Awards Nominations Now Open!
About the Awards
The State of the Estuary Conference is accepting nominations for the 2025 Jean Auer Environmental Award, Outstanding Environmental Project Awards, and Creative Environmental Awards. Awards will be presented during the conference in Oakland, California, on October 28 or October 29, 2025, at the Oakland Scottish Rite.
Please read all of the award information below before submitting an award nomination. For award-specific details, stop by the award pages (links provided below). You can submit multiple nominations, but please complete a new form for each nomination. All nominations are due at 11:59 PM ET on Friday, August 22, 2025.
Thank you for your nominations!
Jean Auer Environmental Award
Every two years at the State of the Estuary Conference, the San Francisco Estuary Partnership presents the Jean Auer Environmental Award to an outstanding individual to honor their significant contribution toward improving environmental quality in the Bay-Delta Estuary. The award is given in memory of Jean Auer, a Bay Area environmentalist, whose ground-breaking efforts were directed particularly at improving water management in California. Learn more about Jean Auer’s legacy, the 2024 awardees, and past recipients of the award.
Outstanding Environmental Project Award
Every two years, Friends of the San Francisco Estuary celebrates the most outstanding environmental projects of the region at the biennial State of the Estuary Conference. Awards go to those projects that significantly benefit the Estuary; are completed or show measurable results, have not been externally mandated (for example, to resolve an enforcement action), and further the goals and objectives of the 2022 Estuary Blueprint (Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan). Projects previously recognized include restoration of creeks, wetlands, and dunes; experimental natural infrastructure; collaborative volunteer efforts; and recycled water projects. Learn more about the Outstanding Environmental Project Award and the 2024 awardees.
Creative Environmental Award
Every two years, Friends of the San Francisco Estuary celebrates art and creativity that shares the knowledge, broadens the conversation, educates, and incites action to improve the San Francisco Bay/Delta Estuary. Learn more about the Creative Environmental Award and the 2024 awardees.
