A Floridian who worked to preserve the state’s natural resources — including the Everglades — has been named the Bob Graham Center’s first Citizen of the Year. Nathaniel Reed won for his efforts as an environmental activist.
“We wanted to establish the Citizen of the Year award in order to recognize Floridian residents who have made a substantial contribution to the state,” said Shelby Taylor, the center’s digital communications director.
A committee of leading citizens drawn from various backgrounds in Florida chose the winner, along with two honorees — Martha Barnett and Ellen Friedin. The award ceremony will be Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Shula’s Hotel and Golf Club in Miami Lakes.
Reed is vice chairman of both the Everglades Foundation and the Florida Conservation Coalition, according to a news release.
“Reed’s selfless service to our state was really impressive,” Taylor said. “He has made a huge difference in the health of the state that we all share and love.”
Reed was an important figure during the signing of the Florida Jetport Pact, which stopped construction by the Everglades, and the abandonment of the Cross-Florida Barge Canal project. A few years later, he accepted the invitation of President Richard Nixon to become Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife and National Parks, according to the release.
Reed was sick and unavailable for comment.
“People are generally preoccupied with growth, regardless of space and resources,” said Nicholas Brown, a 23-year-old UF environmental engineering alumnus. “Mr. Reed has taken into account the environmental crisis, and that not only includes physical and biological factors, but the social consequences of the environmental segregation.”
