The conference in Miami also recognized environmental leaders
Nearly 450 advocates representing conservation groups, leaders, scientists, students and supporters attended the 40th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference, held Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at the Miccosukee Casino & Resort in Miami. The three-day annual conference is the largest forum for discussing the restoration of the Everglades, and featured several keynote speakers, educational sessions and awards.
“It was inspiring to reflect on the past four decades of conservation and we left galvanized to continue our fight for protection and restoration of the Everglades” said Kelly Cox, co-chair of the Everglades Coalition. “The discussion of the future of this ecosystem has become even more important as we face new challenges, but this year’s conference provided a forum for thoughtful discourse on how we can move forward together.”
Each year, the Everglades Coalition, an alliance of nearly 60 local, state and national conservation and environmental organizations, hosts its annual conference to educate attendees about the full restoration of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. The 2025 conference, themed Reflections on Progress and Opportunities, featured panelists who highlighted topics including ecological health and economic success, environmental advocacy, art and culture concerning the Everglades, marine ecosystems and the future of Florida’s conservation.
“It has become even more evident that we need to continue our work to support America’s Everglades, which despite 40 years of efforts still faces challenges to survival,” said Mark Perry, co-chair of the Everglades Coalition. “We need to persist in pushing to restore, protect and care for this ecosystem critical to Florida.”
Panel topics included community involvement; climate change; indigenous knowledge and perspectives; conservation partnerships; economic impacts; and reflections on progress. Speakers included Michael Grunwald, award-winning journalist and bestselling author of “The Swamp,” Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart; Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz; Eric Bush with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Ron Magill, Good Will Ambassador for Zoo Miami; Jennifer Marshall of the office of Environmental Management with the Florida Department of Transportation; and Kirsten Hines, author, photographer, and conservationist.
An annual highlight of the conference includes awards for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to protect and restore the Everglades and mirror the ideals and accomplishments of the award namesake. Six honorees were recognized at the 2025 conference in the following categories:
- Mary Barley and Charles Lee were elected to the Hall of Fame for their substantial, lifetime commitment to Everglades restoration.
- The Public Service Award was given to Chairman Talbert Cyprus with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida for going above and beyond to advance Everglades restoration.
- The Voice of Conservation Award honored Michael Grunwald for dedication and advocacy to amplify the call for Everglades restoration and protection.
- The Conservationist Award honored Tania Galloni, Bonnie Malloy and Christina Reichert with Earthjustice for passion and ingenuity in the quest to protect and restore the Everglades.
- The Grassroots Activism Award recognized Casey Darling Kniffin with Florida Wildlife Federation for exceptional work to engage and educate the community in the name of Everglades restoration.
In addition to honoring conservationists, the Everglades Coalition, in partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association, selected 20 students to receive full scholarships to attend the conference, which included student mentorship opportunities and a chance to be featured on the Future Leaders panel. Each year, the Coalition also waives conference registration fees for all teachers and students interested in attending and a record number of students participated this year. The Everglades Coalition also announced Equity and Community Engagement speaker stipends to offset the costs of participation for speakers in need. By reducing barriers to entry, the Everglades Coalition hopes to increase access each year to the conference.
The conference was sponsored by National Parks Conservation Association, the Everglades Foundation, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, Family Lands Remembered, the Merrill G. and Emita E. Hastings Foundation, the Office of the Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, the Bergeron Everglades Foundation, Captains for Clean Water, Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Oceanographic Society, National Audubon Society, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation and a number of other environmental advocates.
To continue momentum created at the conference, The Everglades Coalition plans to travel to Tallahassee for Everglades Action Day on April 7 for a day of action on behalf of America’s Everglades during the Florida Legislative session. From April 7 to 8, the Everglades Coalition will be providing free transportation to Tallahassee and low-cost lodging for members/supporters. For more information, please visit EvergladesCoalition.org/EvergladesActionDay.
To learn more about the Everglades Coalition and the 2025 conference, visit EvergladesCoalition.org/Conference.
About the Everglades Coalition
The Everglades Coalition is an alliance of nearly 60 local, state and national conservation and environmental organizations dedicated to full restoration of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, from the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes into Lake Okeechobee and to the estuaries, through the River of Grass, out to Florida Bay and the Keys. The Everglades Coalition strives to preserve and restore the diversity of ecosystems that comprise the greater Everglades and to provide a forum for those who depend on or care about those ecosystems. We are committed to being inclusive and fostering a collaborative environment where all stakeholders feel valued, respected and engaged — both in our work as an alliance of separate organizations and as a model for engagement by our member organizations. Learn more at EvergladesCoalition.org.
