City of PSL recognizes 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award winners

Published on May 08, 2026

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The City of Port St. Lucie celebrated outstanding residents, students, volunteers and partner organizations with the Naturally PSL Environmental Stewardship Awards.

Now in the program’s second year, the Environmental Stewardship Awards are part of the Naturally PSL: Green Spaces and Places initiative and recognize exceptional contributions that help protect local ecosystems, beautify neighborhoods and strengthen the City’s sustainability goals.

This year’s ceremony was held April 27 at The Port District and highlighted individuals and groups whose innovative projects, hands-on service and community leadership continue to expand environmental awareness throughout Port St. Lucie.

2026 Award Winners

  • Neighbors Award: Manuel Rosario, for serving as an enthusiastic City Ambassador and volunteering in Whispering Pines for litter cleanups, tree-planting efforts and bringing neighbors together to reimagine local green space. Manuel’s grassroots approach has helped cultivate pride, stewardship and collaboration across the community.
  • Green Schools Award: Treasure Coast High School Key Club for coordinating park cleanups, donation drives and book drives, while partnering with local environmental groups to reduce litter and expand student involvement in community improvement. Their commitment models how youth can make a measurable environmental impact.
  • Emerging Environmental Youth Leaders Award: Roslyn Tran who, as chair of the Naturally PSL youth subcommittee, led a fruit tree planting at Whispering Pines, promoted youth engagement in conservation and produced a documentary to elevate green-space education citywide.
  • Public Innovation Award: Florida Inland Navigation District, for playing a key role in funding The Preserve at The Port District, a new 13‑acre conservation space featuring scenic trails, native habitat restoration and boardwalk access that strengthens public connection to the outdoors.
  • Community Impact Award: UF/IFAS Master Gardener Volunteers for providing thousands of residents with research-based horticulture guidance, offering one-on-one consultations, operating a community help desk and hosting workshops that promote sustainable landscaping.

2026 Nominees

The City also recognized all the nominees for their outstanding dedication to environmental improvement: Brenda Leigh, Diane Matthew, Karen Cartmill, PSL Crosstown Running Club, PSL Plant Swap, Rennay Bookall, St. Lucie West Centennial High School NJROTC, Young Friends of the Everglades and Zeta Phi Beta Epsilon Alpha Sigma Zeta Chapter.

The Naturally PSL program encourages residents to take part in local sustainability projects that keep Port St. Lucie clean, healthy and connected to nature. Through volunteer opportunities, educational resources and annual awards, the initiative continues to grow a culture of environmental pride across the community.

For more information about Naturally PSL or how to get involved, visit cityofpsl.com/NaturallyPSL.