The Apker award is not particularly relevant when comparing LACs and Unis because LACs have their own category (which is much less competitive). Also, Williams has won one award in the last 10 years which is not frequent enough to put much weight in it. Also, the OP is talking about applied research, not pure physics research, so you need to find physics professor who is doing research in environmental science (not a traditional physics field) or an environmental engineering department doing research in an area that is based on physics (engineering is just an applied science).
Most of the applications of physics to environmental problems tend to revolve around polution control and remediation, clean energy as well as some climate change - not areas associated with the “wilderness”. The “wilderness” tends to be more biology centric.
Middlebury and Tufts are the two strongest environmental programs whether measured by academic awards (Udall Scolarships) or industry reputation.
Middlebury has a physics professor who has written a textbook on environmental issues, but it appears that he may have emeritus status.
https://www.middlebury.edu/institute/people/richard-wolfson
Tufts has a physics professor who does research into surface science (pollution control) and climate change.
https://rtobin.phy.tufts.edu/rgt_research.html
Tufts engineering is organized around interdisciplinary themes one of which is the environment, so there are several research labs doing environmental research related to physics.