MEMBER ACTION
Click on the link to jump to the article:
- Earth Day 2026 - Adriene Barman, BSG member & Earth Day Chair
- Political Committee Update - Leah Weisburd, Chair
- An Inspiring Experience At The Everglades Coalition - Adriene Barman, BSG member & Earth Day Chair
- A Better Plan for Broward - Ask your city commission/town council to approve this Master Plan so we can control our future!
- Power the Fight to Protect the Arctic Refuge - Help STOP Trump from turning 1.5 million acres of the Arctic wilderness into an oil field
- Say No To Black Snow! - Learn about the programs ready to support the transition to green harvesting
- Clean Energy in the Sunshine State - Learn how to get started on the path to clean, renewable energy in your community
- Stop FPL’s Unaffordable Rate Hike! - Take action today to speak out and stop FPL’s rate hike
- Can We Put 5 Million Tons of Trash in Your Yard? - Linda Thompson Gonzalez, Political Com Member
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MEMBER ACTION
Request your Vote-By-Mail Ballot for the 2026 elections NOW from Broward County Supervisor of Elections
Earth Day 2026 - By Adriene Barman, BSG member & Earth Day Chair
As another successful Earth Day has come to a close, I would like to recognize and thank my incredible team of volunteers whose hard work and commitment made this event day truly exceptional. I also appreciate the dedication of my six Broward Sierra Group team players who have meticulously planned every aspect of this year's event, and they didn’t miss a single beat! There were opportunities for everyone to learn from and to explore!
The Plastic Waste Art contest was overwhelmingly successful! The 21 students who participated in the contest were recognized for their hard work and creativity, which was clearly reflected in their art projects and essays. Their commitment to sharing powerful messages about the harms of plastic pollution affecting both humans and marine life was evident in their thoughtful and expressive creations. This made the judging process especially challenging, as each project demonstrated passion and originality.
In the end, it was a difficult decision for the judges to choose the winners. When the final votes were cast, County Commissioner Beam Furr announced the top three winners, along with an additional third-place award in recognition of the outstanding quality of all the students’ work. I am truly proud of all the students, and their dedication to express their understanding of the harmful effects of plastic through their art and in their essays. I hope their participation in the art contest inspired them to continue advocating against plastic pollution in the future. And this year, 10 students from Hollywood will display their artwork from the contest at Hollywood City Hall beginning in April through Earth Day.
Check out the link to the students' art projects.
The Earth Day 2026 event theme of “Water is the Center of Everything,” and it offered attendees the opportunity to learn about PFAS “forever chemicals” found in our drinking water and waterways, and their potential impacts on human health. One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity to learn about water quality from two leading water toxicologists.
Dr. Jamie DeWitt, Ph.D., Professor of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology and Director of the Environmental Health Sciences Center at Oregon State University, delivered the keynote address, sharing insights from her groundbreaking research on how environmental contaminants affect human health and the immune system. As she described the long list of everyday household products that contain PFAS, it became a true eye-opener for the audience, revealing just how widespread and significant the problem has become.
Dr. Natalia Soares Quinete, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida International University’s Institute of Environment, presented her research on environmental contaminants that are impacting South Florida’s waterways and drinking water. She shared her research about the presence of PFAS locally in South Florida, and some of the sources that have led to high contamination levels in multiple waterways.
Our third speaker, Katrina Shadix, a passionate advocate for wildlife and habitat preservation, spoke about her involvement in major conservation initiatives such as the Florida Wildlife Corridor Summit and research efforts, including Bear Conservation, Ecology, and Behavior at the Wildlife Research Institute. She also shared her experiences challenging polluters through legal action and holding government agencies accountable; offering a powerful perspective on the role of advocacy in protecting Florida’s ecosystems.
In the Exhibit Hall, native plant specialist Phil Busey shared his expertise to his attendees about the value of South Florida’s native plant species and the benefits of incorporating them into local landscapes for beauty, sustainability, and environmental preservation. Attendees also enjoyed a special presentation from Master Beekeeper Joanna Diamond, who highlighted the critical role honeybees play in pollination and demonstrated how bees live and produce honey within their hives.
In addition, Xavier DeRoos of Renuable led a hands-on workshop about the environmental benefits of composting and how individuals can incorporate it into everyday life.
In the Anne Kolb Courtyard, 17 exhibitors representing organizations dedicated to turtle conservation, coral reef and marine animal research and protection, native plant education, local city sustainability water quality initiatives, wildlife and science education, research solutions to improve water quality in our waterways, and community outreach programs that promote literacy, leadership, community involvement, and environmental stewardship.
See more pictures of Earth Day here!
Throughout the day, the Swamp Blues Band provided lively background music, creating an engaging atmosphere that encouraged visitors to explore, learn, and deepen their appreciation for environmental advocacy and community involvement.
Our day ended with a dance party celebrating Broward Sierra Group's culmination of an Earth Day dedicated to environmental advocacy by using education and creative initiatives to inspire the attendees to acknowledge that water connects us, sustains us, and is a part of our everyday lives. Yet many of our communities face growing challenges as pollutants threaten our drinking water and the waterways we depend on. In the end, we empowered our community to take meaningful action and to protect the resources that impact all of us. Everyone deserves access to clean, safe water; it’s a basic human right...... And that's all!!!!!
Political Committee Update - By Leah Weisburd, Chair
I'm sorry to announce that Marcos Pena will not be able to serve as our Political Committee Chair this year as we had hoped, due to his overwhelming work schedule right now.
I want you to know that we have been hard at work, nonetheless, with a plan to move forward in this exciting and important election year. This means that we will be very strategic in the use of our time and energy to support candidates this year -- particularly when we have three major statewide races that are absolutely vital to our shared environment and economic future.
We are starting with our first political meeting that we need you all to attend. If you know of any Broward Sierra members that would like to join the political committee (PolCom), please let me know, Leah Weisburd, leabird@comcast.net. Our meeting is scheduled on Thursday, April 9th at 7pm and everyone on the PolCom will receive the agenda and Zoom invite shortly.
An Inspiring Experience At The Everglades Coalition - By Adriene Barman, BSG member & Chair of our Earth Day Celebrations
BSG sent our member Adriene Barmann to represent us to this year's EVCO.
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to experience the Everglades Coalition conference back in January 28th- 30th 2026.
It was really nice to be surrounded with like-minded people who had the same goal in mind. I enjoyed conversing with different people representing environmental organizations and those that were there to support and protect The Everglades initiative. I gained a deep appreciation for the work and dedication of those people who have their boots in the ground, using their expertise and commitment to advocate for and to save the wetlands and to restore the natural flow of the water to flow south.
I believe being part of the coalition which includes the multiple environmental groups and organizations, that embrace the same goals is a powerful opportunity to push for the progress and restoration efforts. The Everglades is our most vital ecosystem in South Florida and protecting the wetlands so the water flow will continue to enrich the
ecosystem's health, and this is the cornerstone of how essential this mission is for the health of the drinking water supply that supports the people who live in South Florida's communities.
The panel discussions were interesting. My focus was to learn about navigating the threats to federal protections in the Everglades, discussing the weakening of the clean water act, further destruction of wetlands, cuts to CERP funding, and addressing the challenges of sea level rise. Thankfully with the dedication of advocates, with creative policy strategies, and having endless discussions about purchasing available private lands, there is reason for hope.
At this year’s Everglades Coalition conference, one message rang clear across multiple panel discussions: long-term restoration and protection of the Everglades must continue — relying on advocacy and policy to get us through these challenging times. We must stand together and continue to practice sustained advocacy and education supporting Federal protections to keep the momentum moving forward to restore the Everglades and to keep the water moving south.
One of my most favorite presentations was by Xavier Cortada and how his foundation advocates for education about climate change by using art. His presentation focused on "Portals To The Everglades" that effectively advances Everglades conservation and restoration. And boy, Xavier hit it right on the button. Check the link to see Xavier Cortada's Check Everglades in Motion Sculpture Park with art in motion https://cortada.com/eim/.
I also enjoyed visiting the exhibitor tables, and I got to meet some very interesting environmentalists, and advocates representing different organizations. C-HAWQ, which is a Coastal Habitat & Water Quality Initiative had a very informative table, and they agreed to be an exhibitor at Broward Sierra's Earth Day 2026 on March 8th.
One of the most compelling final sessions at this year’s Everglades Coalition conference highlighted the transformative role of art and music which truly inspires a deeper connection to the environment. I experienced that moment when the presenters included a photographer whose work demonstrated the beauty of the Everglades through photography, an artist whose drawings brought to life the plants and beauty inside the Everglades ecosystem. The final presentation featured the musician Grant Livingston, a singer-songwriter whose joyful music left everyone with a smile — and a renewed sense of purpose. His performance wasn’t just an opportunity to enjoy some great funny tunes; it was a reminder of the power of music to inspire change and build a connection to nature.
As I was driving back to my home in Broward County, I realized how much I learned at the Everglades Coalition Conference and the importance of organizing our supporters to continue to advocate for policy advocacy and using science to communicate what is important to advocate for - a healthier Everglades and plentiful water flowing southward.
A Better Plan for Broward
| Our County and most of Broward’s cities have developed a draft Master Plan to deal with our solid waste as we move into the next 50 years. |
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Ask your city commission/town council to approve this Master Plan so we can control our future! Use QR code or go to BrowardSWA.org for Master Plan ➔
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Coconut Creek has a recycling program, does your city? |
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Power the Fight to Protect the Arctic Refuge—Our Last Great Wildlife Refuge
The Trump administration is handing over the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas companies.
They’re doubling down on a failed oil and gas leasing program from Trump’s first term that would transform the Arctic Refuge's Coastal Plain into an industrial oil field.
If this plan moves forward, drilling will fragment critical habitat and permanently scar the land —threatening caribou herds, polar bear cubs, and the Gwich’in people’s culture, food security, and way of life — all for the benefit of private oil and gas interests.
We've been here before and we know what it takes to win: we're pushing back in courtrooms, corporate boardrooms, and the halls of Congress, powered by coalition partners and grassroots support. But we can't do it without your immediate support.
Your donation helps us defend the Arctic Refuge for the public good—not corporate profit.
Donate today to help protect the Arctic Refuge for future generations.
Also, Trump's EPA announces aggressive rollback of environmental protections | PBS News
Say No To Black Snow!
Every fall, the start of sugarcane harvest season has meant one thing for Glades communities: the return of “black snow” – toxic smoke and ash from sugar field burning.
With USDA/NRCS and state cost-share programs ready to support the transition to green harvesting, there is no excuse to keep choking Glades communities with “black snow.”
Clean Energy in the Sunshine State
Clean energy has hit its stride, with solar prices falling 80% in recent years, and the solar industry now employing over 200,000 people — nearly twice as many people as the coal mining industry.
Sierra Club has designated the state of Florida as a high priority in the campaign to move to 100% clean renewable power. As of January 2023, some 14 Florida cities have made commitments to move to 100% clean energy. They include Tallahassee, Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, Cocoa, Satellite Beach, Dunedin, Largo, Safety Harbor, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, South Miami and Pinellas County.
Your city can be next! With the right tools and informational materials on hand, more of Florida’s cities and communities can move toward a clean energy future. Would you like to help your city make the transition?
Our Clean Energy Toolkit will provide guidance and resources to show how cities can adopt, implement and advance to:
- Decarbonize residential and commercial buildings
- Convert fossil fuel electricity to clean energy such as solar or wind
- Move transportation including fleets and public transit off fossil fuels
Anyone interested in helping cities transition to clean energy or working with your own mayor or city council to join the campaign is encouraged to contact their local Sierra Club group.
Act now by downloading our Clean Energy Toolkit to learn how to get started on the path to clean, renewable energy in your community!
Floridians pay some of the highest energy bills in the country. Since 2021, the average FPL customer has seen costs climb by hundreds of dollars. Thousands of families have even lost service because they couldn’t keep up with rising energy costs.
Now FPL is asking for billions more in rate hikes — one of the largest rate hike requests ever. If approved, it would mean even higher bills for customers while FPL collects massive profits.
But there’s a better option. One that puts Florida families ahead of corporate profits.
The Office of Public Counsel (OPC) has put forward a plan that lowers costs for families and small businesses while keeping power reliable. Regulators need to hear from YOU and others affected by high energy costs about why this solution is needed.