Bay Nature Local Hero Awards 2023

Join fellow nature-lovers and Bay Area environmental leaders at the 13th annual Bay Nature Local Hero Awards. This event will take place in person at the David Brower Center in Berkeley on March 26th from 2-5 pm.

The Awards celebration and Bay Nature annual fundraiser will be held in the Brower Center’s beautiful auditorium, followed by an outdoor reception on the terrace.

• Doors open at 1:30 for registration and an opportunity to enjoy a wonderful new art exhibit in the Brower Center gallery.

• Doors to the auditorium open at 2:00 and the program starts at 2:15. You’ll hear from each of the heroes about their work and personal path and be able to support Bay Nature at a short but rousing Fund-A-Need.

• Program concludes at 3:30 for a catered reception of passed hors d'oeuvres. Wine and beer will be served. The event will end at 5 pm.

• Be ready for plenty of fun! Pre-event activities to be announced at a later date.

Early bird tickets are $125 and available until February 23rd. Regular tickets are $175. Auditorium seating at the Brower Center is limited, so we encourage you to register now.

If you missed the fall announcement, this year’s extraordinary local heroes, selected from 75 nominations, are:

• Community Hero: Omar Gallardo, New Audiences Manager, LandPaths
• Environmental Educator: Blanca Olivia Hernández, Director of Programs & Partnerships, YES Nature to Neighborhoods
• Young Leader: Alexii Sigona, Youth Group Leader, Amah Mutsun Tribal Band
• Conservation Action: Stuart B. (Stu) Weiss, Chief scientist & Founder, Creekside Center for Earth Observation

For more information about:

• Brower Center Covid protocols click here.
• Bay Nature’s 2023 Local Heroes click here.
• The David Brower Center, a nonprofit space with an environmental mission, containing office space, an art gallery, conference facilities, and 178-seat theater click here.

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 [email protected] 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 Christina Jaramillo at [email protected] or (510) 528-8550 x103.

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

No. We will have a list of guest names at the door, so 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?

After you register, you'll receive information about parking. The Brower Center 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 Christina Jaramillo at [email protected] or (510) 528-8550 x103.

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 Christina Jaramillo at [email protected].

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).

Host or Publisher Bay Nature magazine