Much like 2020, this has been a year full of uncertainty and marked with the necessity for flexibility. St. Johns RIVERKEEPER has pivoted to successfully offer even more outdoor programming as well as virtual learning opportunities for children and adults. We were also thrilled to be able to offer some of our in-person events again, including the perennial Oyster Roast.
With your help, St. Johns RIVERKEEPER continues to unwaveringly defend the St. Johns, advocate for sensible policy solutions, and provide the River with a much-needed voice.
This year, we are proud to report our progress and successes in advocacy, education, and community outreach as we work together toward our vision of a thriving St. Johns River Watershed:
- Our education team has provided education programs for more than 5,000 students this year, including educational boat trips for all 800 second graders in Putnam County at the annual Frolic on the St. Johns event.
- We spearheaded the passage of improved state protections for the land disposal of sewage sludge that is polluting our river, but more must be done. So, we convened a legal and science team to advocate for additional protections and more sustainable disposal practices.
- We’ve collected more algae bloom samples than ever before along the St. Johns to test for harmful toxins.
- Our Rising Tides young professionals have led cleanups each month on McCoy’s Creek, collecting over 150 bags of trash so far.
- We received a grant to purchase WATERGOAT trash traps to collect trash and debris that washes into our tributaries. The first one will be installed on McCoy’s Creek!
- We have partnered with companies and organizations including Amazon, Aerotek, Anheuser Busch, and White Harvest Farms to clean up and restore our River and its tributaries. Through these initiatives we engaged over 70 volunteers and collected more than 75 bags of trash.
- We’ve raised significant awareness and support for one of the most beneficial and cost-effective springs and river restoration projects in Florida today – breaching the Rodman/Kirkpatrick Dam.
- We have held two 2070 growth management workshops in partnership with 1000 Friends of Florida to develop a coalition of advocates for sustainable development in Volusia and Seminole Counties.
- The Tiny Dock Series has been a fun and safe way to keep our community connected. We have engaged new sponsors and partners, and educated hundreds of attendees about our mission through great music and the beautiful scenery of the St. Johns River and her tributaries.
- Our Water Policy Group has delved deeper into the issues affecting tributary residents, whose voices may not have traditionally been heard, addressing problems contributing to pollution, sea level rise, and flooding.
- We held nine virtual presentations and workshops for middle basin residents and the unique issues this area is facing, including smart growth and water quality/quantity protection.
As we approach the end of the year, please consider making a contribution or providing a gift membership to a loved one to help continue our progress toward a clean and healthy St. Johns River. Together, we must continue to give the St. Johns River a voice!