Finalists Announced for the 2026 Phillip D. Reed Environmental Writing Award
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) has recently revealed the finalists for the prestigious 2026 Phillip D. Reed Environmental Writing Award. This annual award recognizes outstanding writing that captures the essence of environmental issues, especially those affecting the southern United States. This year’s finalists exemplify a significant array of topics, from the plight of wildlife and the degradation of habitats to the struggles surrounding clean water access, environmental injustices faced by southern communities, and the mounting pressures of climate change and energy demands.
The Reed Award is segmented into two categories: the Book Category, which honors works of nonfiction (excluding self-published works), and the Journalism Category, focused on articles published by recognized platforms, such as newspapers, magazines, or nonprofit organizations. Each finalist’s contribution illustrates an exceptional literary excellence alongside a profound understanding of the environmental challenges and treasures of the South.
1. Catherine Coleman Flowers - Holy Ground: On Activism, Environmental Justice, and Finding Hope
2. Georgann Eubanks - The Fabulous Ordinary: Discovering the Natural Wonders of the Wild South
3. Andrew S. Ramey - Saving the Chesapeake: The History of a Movement
4. Charlotte Taylor Fryar - Potomac Fever: Reflections on the Nation's River
5. Paula Whyman - Bad Naturalist: One Woman's Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop
These literary works touch on various pressing issues, from advocating for environmental justice to navigating the complexities of regional ecosystems. Each author offers unique insights and reflections about the natural world, appealing to a wide audience keen on understanding the interconnection between humanity and nature.
1. Antonia Juhasz, Rolling Stone - A Trump Win Would Threaten Historic Climate Progress in North Carolina
2. Diana Kruzman, Inside Climate News - Virginia Once Drained and Dried Peatlands, but Now Eyes Them as Carbon Sinks
3. Lindsey Liles, Garden & Gun - Inside the Fight to Save the World's Most Endangered Wolf
4. Julia Tilton, The Daily Yonder - This Rural Community Fought One of Country's Biggest Gas-Powered Data Centers, and Won
5. Justin Worland, Time - The Backlash to High Electric Bills Could Transform U.S. Politics
The journalism finalists showcase the power of storytelling to inform the public about crucial environmental issues. Each piece underscores not only the challenges faced by communities and ecosystems but also the resilience and action taken to confront these challenges head-on.
An esteemed panel of judges, composed of leading environmental writers, journalists, and advocates, will evaluate the finalists and select the awardees. Winners will be announced in early February 2026, with an award ceremony scheduled for March 20 in Charlottesville, Virginia, during the Virginia Festival of the Book. Previous events have attracted a significant audience, indicating a growing interest in environmental advocacy and literature.
The Phillip D. Reed Environmental Writing Award honors the legacy of Phillip D. Reed, a founding trustee of SELC who significantly contributed to environmental protection through his work and passion. His commitment to environmental activism and journalism continues to inspire new generations of writers and advocates.
The Southern Environmental Law Center itself stands as a formidable defender of the environment in the United States, focusing on the South's complex ecological challenges. With its roots firmly planted in legal advocacy, SELC champions initiatives to protect air, water, and wildlife for future generations, setting benchmarks for environmental awareness and community engagement.
In this ever-evolving context, the Reed Environmental Writing Award shines a light on the narratives that shape our understanding of environmental issues, emphasizing the importance of literature and journalism in the quest for ecological justice and sustainability.
The Reed Award is segmented into two categories: the Book Category, which honors works of nonfiction (excluding self-published works), and the Journalism Category, focused on articles published by recognized platforms, such as newspapers, magazines, or nonprofit organizations. Each finalist’s contribution illustrates an exceptional literary excellence alongside a profound understanding of the environmental challenges and treasures of the South.
2026 Finalists in the Book Category
1. Catherine Coleman Flowers - Holy Ground: On Activism, Environmental Justice, and Finding Hope
2. Georgann Eubanks - The Fabulous Ordinary: Discovering the Natural Wonders of the Wild South
3. Andrew S. Ramey - Saving the Chesapeake: The History of a Movement
4. Charlotte Taylor Fryar - Potomac Fever: Reflections on the Nation's River
5. Paula Whyman - Bad Naturalist: One Woman's Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop
These literary works touch on various pressing issues, from advocating for environmental justice to navigating the complexities of regional ecosystems. Each author offers unique insights and reflections about the natural world, appealing to a wide audience keen on understanding the interconnection between humanity and nature.
2026 Finalists in the Journalism Category
1. Antonia Juhasz, Rolling Stone - A Trump Win Would Threaten Historic Climate Progress in North Carolina
2. Diana Kruzman, Inside Climate News - Virginia Once Drained and Dried Peatlands, but Now Eyes Them as Carbon Sinks
3. Lindsey Liles, Garden & Gun - Inside the Fight to Save the World's Most Endangered Wolf
4. Julia Tilton, The Daily Yonder - This Rural Community Fought One of Country's Biggest Gas-Powered Data Centers, and Won
5. Justin Worland, Time - The Backlash to High Electric Bills Could Transform U.S. Politics
The journalism finalists showcase the power of storytelling to inform the public about crucial environmental issues. Each piece underscores not only the challenges faced by communities and ecosystems but also the resilience and action taken to confront these challenges head-on.
An esteemed panel of judges, composed of leading environmental writers, journalists, and advocates, will evaluate the finalists and select the awardees. Winners will be announced in early February 2026, with an award ceremony scheduled for March 20 in Charlottesville, Virginia, during the Virginia Festival of the Book. Previous events have attracted a significant audience, indicating a growing interest in environmental advocacy and literature.
The Phillip D. Reed Environmental Writing Award honors the legacy of Phillip D. Reed, a founding trustee of SELC who significantly contributed to environmental protection through his work and passion. His commitment to environmental activism and journalism continues to inspire new generations of writers and advocates.
The Southern Environmental Law Center itself stands as a formidable defender of the environment in the United States, focusing on the South's complex ecological challenges. With its roots firmly planted in legal advocacy, SELC champions initiatives to protect air, water, and wildlife for future generations, setting benchmarks for environmental awareness and community engagement.
In this ever-evolving context, the Reed Environmental Writing Award shines a light on the narratives that shape our understanding of environmental issues, emphasizing the importance of literature and journalism in the quest for ecological justice and sustainability.
Topics Environment）
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