Recognition highlights individuals who excel in wetlands protection, restoration and education
NEW ORLEANS – Restore the Mississippi River Delta is pleased to announce that Simone Maloz, its campaign director, was recently recognized as a 2025 National Wetlands Awardee for promoting wetland education and awareness by the Environmental Law Institute.
Since 1989, the National Wetlands Awards have been presented annually to individuals who have excelled in wetlands protection, restoration and education. Through coordinated media outreach and educational events, awardees receive national recognition and attention for their outstanding efforts.
“I am honored to receive this award,” said Simone Maloz, campaign director of Restore the Mississippi River Delta. “Growing up in southeast Louisiana has taught me resilience and compassion, and I am fiercely committed to protecting this place and culture I call home. By educating others and raising awareness about the importance of our fragile wetlands, we can ensure that our unique way of life thrives for generations to come.”
Over the years, the Environmental Law Institute has given awards to 225 individuals, communities and agency representatives.
“The Environmental Law Institute is proud to honor Simone as the 2025 recipient of the Promoting Wetland Education and Awareness award,” said Tess Wilkerson, staff attorney at the Environmental Law Institute. “From engaging communities in shaping Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan to building support for restoration funding and bringing wetlands education to life through audio storytelling and field experiences, Simone exemplifies the spirit of the National Wetlands Awards. Her work reflects an unwavering commitment to educating the public, collaborating across sectors, and advancing the protection of our nation’s remaining wetlands.”
As campaign director for Restore the Mississippi River Delta, Maloz leads efforts to advance a just, climate-resilient future for the Mississippi River Delta where both people and nature thrive. Her work focuses on driving the coalition’s priorities—advancing critical restoration projects, protecting and expanding coastal funding, and building the foundation for a sustainable coast for generations to come.
For more information about Simone and the work being done by Restore the Mississippi River Delta visit, https://mississippiriverdelta.org.
About Restore the Mississippi River Delta:
Restore the Mississippi River Delta is working to protect people, wildlife and jobs by reconnecting the river with its wetlands. As our region faces the crisis of land loss, we offer science-based solutions through a comprehensive approach to restoration. Composed of conservation, policy, science, outreach and communications experts from Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation and Pontchartrain Conservancy, we are located in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Washington, D.C.; and around the United States. Learn more at MississippiRiverDelta.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.