Enjoy, Explore and Protect

Suncoast Sierra Club's vision is to live in an area where a diverse, inclusive, and well informed environmental movement has achieved a healthy and sustainable natural and urban environment that is an inspiration for communities everywhere.  

At Suncoast Sierra Club, we offer environmental education, organize outdoor adventures, and spearhead local eco-friendly initiatives. We advocate for environmental policies at both local and state levels and are deeply involved in conservation efforts in our community. Our mission is to create resilient, sustainable communities powered by clean energy and driven and shaped by the passion of its people.

Join thousands of members from Pinellas County and Western Pasco County, Florida, and help us make a positive impact today. Please note, due to our advocacy work for the environment, donations are not tax deductible.

Sunset Clean-Up & Chill at Pass-a-Grille Beach

sunset clean up
 
Sunday, June 21st @ 5:30 PM: RSVP here

Join Sierra Club, St. Pete Eco Club, and Keep Pinellas Beautiful for a Sunset Beach Cleanup & Chill at Pass-a-Grille Beach as we help protect our coastline and raise awareness about threats facing the critically endangered Rice’s whale. Spend the evening making a difference alongside fellow conservationists, then stick around to enjoy the sunset and connect with community members who care about protecting Florida’s shores and wildlife.  

 

 

 

Featured Volunteer Activities

🏳️‍🌈🌎 Join Suncoast Sierra Club at St. Pete Pride!

Pride

Want to be part of one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country while helping protect Florida's wildlife, waterways, and communities? March with us in the St. Pete Pride Parade on Saturday, June 27!

This year's parade is all about fun, creativity, community, and our amazing Florida critters. When you sign up, you'll even get to choose your team: 🌱 Plant, 🐟 Fish, 🐦 Bird, 🐛 Bug, 🦎 Herp, or 🐾 Mammal. Pick your favorite and help bring it to life during the parade!

Not sure marching is your thing? We have plenty of other ways to join the fun. Help paint and build parade decorations, carry colorful flags and puppets, take photos, lead chants, support marchers, help with volunteer check-in, or simply sign up for "Anything Needed" and we'll find the perfect role for you.

No experience required—just bring your enthusiasm, your Pride spirit, and a willingness to have fun. Join us for our build nights on June 15 and June 22, then celebrate with us at the parade on Saturday, June 27 as we show that protecting people and protecting the planet go hand in hand.

 👉 Sign up to join the crew and get all the details!

 

Fall 2026 Internship Opportunities

Make a Difference. Build Your Resume.

Internships Available Fall 2026

The Sierra Club Suncoast Group is seeking college students who want to gain real-world experience while helping protect Florida's environment and build more sustainable communities.

We're recruiting for three internship tracks:

⚡ Clean Energy Intern
Help maintain our Solar Dashboard and support local clean energy initiatives. ArcGIS experience required.

📱 Environmental Communications & Community Engagement Interns
Create social media content, videos, photography, podcasts, and tell the stories behind local environmental action. Multiple positions available.

🎓 Sierra Youth Team Development Intern
Work with students, educators, and community organizations to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.

Internship Details

  • Fall 2026 (August 24 – December 11)
  • 11–20 hours per week
  • Hybrid (virtual and in-person)
  • College credit required
  • Tampa Bay Area

Gain valuable experience, build your portfolio, and make a lasting impact in your community.

Applications due July 15, 2026. 
Apply today →

OUR STORIES

Taylor

Suncoast Sierra Club intern Taylor Knotts  presented her Pinellas County Solar Dashboard and research findings at the OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference. The project was developed to create a clearer picture of how solar energy adoption is growing across Pinellas County and how communities are progressing toward clean energy goals.

Using publicly available solar permit data and mapping tools, the project highlights trends in residential solar growth across multiple Pinellas cities, including efforts to expand access in lower-income communities. The work also helps demonstrate how local governments and community partners can support a more equitable transition to clean energy.

Taylor’s presentation sparked strong interest from attendees and showcased the growing momentum around solar and sustainability efforts throughout the region.

👉 Learn more about the Suncoast Sierra Club Clean Energy Team, our projects, and opportunities to get involved on our Clean Energy webpage.

 

Church Clearwater

First United Methodist Church in Clearwater is exploring solar and battery storage as a way to reduce energy costs and reinvest more resources back into the community services they already provide, including cold night shelters and daily meals. Suncoast Sierra Club’s Clean Energy Team  met with church leaders to review options for a potential ~180 kW system that could significantly offset electricity costs and generate long-term savings. This is part of our ongoing work supporting local organizations, churches, and nonprofits in improving energy efficiency and exploring clean energy solutions that strengthen both their missions and our communities. 

Community

 

Be inspired by our journey with St. Petersburg and our surrounding cities as we transition to clean energy, led by dedicated volunteers from the Suncoast Group of the Sierra Club. Learn how local communities are aiming to be models of sustainability and resilience, driven by practical necessity and a shared vision for a brighter future. Join us as we continue our mission to build resilient, sustainable communities powered by clean energy and shaped by people.

Read the full story 

 

Midtown

Midtown Academy blooms
By: Estela Najera

On March 6th, Andy Harris from the Sierra Club Florida Chapter had the honor of presenting a $1000 check to Midtown Academy in the southside of St.Petersburg. Midtown Academy is located in a historically low-socioeconomic area and serves a diverse, predominantly neurodivergent student population. The planting of these trees provides the student population with cover when they are outside playing, participating in PE, and eating lunch. This prevents them from overheating and allows them to enjoy nature!

This project, “Growing Wishes: The Midtown Community tree project,” is a PTA-led environmental justice initiative inspired by the book Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. This book is narrated by a 216-year-old oak tree named Red, following the story of a young girl named Samar, exploring themes of empathy, acceptance, community, and diversity. The entire premise of the novel is the expression of kindness, which was brought to real life through the planting of trees at Midtown. 

Our TEAMS!

Joining a team means diving into projects you're passionate about, connecting with amazing people, and having a great time. If you're eager to enhance our local environment and community, this is the perfect place to start.

Conservation

Want to help protect our local environment and shape conservation efforts in Pinellas County and beyond? Join the Suncoast Sierra Club Conservation Committee, led by longtime conservationist Tim Hughes, as we discuss emerging environmental issues, support local campaigns, and identify meaningful opportunities for action. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just getting started, new participants are always welcome. Please note: the June 16 meeting will be held virtually only.  RSVP below for info.  3rd Tuesday of each month 7 pm.

Political

2nd Wednesday of each month. 6:30 PM Now Virtual! RSVP below. Want to help elect leaders who will protect our water, land, and climate? Join the Suncoast Sierra Club Political Committee. This is where volunteers come together to support environmental candidates, shape local priorities, and turn our shared values into real political action. If you care about clean water, resilient communities, and a sustainable future, this is a great place to plug in and make a difference.

 

Clean Energy

1st Wednesday of the month, 7PM - Virtual. Engage with our Clean Energy Committee to support the transition to 100% clean renewable energy in our municipalities and local communities. For virtual meeting details, please email CleanEnergy@SuncoastSierra.org.

 

Outings

As we continue to ramp up our Outings program, we need additional leaders. Whether you like to hike, bike, bird-watch, or just explore the outdoors, there’s a place for you.  If interested, please reach out to volunteer@suncoastsierra.org.

 

Pasco

1st Wednesday @ 8PM on Zoom. Working to transform into its own Sierra Club Group. Please contact Sasha (727) 326-2646 or sashabuddha@gmail.com to get involved.

 
Enviro Justice

Environmental justice is simply justice. It means everyone deserves clean air, clean water, access to healthy food, safe and healthy neighborhoods, tree canopy and green spaces, and the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and benefits of the natural world—regardless of where they live or who they are. Environmental justice is at the heart of everything we do. Led by National Sierra Club Board Member Erica Hall and Suncoast Group Chair James Scott, the Environmental Justice Team works alongside local residents, neighborhood associations, and community-led initiatives to address environmental and quality-of-life challenges. From supporting projects like One Community Grocery Co-op to helping communities advocate for cleaner, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods, the team provides opportunities to learn, connect, and take action. To get involved, email volunteer@SuncoastSierra.org. 

 
 
 
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Our 2026 Leadership Team

2026 Excom headshot graphic