Congrats to all our 2024 Coastal Stewardship Award Winners!……….Polly – You have worked so hard to keep our beautiful state in its best light, no matter what darkness has come. We are proud of your efforts!! God bless you!! Your friends, JoAnn Kurts and Jean Kurts Edwards……….Kenneth – Congratulations on receiving the 2024 Coastal Stewardship Award! Your commitment to the protection and restoration of our coastal areas is admirable, and you are an inspiration to us all. The planting of the more than 1 million native plants across coastal Louisiana is a truly impressive achievement that will leave a lasting legacy. We are so proud of you. Love, Suzette, Phillip, Elizabeth & Jonathan……….CONGRATULATIONS MISS POLLY! Your tireless labor of love is inspirational! May the fruits of your endeavors with the environment and the future life blood of Louisiana be continued long after we’re all gone and as cherished as you are among your friends and supporters. Well done, dear friend!- Michele Unitas……….

Honoring the heroes who are

helping our coastal communities

May 9, 2024

6 – 9 pm

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

After decades of coastal land loss, things are changing in Louisiana. There is an unprecedented level of activity in coastal restoration, and some of the most important large-scale projects in history are on the verge of beginning construction.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy, but in the 35 years since CRCL was founded, the momentum has shifted from raising awareness to implementing solutions.

There have been countless heroes in the battle to save Louisiana’s coast – elected officials, organizational leaders, scientists, community organizers, volunteers and more. We would like your help in honoring some of them at our annual CRCL Coastal Stewardship Awards event, which will be held in Baton Rouge on May 9, 2024.

The awards, which include recognition for volunteers, students, lifetime achievement and other coastal stewards, are among the most prestigious given to the people and organizations dedicated to addressing our land loss crisis.


Steve Cochran – Lifetime Achievement

Justin Ehrenwerth (posthumous)

2023 Coastal Master Plan Team – Sue Hawes Award

Blaise Pezold

Jacqueline Richard

Kenneth Bahlinger – LA Coastal Vegetative Planting Program

Polly Glover

Mike Phelan – Friend of CRCL

Tom Schrilla – Volunteer of the Year

Darria Leggett – Emerging Steward


$50 Tickets Include:

  • — Louisiana seafood
  • – Local cuisine
  • – Beer & wine
  • – Silent Auction

Sponsoring our event to honor coastal stewards provides businesses with visibility, networking opportunities, and the chance to fulfill corporate social responsibility. Join us in celebrating these stewards and contributing to the lasting preservation of Louisiana’s coastal treasures.




If you have questions, please email donations@crcl.org.


Congratulate our coastal heroes! 

We’re thrilled to provide you with an opportunity to proudly showcase your support for our coastal heroes. For a nominal fee, you can “sign our yearbook” and leave a message for your favorite coastal stewards, which will be displayed on our event webpage and at the event itself. Show your appreciation today and join us in celebrating these remarkable individuals!


Hotel Information

We have arranged a room block at Drury Inn & Suites – Baton Rouge (7939 Essen Park, Baton Rouge, LA 70809). By using the code CRCL Awards, you can use a special rate of $122 before April 18th. To book your room, please visit: Room Booking Link.