St. Augustine is shining a spotlight on local environmental heroes with a brand new accolade, the Red Cedar Award for Environmental Impact. The St. Augustine City Commission gave the green light for this initiative on Monday, as reported by City of St. Augustine's official website. Celebrating significant contributions to the city's environmental wellness, the award is named after the city's beloved and official tree, setting down roots of appreciation for those who actively preserve the natural splendor of the community.
Vice Mayor Barbara Blonder was the mind behind the motion, aiming to clearly showcase not just the city's commitment, but also its resident's ongoing efforts in championing green causes. "Not only is the City embracing initiatives to save and protect our local environmental well-being – such as our own land conservation program – but our residents and community stakeholders have been doing this for years," she stated. She went on to to remind of the collective push that brought success in protecting Fish Island—a move that evidently endeared itself to conservationists and locals alike, as noted by the City of St. Augustine.
The award will honor either an individual, a group of individuals, or an organization with at least a five-year history in St. Augustine or the broader St. Johns County. The criterion for this honor is a direct contribution with tangible environmental benefits within the city limits. The city's official bird, the Roseate Spoonbill, will feature prominently, framed traditionally, as the tangible symbol of this recognition.
The selection process is neatly lined up with environmental milestones; nominations will open in January, official picks will be confirmed come February, and the award will be handed out during April to sync with Earth Month festivities.
