Habitat Hero 2026 Winner – Kristi Coopersmith
June 7, 2026
Cape Conservation Corps (CCC) is happy to announce the winner of our 2026 Scholarship: Ruby Dougherty! Ruby Dougherty’s volunteer service showcases her deep commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement, resulting in her recognition as the Cape Conservation Corps Class of 2026 Scholarship Awardee. As she prepares to attend the University of Rhode Island, Ruby’s experiences reflect a solid foundation in environmental literacy and activism.
Key Highlights of Ruby’s Environmental Interest and Volunteer Service:
- Broadneck High School Environmental Literacy Program
- Ruby participated in Broadneck’s Environmental Literacy initiative, taking courses that fostered an understanding of environmental issues and solutions.
- Capstone Project: Ruby’s project focused on habitat loss for pollinators, specifically honey bees, which included a beekeeping course, securing funding through a grant, and establishing a community apiary named Ru-Bees.
- Community Projects
- Save Our Trees: Actively involved in invasive species removal, saving approximately 30 trees in local clean-up events.
- Pond Restoration Project: Collaborated on rehabilitating a campus pond, enhancing biodiversity and water quality.
- Surfrider Foundation Engagement
- Club President: Founded and led the Surfrider Club at Broadneck High School, engaging 70 students in various environmental projects.
- Beach Clean-ups: Organized multiple clean-up events, including a collaboration with the Annapolis Chapter that resulted in significant trash collection.
- Educational Outreach: Presented at community events, teaching about beekeeping and environmental conservation.
- Fundraising and Advocacy
- Southern California Wildfire Fundraiser: Raised over $350 for wildfire relief efforts.
- Maryland Lobby Day: Actively participated in lobbying for environmental protection legislation, leading peers in discussions with state representatives.
- Creative Initiatives
- Mural Project: Designed a mural made from 2,000 plastic bottle caps, promoting awareness about ocean conservation.
- Sustainable Lunch Day: Initiated a contest to reduce single-use plastics in the school, rewarding students for eco-friendly choices.
Ruby’s extensive volunteer work not only demonstrates her leadership skills and dedication to environmental issues but also highlights her ability to inspire and mobilize her peers. As she transitions to the University of Rhode Island, her passion for marine affairs and environmental science is poised to grow, allowing her to make an even greater impact. We wish Ruby much success and happiness as she begins college this fall!
