The DEP won two awards from the World Water Monitoring Challenge. The WWMC is an international program that aims to increase awareness and activism in regard to protecting water sources. The program also challenges communities to monitor and maintain water quality for the area it services.
“The Department is honored to have Jackie Turner and the Office of Environmental Education lead our water quality education initiatives,” said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. in a press release dated March 22. “Committed employees like these are the reason our agency is so successful, and they are ensuring that the next generation is excited about environmental protection.”
Turner received the Champion Award for North America for her work and involvement with the Wakulla Springs State Park. The program Turner launched, which helped her to secure the award, is about getting the community into the park to explore what the environment has to offer. She takes groups on tours through the park’s river system and teaches the group about the water and plant life of the park.
The Office of Environmental Education won the Group Champion Award for North America for its efforts in educating Florida residents about the environment.