33rd Everglades Coalition Conference to focus on inclusion, equity

When: January 11-14, 2018 (Full days: Friday, Jan.12 and Saturday, Jan. 13)

Where: Hutchinson Island Beach Marriot, Stuart, Florida

What:  More than 60 local, state, national conservation organizations to host the 33rd annual Everglades Coalition Conference, bringing together scientists, government officials and the public to establish a more natural water flow to America’s Everglades benefiting wildlife and people.

This year, the Coalition will tackle one of the biggest challenges of the movement – the lack of diversity in its ranks. Attendees will hear from communities long under-represented within the environmental community, share stories, examine successes and take action to collaborate for Everglades restoration.

– The debate over the footprint of the EAA Reservoir

– Everglades restoration and the response to climate-fueled events like Hurricane Irma

– Efforts to expand dialogue on Everglades issues with Lake Okeechobee communities

– Latest public lands threats under the Trump Administration and effort to fight them

– Sugar burning’s impact on nearby residents’ health and the push for green harvesting

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson

U.S. Representative Francis Rooney

U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz

U.S. Representative (and former Governor) Charlie Crist

Former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham

Florida Senate President Joe Negron • James D. Webb Public Service Award

Betty Osceola • John V. Kabler Grassroots Organizing Award

Celeste De Palma • George M. Barley Conservationist of the Year Award

The conference is hosted by the Sierra Club. Coalition Co-Chairs: Mark Perry, Florida Oceanographic Society, Stuart & Michael Baldwin, “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, Sanibel