Nominations Open for 2026 Coastal Stewardship Awards

Submit nominations to honor coastal restoration and conservation efforts in New Orleans.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:08pm

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A softly blurred, impressionistic scene of volunteers planting native coastal plants along a shoreline, with warm pools of light and color creating an atmospheric, dreamlike quality.The Coastal Stewardship Awards honor the unsung heroes working to protect Louisiana's fragile coastline through restoration, conservation, and community engagement.Lake Charles Today

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is seeking nominations for its annual Coastal Stewardship Awards, which recognize the people, companies, organizations and communities working to restore and protect Louisiana's coast. Nominations are open to the public and can be submitted online. An awards night will be held on September 17 in Baton Rouge.

Why it matters

The Coastal Stewardship Awards highlight the critical work being done across Louisiana to safeguard the state's vulnerable coastline and communities. By honoring leaders, volunteers, and advocates in coastal restoration and protection, the awards help raise awareness and inspire further action to address the ongoing environmental challenges facing Louisiana's coast.

The details

The Coastal Stewardship Awards are presented in several categories, including Lifetime Achievement, Coastal Stewardship, Emerging Steward, Volunteer of the Year and Friend of CRCL. Last year's winners included retired journalist Mark Schleifstein, Dr. Jelagat Cheruiyot from Tulane University, Brother Martin High School, and several other individuals and organizations making significant contributions to coastal conservation efforts.

  • Nominations are open now and can be submitted online.
  • The awards ceremony will be held on September 17, 2026 at SoLou restaurant in Baton Rouge.

The players

Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana

A nonprofit organization whose mission is to unite people in action to achieve a thriving, sustainable Louisiana coast for all.

Kim Reyher

The executive director of the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.

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What they’re saying

“These awards recognize the people who are doing the hard work of protecting Louisiana's coast and communities every day.”

— Kim Reyher, Executive Director, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana

What’s next

The deadline to submit nominations for the 2026 Coastal Stewardship Awards is August 15, 2026. Tickets for the awards ceremony on September 17 will be available for purchase online.

The takeaway

The Coastal Stewardship Awards play a vital role in highlighting the critical efforts of individuals, organizations, and communities working to restore and protect Louisiana's fragile coastline. By recognizing these champions of coastal conservation, the awards help inspire further action and collaboration to address the ongoing environmental challenges facing the state.