The Tradition of the Awards Dinners
|
2014 Award Recipients |
|
The CASLC began its Awards Dinners in 1973, with guest speakers of note such as the late Arthur R. Marshall and Marjorie Stoneman Douglas. An “Environmentalist of the Year” and other awards were announced and presented.
Beginning in 1994 a new tradition was born: the presentation of the Permelia Pryor Reed Award for Environmental Excellence by the honorable Nathaniel Pryor Reed. Mr. Reed is a legend-in-his-own-time figure, highly revered and respected for the numerous environmental successes he has achieved at the national, state, and local levels. He’s been in an “all-out battle to save natural Florida” for many decades. It’s because of his mother that Mr. Reed developed into the environmentalist that he is today. Permelia ensconced the young Nathaniel in various wild settings, and the boy became an avid naturalist. Permelia, herself, actively worked for environmental causes, and most notably was responsible for the creation of the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. Also in 1994 the Conservation Alliance of Martin County began co-hosting the event, extending and strengthening its regional reach. Always well attended, the Awards dinners provide space for hard-working environmentalists to relax, laugh with colleagues, and celebrate our recent successes. 
|
The Permelia Pryor Reed Award for Environmental Excellence was given to Shari R. Anker by Nathaniel P. Reed. The award was created in honor of Mr. Reed's mother, Permelia Pryor Reed. Mrs. Reed's efforts resulted in the establishment of the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. Ms. Anker is currently president of the Conservation Alliance SLC.
The Heart of Florida Award was given to Marty Baum, the Indian Riverkeeper, by Mrs. Lace Vitunac, one of the co-founders of the Conservation Alliance SLC, which is now over 40 years old. This is the first time this particular award has been given. It was created with Marty in mind. The award recognizes the hard work of an individual who is quintessentially Floridian, so much so that s/he in one with the unique Florida environment. (Marty is a 6th generation Floridian.) There were four recipients of the Journalistic Excellence and Integrity Awards. These journalists are recognized for their work in the public's interest and their commitment to get the whole story on environmental issues, including educating the public on the relevance and importance of our ecology. The award winners this year were: Sally Swartz of the Palm Beach Post; Ed Killer, Eve Samples, and Tyler Treadway of TC Palm. Special recognition was given to Gary and Sue Ellen for their volunteer work at Mariposa Preserve, and to former county commissioner, Doug Coward, for his support for the Conservation Alliance, and for his ongoing work for our environment. It was a great day to be by the St. Lucie River estuary; the weather cooperated and we even merited a visit from porpoises swimming by. Helping us to celebrate were other environmental dignitaries, representatives from numerous environmental organizations, and county and city commissioners. |
