#United States #Charlottesville #Environmental Writing #SELC #Reed Award

The Celebration of Environmental Awareness

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) has unveiled the winners of the prestigious 2026 Phillip D. Reed Environmental Writing Award. This year, the award recognizes Catherine Coleman Flowers and Lindsey Liles for their outstanding contributions to environmental literature. The Reed Award is a significant honor, celebrating writers who not only exhibit literary excellence but also provide critical insights into environmental issues facing the Southern United States.

Acknowledging Literary Excellence

The Reed Award is divided into two categories: Book and Journalism. In the Book category, Catherine Coleman Flowers has been recognized for her remarkable work, "Holy Ground On Activism, Environmental Justice, and Finding Hope." Flowers, a seasoned activist and two-time recipient of the Reed Environmental Writing Award, presents a compelling collection of personal essays that delve into pressing environmental issues such as climate change and rural poverty. Through her writing, Flowers articulates the struggles faced by marginalized communities often ignored in discussions about environmental justice.

Her essays are steeped in personal experience, framed within the broader historical context of the South. They invite readers to reflect on the systemic challenges that deprive communities of fundamental rights like clean air, safe drinking water, and a healthy environment. Flowers' work is a clarion call to action, urging readers to advocate for ecological and social equity, reminding us all of our shared responsibility towards the environment.

Journalism that Inspires Change

Meanwhile, Lindsey Liles has earned recognition in the Journalism category for her feature article "Inside the Fight to Save the World's Most Endangered Wolf," published in Garden & Gun. Liles' investigative piece takes an in-depth look at the plight of the red wolf, the most endangered wolf species in the world, whose remaining wild population struggles to survive in eastern North Carolina.

With captivating storytelling and a deep understanding of ecological principles, Liles highlights the fragile interplay between conservation, land use, and public sentiment. Her reporting not only details the ongoing efforts to save the red wolf but also illuminates the broader implications of species extinction in the Southern ecosystem. By sharing the perspectives of local communities and stakeholders, she leaves readers with a sense of urgency and hope for preserving the region's natural beauty.

The Ceremony to Honor the Winners

An award ceremony will take place during the Virginia Festival of the Book to honor both winners and will feature renowned keynote speaker Christian Cooper. Cooper, an Emmy Award-winning host and best-selling author, is celebrated for his work with National Geographic's Extraordinary Birder. His passion for birding and environmental activism aligns perfectly with the vision of the Reed Award, focusing on accessible green spaces and engaging underserved communities in environmental stewardship.

The ceremony is set for March 20, 2026, at 5 p.m. in the CODE Building located at 225 West Water Street on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, Virginia. It is free to attend and will also be streamed live, allowing a broader audience to engage with these important environmental narratives.

Additionally, the first 400 virtual attendees will receive a copy of Flowers’ acclaimed book, further promoting the dialogue around social and environmental justice.

About the Southern Environmental Law Center

Established to protect the South’s natural resources, the Southern Environmental Law Center operates as a nonprofit entity and is recognized as a formidable advocate for environmental protection in the region. The organization employs over 200 staff members, including more than 130 legal and policy experts, dedicated to addressing severe environmental challenges in courts and communities alike.

Reflecting its commitment to environmental advocacy, the SELC aims to enhance public awareness about the South's rich natural heritage while simultaneously spotlighting the vulnerabilities it faces. The Reed Environmental Writing Award, established in 1994, reinforces this mission by honoring those who tell the critical stories illuminating the region's environmental plight.

As we reflect on the significance of the 2026 Reed Award winners, we are reminded of the power storytelling holds in enlightening and motivating communities towards fostering a sustainable and equitable future.