RESTON, Va. — The National Wildlife Federation honored Charmayne Planter, former leader of National Wildlife Federation’s Earth Tomorrow program, with the National Conservation Young Leader Award for her commitment to helping young adults reclaim their voice and make a positive impact in their community.

Planter has been heavily involved in bringing awareness of clean air and water, safe communities, and equitable access to nature to her peers and organizing them to act. She has managed community action projects that include river clean-ups, plantings, park maintenance, climate rallies, and community awareness campaigns. She also organized a walk-out at her school to participate in global youth-led activism in the Global Climate Strike, started by Greta Thunberg in 2019. Planter’s Earth Tomorrow club efforts were recognized on social media by key activist Stacey Abrams during the Georgia governor’s race.

“Ensuring that all Americans have equitable access to clean air, clean water and green space is the foundation to any and all conservation success,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Whether leading letter writing campaigns or helping the Atlanta Earth Tomorrow chapter to address environmental racism, Charmayne is a shining example of the dedication needed to inspire real change and ensure a promising future for people and wildlife alike.”

“Winning this award serves as fuel to continue my education and engagement with people of color and their connection to the environment,” Planter said.

Now an alumnus of the Atlanta Earth Tomorrow Program, Planter continues to advocate for conservation and environmental justice. Planter currently attends Sarah Lawrence College, where she is studying International Development and Environmental Studies. Her ambitions are to embrace a career in environmental law and political advocacy.

The National Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Awards began in 1966. Since then, the National Wildlife Federation has celebrated individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting wildlife through education, advocacy, communication and on-the-ground conservation. Previous honorees have included former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson and Michelle Obama and other national leaders, including U.S. Sen. John McCain and filmmaker Robert Redford.