2025 Local Hero Awards

Connect with the Bay Nature community and celebrate San Francisco Bay Area environmental leaders at the 15th annual Local Hero Awards. This event will take place at the David Brower Center in Berkeley on Sunday, April 6 from 2-6 pm.

General Admission tickets are $150. Bay Nature Members may buy discounted early bird tickets for $120 through March 9 at 11:59pm. The Local Hero Awards sell out annually and seating is limited, so we encourage you to buy your ticket today.

The Local Hero Awards highlight the individuals, communities, organizations, and agencies that make local nature and environmental issues tangible parts of everyday life. Gathering together in community each year at the Local Hero Awards reminds us that there is nature everywhere. It is the common ground that binds us.

The annual awards celebration and fundraiser will be held in the David Brower Center’s beautiful auditorium, followed by an outdoor reception on the outdoor patio.

• Doors open at 1:00 for registration, pre-event mingling, and an opportunity to enjoy the art exhibit in the David Brower Center gallery.
• Doors to the auditorium open at 2:00 and the program starts at 2:10. You’ll hear from each of the heroes and have the chance to support Bay Nature during a rousing Fund-A-Need.
• Program concludes at 3:30 for a catered reception of passed hors d'oeuvres. Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. The event will end at 6 pm.
• Be ready to feel at home! Join fellow nature lovers, environmental professionals, government officials, educators, and community leaders.

This year’s remarkable local heroes, selected from nearly 100 nominations, are:

• Environmental Educator: Mirella Ramos, Bilingual Youth Programs Manager, Sonoma Land Trust
• Community Hero: Susan Schwartz, President, Friends of Five Creeks
• Conservation Action: Annie Burke, Executive Director, TOGETHER Bay Area
• Young Leader: Avroh Shah, Outreach Committee Lead, Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition

For more information about:

• Bay Nature’s 2025 Local Heroes, click here.
• The David Brower Center is a nonprofit space with an environmental mission, containing office space, an art gallery, conference facilities, and a theater. To learn more, click here.

FAQs

Can I sponsor the local hero awards?

Yes! Click here to find the individual and organizational sponsorship packets. Fill out the interest form or contact Micaelyn Compton at micaelyn@baynature.org to become a sponsor today!

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

If you have questions about the Local Hero Awards or ticket purchases, please contact Lia Keener at lia@baynature.org.

Do I have to bring a printed ticket to the event?

No. We will have a list of guest names at the door, so there’s no need to bring a printed ticket.

What are the David Brower Center’s COVID safety protocols?

Face masks and proof of vaccination are not required. COVID protocols are subject to change based on the City of Berkeley’s guidelines The DBC is one of the healthiest buildings in the Bay—with 100% fresh air ventilation! Learn more here.

What about parking and transportation?

The David Brower Center has a public parking garage underneath the building and is easily accessible by public transportation (it’s one block from the Downtown Berkeley Bart station). For more information about parking and transportation, please contact Lia Keener at lia@baynature.org.

Is my ticket transferrable?

Yes, if you are unable to attend you can send someone in your place – you'll just need to let us know at least one week before the event. To transfer your ticket please contact Lia Keener at lia@baynature.org.

Is the purchase of my ticket tax-deductible as a donation?

The fair market value of each ticket is $45. The remainder of your purchase is tax-deductible as allowed by law (Bay Nature's federal tax ID is 76-0744881).