Friends of Brooker Creek Named Conservation Organization of the Year
PINELLAS COUNTY - The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve (FOBCP) were recently named the Conservation Organization of the Year in the 2007 Conservation Awards issued by the Florida Wildlife Federation.
According to Diane Hines, Vice President of Administration for the Florida Wildlife Federation, the designation is awarded to groups which have had significant conservation achievements during the past year.
The Friends have provided substantial support to the Preserve and the advancement of its goals and mission in numerous ways throughout the years including:
- Producing six annual Run in the Woods events between 1996-2002.
- Presenting numerous slide presentations and talks at local public and civic groups to promote public support for the Preserve and its programs..
- Assisting in the planning and management of Toad-ally Terrific Field Camp, a summer camp program for kids.
- Providing communication links to the county program via:
- A website for public information about Brooker Creek Preserve; its location, history, activities and events..
- A phone line maintained and paid for by the Friends as an important communication link between the staff and the public in the earlier days.
- Participating in environmental events throughout the Tampa Bay area by setting up informational displays to encourage interest and public awareness about the mission of the Preserve.
- Sending invitational membership mailings to1800+ households within five zip-code areas to raise public support for the Preserve.
- Meeting with county officials, staff, and the public to discuss proposals and issues that affect Brooker Creek Preserve.
- Participating on Pinellas County's Environmental Science Forum (ESF).
- Providing financial assistance for various programs benefiting the Preserve.
- Preparing a grand-scale fundraising effort by to supplement county funds for educational exhibits.
- Furthering educational projects by participating in SWFWMD grant programs
- Developing and producing a newsletter to educate, inform, and nurture public interest in the Preserve programs, events, and issues
The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve, Inc. have been strong supporters of the mission of Brooker Creek Preserve since its inception 13 years ago. Efforts now are concentrated more towards keeping the Preserve intact. With help from other organizations and the public, the Friends successfully warded off a horse riding facility and an attempt to pump water from underneath Brooker Creek Preserve for the purpose of irrigating a private golf course. The FOBCP is currently enthralled in a battle to save more than 100 acres within the Preserve from being carved out for sports fields or any other uses other than passive recreation.
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