The Florida State Parks Basis is reflecting on its 2020 perform helping the Florida Park Provider. But like everyone, the group is also seeking ahead to the start off of 2021 and the stop of what was a cruddy 2020.
“I am guaranteed that we all will be glad to see the end of 2020. It surely has been a tumultuous yr and we share the soreness of all these who have suffered through these challenging situations,” mentioned Basis CEO Julia Gill Woodward in a 12 months-stop concept.
“However, as we solution the new year, we should reflect on the superior things that have occurred and seem ahead with hope to whatever might be spherical the corner in 2021.”
The group will work on preservation, training and volunteer initiatives to aid maintain the 175 state parks located during Florida. The basis began in 1993 as Close friends of Florida Condition Parks. Volunteers donate extra than a million hrs each and every year serving to the group.
Woodward took over as the foundation’s CEO in 2019. She earlier served as chief of team for former Rep. Gwen Graham, and also ran Graham’s strategies for Congress and Governor.
“Despite the troubles confronted for the duration of 2020, volunteers and park workers held functions going, furnishing a welcome and risk-free location for persons seeking to exercise and check out the outdoor during these restricted social instances,” Woodward added.
“The Foundation is genuinely fortuitous to have the support of the lots of tens of 1000’s of people – both of those volunteers and supporters — who figure out the importance of our wonderful condition parks and the will need to safeguard and preserve them for generations to occur. The influence they have are unable to be overstated. Also all through the 12 months, $500,000 was raised to reward Florida Point out Parks,” Woodward reported.
Woodward’s finish of 12 months notice spotlighted the group’s aid for the Sea Turtle Ambassador Program at John D. MacArthur Seaside Point out Park and aiding Hurricane Michael restoration attempts at St. Andrews State Park. The firm also funded training for approximately 100 park rangers in 2020.
Their work is continuing in the course of the close of 2020 and into 2021.
“In the following several months, thanks to your support, we will commence planting additional than 83,000 longleaf pine seedlings, primarily in parks that endured devastating tree reduction triggered by latest hurricanes,” Woodward explained.
“Through the do the job of many, considerably has been accomplished. Jointly we will continue on to make certain that Florida’s condition parks remain the finest in the nation and a treasure that we can all be proud of.”
