Celebrating the People Who Care for Our Community
One of my favorite parts of the annual Keep Martin Beautiful Environmental Stewardship Awards happens before the program even begins.
During cocktail hour, I always find myself looking around the room and smiling at the incredible mix of people gathered together for a common purpose. Environmental advocates chatting with waste management employees. County and city government representatives catching up with educators and business leaders. Volunteers, students, nonprofit leaders, landscapers, restaurateurs, conservationists, and families all sharing stories and conversations.
This year, we had guests as young as nine years old and others well into their 80s.
And while they all came from different backgrounds and experiences, they shared something important in common: a deep love for Martin County and a genuine passion for being good stewards of our little piece of paradise.
That’s what makes this event so meaningful each year. It’s a reminder that protecting and improving our environment isn’t the responsibility of just one group or organization. It takes all of us working together in ways both large and small.
Held on April 30 at Willoughby Golf Club, the 2026 Environmental Stewardship Awards celebrated individuals, businesses, and organizations that are turning commitment into action throughout our community. What stands out year after year is that environmental stewardship in Martin County isn’t just an abstract idea. It’s practical, hands-on, and driven by people who care deeply about the place they call home.
That spirit was especially evident when past award recipient Mike Gonzalez returned to present the Outstanding Adopt-A-Road Award. His remarks reflected the simple but powerful idea that caring for our environment starts with giving back to the land and community that give so much to us.
Each of this year’s honorees represents a different way to make a positive impact - through conservation, education, innovation, beautification, sustainable business practices, and community improvement. Together, they demonstrate that real progress happens when people stay engaged and take initiative.
2026 Environmental Stewardship Award Recipients
- Beautification: Conchy Joe’s Waterfront Restaurant Restoration Project
- Green Business Leader: Ed Griffith, Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa
- Seeds of Stewardship: Mattamy Homes for the Newfield community
- Outstanding Adopt-A-Road: Bryan Buxton
- Youth Impact: Young Friends of the Everglades for the Edudome Experience
- Youth Champion: Julie Boynton, Julie’s Tropical Charms
- Community Improvement: Martin County Community Redevelopment Agency for the Palm City Place & Patio Project
- River Advocate: City of Stuart & Coastal Conservation Association Florida for Vertical Oyster Gardens
- Innovation: Apogee Golf Club
- Conservation Champion: Martin County Forever & Martin County Board of County Commissioners
- Wendy Lee Parker Award: Milton Leggett
The diversity of this year’s recipients is proof that environmental stewardship can take many forms. Whether it’s planting native landscapes, restoring shorelines, reducing waste, educating young people, or simply showing up consistently to help make our community better, every effort matters.
Martin County is special because so many people here care enough to get involved.
As we celebrate this year’s honorees, I hope it also inspires others to find their own way to contribute. Volunteer for a cleanup. Support local conservation efforts. Mentor a young environmental leader. Pick up litter on your street. Plant something native. Attend a meeting. Speak up for the places you love.
Small actions, repeated by many people over time, are what keep Martin County beautiful for generations to come.
