Everglades advocate Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart was honored with Audubon's prestigious Champion of the Everglades award. Congressman Diaz-Balart co-founded the Everglades Caucus in the US House of Representatives, and as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, lead efforts to ensure funding for the construction of important Everglades restoration projects, including the recently completed C-111 Spreader Canal Western Project and the first phase of the Tamiami Trail bridge.

“Audubon proudly honors Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart with our Champion of the Everglades award,” said Eric Draper, Audubon Florida’s Executive Director. “Congressman Diaz-Balart has shown strong leadership leading to real results for America’s River of Grass, demonstrating that progress is the result of patience, hard work, and partnership. His leadership in the Florida Congressional delegation has kept the Everglades on the top of the nation’s ecosystem priority list, year after year. Congressman Diaz-Balart knows the true value of Everglades restoration projects realized for both Florida’s economy and the environment.”

The event was held in Miami’s Design District and was attended by Audubon staff and other Everglades supporters. Upon receiving the award Congressman Diaz-Balart pledged “The Everglades is one of our state’s natural treasures and I will continue to fight for its preservation.”