 supporters who volunteer their time to stewarding lands that provide important watershed protection, safe habitat for wildlife, and recreational opportunities for the public."

Aquarion Water Company, which is based in Bridgeport, supplies water to more than 625,000 people in 51 cities and towns throughout Connecticut, including Mystic and Stonington.