Robert Redford is no stranger to recognition for his environmental activism — and the actor can look forward to one more accolade when he receives the first ever Duke LEAF Award on April 18 at Duke University. Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment established the annual award this year to honor artists whose work inspires environmental awareness and stewardship in others. From the release,

Redford was selected by the executive committee of the Nicholas School’s Board of Visitors “for his unique and central role as an artist, his moving portrayal of the natural world as an integral character in his films, and his strong and effective environmental advocacy.” He will be presented the award in a public ceremony at Page Auditorium during Duke Alumni Reunion Weekend.

While at Duke, Redford will meet with students and faculty members, and tour environmental research facilities at the Nicholas School.

“I am honored to be in the company of a school which has as its mission to train leaders of consequence for a sustainable future,” Redford said. “Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment has a particularly unique creative and innovative bent to it, which makes it all the more meaningful to me.”

Redford’s most recent victory on behalf of the environment came in early January when he — along with other environmental organizations — successfully lobbied the Obama administration to overturn a last-minute Bush effort to lease oil and gas drilling rights near national parks and monuments. We congratulate him on this latest honor! (Look for a live stream of the awards ceremony on April 18th here.)

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About Michael dEstries

Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.

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