FLORIDA - Yesterday, the Sierra Club Florida Chapter was recognized with top honors at Sierra Club’s 2025 National Awards, “Celebrating Today’s Changemakers”, an annual celebration of inspiring individuals from across the country who have made outstanding contributions to the environmental movement.
The Sierra Club Florida Chapter received the 2025 Chapter Strong Award, which recognizes outstanding work to build chapter strength and capacity. The Florida Chapter earned this distinction for landmark statewide policy wins such as the State Park Preservation Act, innovative fundraising, and an equity-centered approach to grassroots expansion – efforts that have deepened the Chapter’s impact and strengthened the state’s environmental movement.
Linda Smithe, Chair of Sierra Club Florida’s Loxahatchee Group, received the 2025 Atlas Award, which honors administrative excellence essential to chapter and group success. Smithe was recognized for revitalizing the Loxahatchee Group through effective outreach, campaign leadership, and member engagement, helping to grow local participation and advance regional conservation priorities.
Adriene Barmann and Rhonda Roff, members of Sierra Club Florida’s Conservation Committee, were honored with the 2025 Volunteer Achievement Award for their creation of Save the Manatees, a powerful film that brings attention to the escalating threats facing Florida’s beloved and iconic species. Their work has elevated public awareness and inspired action to protect manatees and the fragile ecosystems on which they depend.
Susannah Randolph, Sierra Club Florida Chapter Director, said, “We’re incredibly proud of our Chapter and volunteer leaders for their outstanding vision, dedication, and impact. These awards highlight the remarkable progress we’ve made together toward protecting Florida’s environment and advancing Sierra Club’s mission – even in the face of daunting political challenges in our state. The strength of our movement comes from passionate volunteers like Linda, Adriene, and Rhonda, and from the collective power of Sierra Club members and supporters around the state who believe a better future for Florida is possible.”
For more information on Sierra Club’s National Awards program, click here.