Imagine attending an early Earth Day educational event to learn through storytelling and science about South Florida’s invisible trail of organic contaminants, and how these pollutants move though the waterways, aquifers, drinking water and ultimately into us. The fact that our Earth Day event is free and sponsored by the Broward Sierra Group makes it even more special!
This year on March 8th, 2026, at Anne Kolb Nature Center venue our theme for our early Earth Day Celebration is “Water Is at the Center of Everything”. Our day is filled with learning about the work of different environmental organizations, as well as thought provoking lectures that will inspire people to understand the responsibility of being good stewards to our planet, and to take responsibility for protecting and preserving Earth’s resources. We look forward to sharing our Earth Day experience with you The Broward Sierra Club way.
We welcome two leading water toxicologists to present about their research which focuses on the organic pollutants in our waterways, and our drinking water, and the effects it has on us. And our 3rd presenter is a local activist who ensures that science does not sit on a shelf but is used to challenge unlawful behavior. She’s an expert on confronting self-interest decision making from elected officials
and a brilliant defender of our waterways and environment.
Speakers: Inside The Mangrove Hall
Adam Roberti 8:45 to 9:15- Executive Director for the Xavier Cortada Foundation using art to raise awareness about climate change to work across disciplines to engage communities in problem-solving. Particularly environmentally focused, his work aims to generate awareness and action around climate change, sea level rise, and biodiversity loss.
Dr. Jamie DeWitt, Ph.D. 12:10 to 12:45. Environmental Science and Neural Science, Director of the Environmental Health Sciences Center at Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences, and she is a leading innovative researcher in environmental toxicology and human health.
Dr. Natalia Soares Quinete 11:00 -11:30 Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at FIU Institute of Environment College of Arts, Science and Education. Her research includes environmental organic contaminants in South Florida waterways and drinking water.
Katrina Shadix,11:35 -12:05 Fierce defender of animals and the environment. Sponsor at FWC Landscape Conservation Summit and works at Bear Conservation, Ecology and Behavior at Wildlife Research Institute and sponsor at Florida Wildlife Corridor Summit.
Exhibitors: Anne Kolb Outside Courtyard
1. City of Hollywood’s Sustainability Advisory Committee. Elaine Franklin Environmental Sustainability Coordinator City of Hollywood.
2. Renüable - Xavier De Roos is an environmental entrepreneur and the founder of Renüable, a South Florida-based company specializing in waste diversion and community composting programs.
3. Broward Sierra Group & Youth Sierra Group: Information about our organization, games and prizes.
4. Green Thumb Landscaping: Janine and her team specialize in native plant design and tropical landscape design, installation, and maintenance and interior plantscape firm.
5. Phil Busey: Miami Dade College Kendall Campus A plant scientist who specializes in soils and plant taxonomy. Presenting in the exhibit Hall.
6. Sea Turtle Oversight Protection: Turtle conservation and rescue.
7. Friends of Our Florida Reef / DEP’s Coral Reef Conservation Program: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection Coral Reef Conservation Program.
8. Ocean Rescue Alliance International/1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project: The Ocean Rescue Alliance (ORA) is a marine conservation and restoration non-profit organization that implements innovative techniques to restore our marine environments.
9. The Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida (DECF). Works to elect Democrats that support environmental policy and initiatives.
10. League of Women Voters: Nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy.
11. Science Eye.: Hands-on, inquiry-based programs that enable students to explore the world around them, gain new insights and make them aware that science is an exciting part of everything they do.
12. Broward Clean Air: Advocating for clean air and against the use of incineration.
13. Rotary Club of Hollywood: Advocating for the betterment of the community and focuses on positively impacting our youth and our world.
14. 3rd Act: Organizing campaigns with our seasoned generation holds unparalleled power to enact real change. Using our life experiences, skills, and resources, we unite to tackle the unfinished work of our lifetimes and ensure a safe and stable planet for generations to come.
15. Friends of Anne Kolb: To protect, foster, and advance the unique ecology of South Florida environments through nature-oriented activities such as field studies, nature walks, workshops and art projects.
16. YMCA of Hollywood: Strengthening community through multiple programs that are inclusive vibrant hubs of community life.
17. Bonnet House: Preeminent house museum dedicated to historic and environmental preservation and about the story of Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett, preserving their art, history and nature and inspiration for all.
18. Broward County Libraries: Programs advocating for education, learning and opportunity.
Annual Plastic Waste Art Contest for High School Students 12:40 to 2:00 PM
Our annual plastic waste art contest will feature students from all over Broward County who have created art projects to be displayed inside the Mangrove Hall, and the top 3 winners will read their essay about how they see the impacts of plastic waste in their world. The winning prizes determined by the contest judges include first place $1000, 2nd place
$ 500 and third place $250. Judging by city and county leaders as well as educators and artists will take place at the event.
Panel Discussion Inside the Mangrove Hall
Forum Panel Discussion 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM : A dynamic platform moderated by Susan Steinhauser from the Climate Reality North Broward and Palm Beach County (NBPBC) chapter, as well as community and county leaders who are dedicated to join our panel of expert toxicologists, climate scientists, environmental advocates including Richard Grosso who is a public interest environmental and land use lawyer in a discussion about water quality. Together, this panel will address the challenges posed by PFAS-contaminated water and its impacts on both human health and wildlife. They will discuss and explore effective strategies to protect our water resources and safeguard both people and wildlife.
A Woodstock dance revival to end our event with a DJ 4:00 to 5:00 PM. As we dance together in unity to celebrate our efforts in behalf of a cleaner and healthier environment for all.
