Chapter Awards

Sierra Club honors Whitney Gravelle, President of Bay Mills Indian Community, as our 2026 Environmentalist of the Year

Sierra Club Michigan Chapter proudly recognized Whitney Gravelle, President of the Bay Mills Indian Community, as our 2026 Jane Elder Environmentalist of the Year. President Gravelle has been a vocal advocate for upholding tribal treaty rights in the fight to shut down Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline, and she delivered an inspiring call to action in the wake of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's decision to approve permits for the company's proposed oil tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac.

You can view the 2026 Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Awards Ceremony using the link below. To access the recording, please use the passcode yvU!?1N#

Watch the Recording

Legislative Environmental Legacy Award: Awarded to Senator Rosemary Bayer for her incredible leadership in the Michigan Senate and commitment to environmental justice, conservation and protection of Michigan’s natural resources.

Bunyan Bryant Award: Awarded to Rhonda Anderson for her work to ensure the voices of community members are heard among decision-makers, take on polluters like DTE and Marathon and create lasting change for communities.

Trillium Award: Awarded to Alex Seidleck for her commitment to youth leadership development, which resulted in the Michigan Chapter’s first-ever collegiate lobby day, which brought students from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University and Wayne State Law Society to Lansing to talk directly with lawmakers.

Environmental Journalism Award: Awarded to Lester Graham and Lucas Smolcic Larson. Lester Graham is recognized for leaving an impressive legacy of excellent environmental reporting that has advanced understanding and highlighted challenges and opportunities for Michiganders, especially on issues like Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline, dam safety, Great Lakes protection and habitat protection. Lucas Smolcic Larson is recognized for his deep dives into energy and utilities issues to uncover critical information that impacts Michiganders and the Great Lakes environment, covering topics like Trump's Executive order keeping coal running in our state, the escalation in energy rates, and the rapid increase in proposed hyperscale data center projects.

Life of the Party Award: Awarded to David Holtz for his good humor and an ability to see the absurd in almost anything, which keeps spirits high when organizing.

Marlene Fluharty Award: Awarded to Fred Miller for driving the Sierra Club's climate and conservation work across the state by founding the Southeast Michigan Group's Climate Action Team and revitalizing the Chapter's conservation committee.

Virginia Prentice Award: Awarded to John Rebers who has channeled his deep love for Michigan's wild places into dedicated leadership — from leading the Central Upper Peninsula Group to chairing the Wildlife and Wildlands Committee — working to leave these special places intact for future generations.

Group Service Award: Awarded to Cathy Sayre for her steadfast leadership in the Crossroads Group for many years, most recently co-chairing the Freedom River project to plant native trees and flowers at a veterans retreat.

Each year, the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter recognizes the significant contributions our members, community leaders and allied organizations make to protect our home state. Click the button below to nominate an environmental champion.  

Nominate a Champion

Nominations for the Jane Elder Environmentalist of the Year Award are due by December 15, 2026. Nominations for all other awards are due January 15, 2027.

Jane Elder Environmentalist of the Year Award
In recognition of exceptional leadership in environmental protection in Michigan.  This is the highest award presented by the Michigan Chapter.
Chair's Award
Presented by the Chapter Chair to honor a Michigan Chapter leader for exceptional work in support of Sierra Club's work in Michigan.
Centennial Award
To recognize a dedicated long-time Sierra Club member. Issued only once in celebration of the Sierra Club's 100th Anniversary.
Bunyan Bryant Award
Awarded to recognize outstanding leadership in the field of environmental justice.
Burton V. Barnes Award
Established in 2004 to recognize academic excellence.
Trillium Award
Established in 1993 to recognize outstanding efforts by or with students.
Environmental Journalism Award
For environmental reporting or editorials. As of 2000, we have both a broadcast award and a print journalism award.
Legislative Environmental Legacy Award
Given to a legislator who has been a true environmental champion during their tenure.
Life of the Party Award
This award is given to gratefully acknowledge those volunteers who take the Sierra Club's credo seriously to enjoy the wild places of the Earth.
Marlene Fluharty Award
This award is given to a Chapter member who has served the Sierra Club on at least two levels (Group, Chapter &/or National) over an extended period of time and has made significant contributions or is responsible for a major project which has significantly benefited the Club.
Service Award
This is given to Chapter and Group volunteers and/or leaders who have contributed a significant amount of time and effort to the Club. No Service Awards will be given to active Chapter Executive Committee members except for a specific achievement or contribution.
Sylvania Award
Established in 1990, this award recognizes a Sierra Club volunteer who is new on the scene but who has already demonstrated great enthusiasm, hard work and dedication.
Vince Smith Award
Established in 1992, this award recognizes outstanding contributions to the Chapter outings program.
Virginia Prentice Award
This award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the preservation of wilderness and/or the protection of public lands in Michigan. This award is open to both members and non-members.
White Pine Award
Given to a non-member, organization, or group that has shown extraordinary dedication to the protection of the environment.

(note: not all awards are given each year)