10 Years As Your St. Johns RIVERKEEPER

A lot has happened since our last post. But before we get down to business, we are excited to announce our 10-year anniversary! For ten years, St. Johns RIVERKEEPER has proudly served the community as your independent voice for the St. Johns River.

We are grateful to everyone who has supported us since our inception. This important milestone in the history of our organization is a time to reflect on past accomplishments and the importance of the river to our community and quality of life. It is also an opportunity for us to rally around the river, recommit ourselves to the cause, and to prepare for the work that lay ahead. Please, take the time to contemplate what the river means to you and your family and make a pledge to help the St. Johns in some way in 2010. Check our website, http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/10, or this blog frequently for the latest news, upcoming events, and ways that you can get involved and make a difference. By working together, we can have a clean and healthy St. Johns River and enjoy the ultimate reason to celebrate and rejoice.

With the help of our supporters, here are some of the things that we have been able to accomplish. Since 2000, St. Johns RIVERKEEPER has:

• Responded to hundreds of pollution incidents, holding polluters accountable and resolving problems.


• Led efforts to prevent construction-site runoff, fecal coliform bacteria pollution and nutrient pollution, the loss of critical wetlands and habitat, and the proposed withdrawals of water from the flow of the St. Johns River and Ocklawaha River.


• Provided presentations to over 500 schools and organizations and led over 100 boat trips for over 4500 adults and children.


• Organized or participated in several hundred community events to raise awareness about the river and the issues impacting its health.


• Received numerous awards, including the CSX Lifetime Environmental Achievement Award, Northeast Florida Regional Council’s 2006 Regional Award for Excellence in Environmental Stewardship, and the Florida Wildlife Federation’s 2009 Water Conservationist of the Year award.


• Produced quality educational resources for teachers and the public that include 3 documentaries (The Green Monster, Revenge of the River, My St. Johns River - Our Responsibility), a virtual tour website (http://www.mystjohnsriver.com/), a river guidebook (Get Your Feet Wet), lesson plans and curriculum.

There a lot of exciting upcoming events to celebrate the St. Johns River and our 10-year anniversary. Check out our website for more details.