North Carolina Coastal Federation honors 2026 Pelican Award recipients
NEWPORT, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Coastal Federation recognized the recipients of its 2026 Pelican Awards during a ceremony held Saturday, Aug. 1.
For more than two decades, the federation has honored individuals, organizations and partners for their leadership, service and efforts to protect and restore North Carolina’s coast.
“This year’s Pelican Award recipients represent the very best of coastal stewardship,” said Coastal Federation Executive Director Braxton Davis. “Through their leadership, dedication, and generosity, they have made lasting contributions to protecting and restoring North Carolina’s coast.”
The federation recognized honorees from across the state’s coastal regions.
In the Northeast Coast region, awards were presented to Joy Cook for her leadership in protecting coastal resources and expanding recreation opportunities, Jayne Young for volunteer service in coastal environmental education, and Sean Ellis for his dedication to coastal stewardship and community service.
Central Coast honorees included the North River Laurel Road Ladies Outreach Committee for its work supporting resilient coastal communities, Jason Vanzant for coastal education and partnerships, and Thomas L. Kirmeyer and Nan Bowles for watershed restoration efforts.
Southeast Coast recipients included Lindsay Addison for coastal habitat conservation and restoration, Conserve the Point for community efforts protecting the South End of Topsail Island, and Warren Darrell for volunteer leadership focused on coastal resilience and civic engagement.
The federation also recognized Island Free Press with a media award for collaborative coastal community journalism. The publication is represented by owner and publisher Donna Barnett and editor Joy Crist.
Members of the Coastal Federation’s Capital Campaign Cabinet received the Coastal Visionary Award for their leadership in establishing the Coastal Protection and Restoration Center.
The federation also presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to Glenn Blackburn and Dr. Stan Riggs. Blackburn was recognized for his work in coastal history and conservation writing, while Dr. Riggs was honored for his contributions to coastal research, science and stewardship.
The Pelican Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership, volunteer service and innovation have contributed to coastal conservation efforts throughout North Carolina.
The North Carolina Coastal Federation is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting and restoring the state’s coastal resources, including water quality, wetlands, oyster habitats and natural shorelines.
