Environmental Stewardship Awards

Natural Award

The Stewardship Award program shines a spotlight on the extraordinary efforts of individuals and groups dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of Port St. Lucie.

Awardees will receive a prestigious framed certificate recognizing their achievements, public accolades at our exciting Naturally PSL Environmental Stewardship Award Ceremony, and a feature story on the City of Port St. Lucie's social media platforms.

But the honor doesn't stop there! We'll also plant a tree in your name on the city's right-of-way, including neighborhood streets and cul-de-sacs of your choice (locations reviewed and approved by Public Works Urban Beautification). We'll provide the seed and a tribute plaque by the tree engraved with your dedication, ensuring your environmental impact is celebrated for years to come.

Join us in making a lasting difference and be a part of this incredible recognition!

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: August 1, 2025
  • Winner Announcement: Recognition event at Naturally PSL Environmental Stewardship Award Ceremony in September. 

Apply Here!

Award Categories 

Who can apply? Individuals, community organizations, school programs, volunteer groups, businesses, developers, youth and public entities are all welcomed to apply.

Neighbors

Green Spaces & Places Naturally PSL Neighbors Award

Who: Individual residents 

Eligibility: Any resident of Port St. Lucie who has engaged in environmental activities such as creating Florida-friendly yards, planting trees in neighborhood spaces, or leading community projects is eligible to apply or be nominated for this award.

How to Apply/Nominate: Applications or nominations can be submitted by any eligible resident

Judging Criteria:

  • Number of Trees Planted: Evaluate both the quantity and the variety of trees planted, with higher marks for using diverse species, especially Florida native plants, which significantly benefit the local ecosystem.
  • Creation of New Neighborhood Greenspace: Evaluate the size, accessibility, and community impact of new green spaces created. Higher scores for projects that involve community participation and long-term maintenance plans. 
  • Florida-Friendly Yards.  Have your home certified and recognized in one or more certification programs, including but not limited to Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program, Florida Water Star, North American Butterfly Association Certificate Program, and other certification programs mentioned here.
  • Leadership in Community Projects.  Evaluate instances of leading a project within the community that have demonstrated social, economic, or environmental benefits
  • Volunteer Hours Contributed: Look at the total hours dedicated to the project, with additional points for engaging multiple volunteers or organizing recurring volunteer events.

Submission Requirements: Submissions must provide detailed proof of the work done.  Examples include photos or videos of the project, testimonials and/or documented support from community members and/or the public, written reports or summaries, or data showing the impact of the work.

Community Impact

Green Spaces & Places Naturally PSL Community Impact Award

Who: Community Organizations, Volunteer Groups, Businesses, Developers

Eligibility: Community organizations, volunteer groups, businesses, and developers that have engaged in, led, and/or organized significant and positive environmental activities within the City of Port St. Lucie are eligible to apply or be nominated for this award. 

How to Apply/Nominate: Applications/Nominations can be submitted for organizations/individuals with a record of leading and/or organizing outstanding environmental activities.

Judging Criteria:

  •  Impactful and innovative environmental projects. The level, magnitude, and/or innovativeness of the applicant/nominee’s environmental project(s). 
  •  Number of Clean-Up Events Held. Assessment of the frequency and scale of clean-up events, with more frequent and larger-scale events receiving higher scores.
  •  Number of Volunteers Engaged. Considering both the number of volunteers and the engagement level, such as repeat volunteers and volunteer recruitment efforts.
  •  Miles of Area Cleaned. Measuring the total distance of areas cleaned, with additional points for cleaning ecologically sensitive or heavily polluted areas.
  •  Number of Trash Bags Filled. Assessing the volume of trash collected, with higher scores for effectively reducing litter in the community.
  •  Sponsorship of Community Events. Considering the number and scale of events sponsored, with higher marks for impactful and well-attended events.
  •  Contributions to Increase Conservation Acres. Acknowledging impactful contributions such as land donations for conservation purposes and facilitating city’s acquisition of conservation land. 

Submission Requirements: Submission must provide detailed proof of the work done.  Examples include photos or videos of the project, testimonials and/or documented support from community members, written reports or summaries, or data showing the impact of the work.

Students

Emerging Environmental Leaders Award

Who: Any students K-12 residing in the City of Port St. Lucie.

Eligibility: Any school-aged student studying in the K-12 range that resides in the City of Port St. Lucie who has demonstrated significant environmental leadership and volunteerism may apply or be nominated for this award.

How to Apply/Nominate: Applications or nominations can be submitted by volunteer groups, city departments, students, teachers, and non-profits.

Judging Criteria:

  • Demonstrated Leadership. Leadership in environmental initiatives and volunteerism.
  • Volunteer Hours. Measuring the total number of volunteer hours contributed, with higher scores for consistent and long-term volunteer commitment.
  • Contributions to Volunteer Events. Assessing the type and impact of contributions, such as leading activities, educating others, or significantly enhancing the event.
  • Hours of Education and Training. Evaluating the time spent in environmental education and training, with points awarded for diverse learning experiences and certifications.

Submission Requirements: Submissions must provide detailed proof of the work done.  Examples include photos or videos of the project, testimonials and/or documented support from community members, written reports or summaries, or data showing the impact of the work.

Schools

Green Schools Award

Who: Schools within Port St. Lucie

Eligibility: Any public, private, or charter school located within the City of Port St. Lucie that has carried out environmental projects and sustainability initiatives is eligible to apply or be nominated for this award.

How to Apply/Nominate: Applications or nominations can be submitted by schools within the City of Port St. Lucie who carry out environmental projects and sustainability initiatives.

Judging Criteria: 

  • Effectiveness and Impact of Projects. Evaluating the school project's outcomes, such as environmental benefits, student engagement, and community impact.
  • Sustainability Initiatives. Assessing the school's demonstrated commitment to long-term sustainability practices, such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and environmental education programs.

Submission Requirements: Submissions must provide detailed proof of the work done.  Examples include photos or videos of the project, testimonials and/or documented support from community members, written reports or summaries, or data showing the impact of the work.

Innovation

Public Innovation Award

Who: Public Agencies

Eligibility: Any government entities committed to improving the City of Port St. Lucie’s natural environment, water quality, and community-based innovation projects is eligible to apply or be nominated for this award.  

How to Apply/Nominate: Applications or nominations can be submitted for entities committed to improving the City’s natural environment, water quality, and community-based innovation projects.      

Judging Criteria:

  • Innovation and Impact of Projects. Measuring the project's creativity and its positive effects on the environment and community. Higher scores for projects that introduce new methods or technologies and achieve significant results.

Submission Requirements: Submissions must provide detailed proof of the work done.  Examples include photos or videos of the project, testimonials and/or documented support from community members, written reports or summaries, or data showing the impact of the work.

 

 

Judging Process

The panel will carefully consider each nomination's merits and contributions to environmental stewardship and ensures that individuals and groups will receive well-deserved recognition for their outstanding efforts in preserving and enhancing Port St. Lucie's natural beauty.

Meet Your Judges! 

Judges coming soon

Contact 

For questions, email naturallypsl@cityofpsl.com or call 772-344-4323.

 

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