NASHVILLE (AP) - The Department of Environment and Conservation is accepting nominations for the Governor's 2012 Environmental Stewardship Awards.

The honors recognize Tennesseans for exceptional efforts to protect the state's diverse environment.

Any individual, business, organization, educational institution or agency is eligible.

The deadline for nominations is March 31. Winners will be announced in late May.

Details are at http://www.tn.gov/environment/awards.