#United States #Charlottesville #Southern Environmental Law Center #Environmental Writing #Reed Wildlife Award

Celebrating Excellence in Environmental Literature

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) has officially announced the opening of nominations for the 2027 Phillip D. Reed Environmental Writing Award, an esteemed honor that recognizes remarkable contributions to environmental literature within the Southern United States. This award not only acknowledges literary talent but also aims to spotlight pressing environmental narratives critical to the South.

Understanding the Reed Award

The Reed Award is dedicated to celebrating exceptional writers who navigate the complexities of the region's natural beauty and the environmental challenges it faces. Each year, the award is presented in two categories:
1. Book Category: For works of nonfiction published in recognized formats (excluding self-published works).
2. Journalism Category: For articles published by established media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and reputable online platforms.

The SELC extends its invitation for nominations to everyone, including enthusiastic readers, authors, and publishers who recognize outstanding environmental writing. This initiative continues the rich tradition of Southern literature, in which authors often draw inspiration from the area's unique landscapes and challenges.

Who Can Participate?

The nominations for the 2027 award are open until October 1, 2026. Thus far, the SELC has encouraged submissions that pertain to the natural environment across several Southern states, including Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Additionally, all entries must have been published between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026.

For journalism entries, a minimum word count of 1,000 words is required, and submissions can be in the form of a standalone article or a collection of related articles. Participants can submit their entries in several formats, including electronic copies (up to 64MB), hard copies, or links to websites hosting the works for sale. However, it is important to note that hard copies will not be returned after submission.

Recent Honorees and Their Impact

The award commemorates the legacy of Phillip D. Reed, a dedicated environmental activist and attorney known for his commitment to preserving the South's natural wonders. Recent laureates include prominent voices like Catherine Coleman Flowers, recognized for her book Holy Ground On Activism, Environmental Justice, and Finding Hope, and Lindsey Liles, awarded for her impactful feature titled Inside the Fight to Save the World's Most Endangered Wolf in Garden & Gun magazine.

Other notable recent winners include Jonathan Mingle for Gaslight: The Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the Fight for America's Energy Future, and a collaborative piece by Jared Kofsky, Maia Rosenfeld, and Steve Osunsami titled Our Inheritance is Washing Away which was part of ABC News' investigative journalism.

The Importance of Environmental Writing Today

As environmental dilemmas become more pressing in the face of climate change, economic pressures, and rapid development, the significance of storytelling with an ecological focus is paramount. Writers are stepping up, creating narratives that deepen our understanding of the interconnectedness between human activity and the environment. The stories told through the lens of environmental writing can inspire action, foster awareness, and encourage stewardship of the natural world.

Celebrating the Winners

An award ceremony to honor the 2027 recipients is slated to take place on March 18, 2027, in Charlottesville, Virginia. The event will serve as a celebration of literary achievements in environmental advocacy and will stream live for audiences unable to attend in person.

With a mission to protect the South’s environment, the SELC continues to be a powerful force in conservation efforts. Its dedication is evident through initiatives like the Reed Award, which galvanizes writers to explore and convey the rich yet precarious relationship between our communities and the natural environment.

To learn more about the nomination process or to submit a nomination for the Reed Award, please visit the SELC website.