On Monday, September 8, 2025, the St. Augustine City Commission unanimously approved the creation of a new citizen award, the Red Cedar Award for Environmental Impact. Aptly named for the City’s official tree, the award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the positive impacts to the environmental wellness and well-being of our community.
Vice Mayor Barbara Blonder suggested the idea earlier this year to further demonstrate the city’s commitment to supporting environmental efforts. “Not only is the City embracing initiatives to save and protect our local environmental well-being – such as our own land conservation program – but our residents and community stakeholders have been doing this for years,” Blonder observed.
She also referred to the herculean community effort for Fish Island, “With all that went into saving Fish Island… people love it! And it’s not just a tremendous asset for St. Augustine, it’s so appealing to those who love our local habitat, our ecosystems, and nature, in general. Environmental initiatives are something we value and people doing that kind of work should be recognized for it!”
According to the resolution passed, the recipient may be a person, persons, or organization, residing in the City of St. Augustine or St. Johns County for a minimum of five years; however, they must have contributed directly to a project, or multiple projects, only in the City of St. Augustine, having demonstrated positive environmental impact through measurable or tangible means.
The City Commission voted on the material award itself, which will be a distinctive, traditional framed photograph of the City’s official bird, the Roseate Spoonbill.
The schedule for selection of the award is as follows: the nomination will be in January, selection will be approved in February, and the award presentation will take place in April to coincide with Earth Month and to allow for presentation of Citizenship Awards.
Additional details about the award can be found on the City's Citizen Awards webpage.
For media inquiries, contact Melissa Wissel, Communications Director, at 904.293.3307 or via email at mwissel@citystaug.com.