Keep Martin Beautiful Celebrates Community, Conservation, and Collaboration at 2026 Environmental Stewardship Awards

STUART, Fla. — More than 175 community leaders, environmental advocates, business professionals, educators, students, volunteers and residents gathered on April 30 at Willoughby Golf Club for the 2026 Environmental Stewardship Awards, hosted by Keep Martin Beautiful, to celebrate the individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact on Martin County’s environment and quality of life.

The annual event highlighted the many forms environmental stewardship can take - from conservation and education to beautification, innovation, sustainable business practices and community improvement - while recognizing the collective efforts helping preserve the character and natural resources that define Martin County.

What made the evening especially memorable was the wide range of people gathered together in one room. Environmental advocates shared conversations with waste management professionals. Local government representatives connected with educators, students, business owners, conservationists, landscapers, nonprofit leaders and families. Guests ranged from young children to longtime community stewards, reflecting the broad coalition of people working every day to protect Martin County’s natural resources and enhance the community for future generations.

“The Environmental Stewardship Awards remind us that environmental progress happens through partnership,” said Jennifer Stull, president of Keep Martin Beautiful. “Every person and organization recognized this evening is helping move our community forward in meaningful ways.”

Throughout the evening, awards were presented to individuals, businesses, nonprofits and public-sector partners whose work reflects the many ways environmental stewardship can take shape.

2026 Environmental Stewardship Award Winners

• Beautification: Conchy Joe’s Waterfront Restaurant Restoration Project for its thoughtful riverfront enhancements and water quality improvements.
• Green Business Leader: Ed Griffith of Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa for integrating sustainable practices across resort operations and leading by example in environmental responsibility.
• Seeds of Stewardship: Mattamy Homes Newfield for its hands-on environmental education initiatives and commitment to preserving open space.
• Outstanding Adopt-a-Road: Bryan Buxton for his ongoing dedication to keeping local roadways clean and engaging others in stewardship.
• Youth Impact: Young Friends of the Everglades for their immersive Everglades Edudome Experience educating the next generation on water and conservation issues.
• Youth Champion: Julie Boynton for Julie’s Tropical Charms, an eco-conscious youth business turning natural materials into wearable art while raising awareness about ocean pollution.
• Community Improvement: Martin County Community Redevelopment Agency for the Palm City Place & Patio project transforming an underutilized site into a vibrant community space.
• River Advocate: City of Stuart and Coastal Conservation Association Florida for their Vertical Oyster Gardens improving water quality and marine habitat.
• Innovation: Apogee Golf Club for its large-scale, environmentally focused water management and habitat preservation design.
• Conservation Champion: Martin County Forever and the Martin County Board of County Commissioners for advancing a voter-approved land conservation program.
• Wendy Lee Parker Award: Milton Leggett for his exceptional dedication to environmental stewardship and service to the community.

Event emcee Commissioner Ed Ciampi closed the evening by reflecting on the spirit of collaboration represented throughout the event. “The Environmental Stewardship Awards show how people from all backgrounds can work together to protect, preserve and celebrate the place we are fortunate to call home,” Ciampi said.

For a complete list of nominees, project descriptions, or more information on how to become involved with Keep Martin Beautiful, visit KeepMartinBeautiful.org or call 772-781-1222.

Keep Martin Beautiful appreciates the generous support from sponsors and in-kind donors including: Champion Sponsor, WM; Partner, Martin County; Patron Sponsors, Apogee, Ashley Capital, Easton St. Capital; Steward Sponsors, Coastal Conservation Association Florida, Coastal Waste & Recycling, CSA Ocean Sciences, Storage Rentals of America; Sustainer Sponsors, Family Lands Remembered, Lucido & Associates, One Martin, Ram Real Estate, Surfing Evolution & Preservation Foundation; Supporter Sponsors, Abney & Abney Green Solutions, Bob Crandall & Ellyn Stevenson, Bowman Consulting, Circular Recycling, City of Stuart, Cray Buchanan, Ecological Associates, The Guardians of Martin County, Hooks Construction, Martin County Forever LLC, Shearwater Marine; Program Partners, The Art Department, Crown Trophies, Fetterman Law, The Firefly Group, Jenkins Landscape and Photographer Liz McKinley.

About Keep Martin Beautiful

Keep Martin Beautiful (KMB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1994 as an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Its mission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Martin County through litter prevention, recycling promotion, beautification and community revitalization activities. Signature programs include the Environmental Stewardship Awards, the International Coastal Cleanup, the Great American Cleanup, Martin Grade Scenic Byway, the Adopt-A-Road and Adopt-A-Street programs. Find KMB on Facebook at facebook.com/KeepMartinBeautiful, on Instagram at instagram.com/keepmartinbeautiful, visit KeepMartinBeautiful.org or call 772-781-1222.