Join the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation for the 24th Annual Environmental Awards Banquet on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Ortiz International Center.
Each year, we gather to honor our local environmental heroes—individuals, businesses, organizations, educators, students, and community leaders whose dedication and stewardship have made a lasting impact on the Coastal Bend. Their commitment to protecting and preserving our natural resources inspires us all and helps create a healthier, more sustainable future for our community.
We are honored to welcome Carly Smith, Chief Meteorologist at KIII 3 News, as this year’s emcee. Her passion for our coastal community and commitment to keeping South Texans informed make her the perfect host for this special evening.
This year’s keynote address will be delivered by David Yoskowitz, Ph.D., Executive Director of Texas Parks and Wildlife. His leadership and dedication to conserving Texas’ natural resources will bring valuable insight and inspiration to this year’s celebration.
Meet the 2026 Environmental Award Recipients
We are proud to announce this year’s 2026 Environmental Award recipients! These outstanding individuals, organizations, businesses, educators, and community leaders are being recognized for their dedication to protecting, restoring, and preserving the natural resources of the Coastal Bend.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 Environmental Award recipients! Their passion, hard work, and commitment to environmental stewardship represent the very best of our community.
This year’s banquet is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation. Join us as we reflect on 35 years of conservation, education, restoration, and community partnerships while looking ahead to the future of protecting our bays and estuaries for generations to come.
Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and additional event details are now available. We invite you to join us for an evening of celebration, recognition, and inspiration as we honor the people and organizations making a difference across the Coastal Bend. We look forward to celebrating with you at the 24th Annual Environmental Awards Banquet on October 14, 2026.
Be Part of the Excitement!
Want to help make a difference and be part of one of the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation’s most memorable events of the year? There are several ways to get involved with our 24th Annual Environmental Awards Banquet:
- Volunteer: Join our team of dedicated volunteers and help make the evening a success—from event setup and guest check-in to assisting with raffles, awards, and more.
Contact: Della Meadows at [email protected] - Contribute to the Silent Auction: Donate an item, service, or unique experience to our silent auction and help raise funds that directly support CBBF’s conservation, education, and community programs.
Contact: Cristal Guerrero at [email protected] - Become a Sponsor: Partner with CBBF as an event sponsor and showcase your organization’s commitment to protecting and preserving the Coastal Bend. Sponsorship opportunities offer meaningful ways to support our mission while connecting with community members and environmental leaders.
Contact: Della Meadows at [email protected] - Attend & Celebrate: Purchase your tickets and join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the individuals, organizations, businesses, educators, students, and community leaders making a difference across the Coastal Bend.
Tickets & Event Information here
Together, we can protect, preserve, and celebrate the natural beauty of our Coastal Bend while supporting the important work that keeps our bays, estuaries, and coastal communities thriving.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the celebration!
Thank you to our 2026 incredible sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor: Port of Corpus Christi
Legacy Sponsors: Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, CITGO, TESLA Lithium Refinery
Ohana Sponsor: Steel Dynamics
Malama Sponsors: University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Mission Aransas-NERR, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Harte Research Institute, Flint Hills Resources, Richter Architects, ArcelorMittal, Rally, Freese & Nichols
Stewardship Sponsors: HDR, Oceans Wildlife Institute, Friends of Padre, Oxychem, Texas Sea Grant, Phillips 66, Cheniere Energy, Lonesome Coyote Ranch, Coastal Bend Air Quality Partnership, LJA Engineering, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, Texas Naturally, Restore Little Bay Foundation, Corpus Christi Water