Success Stories About
Volunteers
Alligators, Panthers and Snakes. Oh
My!
Taking Pride in Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee: Story by Brian Older
A whirlwind of activity took place March 14 and 15, as the 17th annual Take
Pride in Lake Okeechobee event was staged in Clewiston, Florida. On Friday,
March 14, the Corps hosted a volunteer recognition dinner, with over 150
attendees joining together to recognize volunteer staff for the South
Florida Operations Office. Each volunteer received an award presented by
Colonel Greg May and were treated to a real Southern style barbeque.
Saturday, March 15, kicked off the "Lake Discovery, a Learning Expedition,"
a day filled with fun and educational activities for the community. Children
were given a passport at registration and had to complete each activity in
order to receive a gift bag. A satellite event at W.P. Franklin Lock
Recreation Area, coordinated by Park Rangers Phil Hart and Robert Schnell,
had volunteers planting oak, cypress, and palm trees, building bird houses,
installing park benches, and installing a new irrigation system.
Guest speakers at the event included Walt Reynolds, a professional bass
fisherman, the Seminole Tribe, the American Red Cross, Gatorama, and the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission presenting a program about manatees.
Volunteers also provided water safety workshops.
One of the interesting activities to participate in was an environmental
mural painting. Kids were given the chance to join a noted local artist to
help paint an 8 foot by 16-foot mural of the Okeechobee ecosystem. Another
popular event was the casting contest, where children were taught proper
fishing skills and competed for prizes.
This year's event also featured a pavilion of exhibitors from US Sugar,
Florida Department of Forestry, who also presented a fire attack helicopter
demonstration, Hendry County Recycling, Glades County Economic Development
Council, Palm Beach Coalition to Prevent Drowning, DARE, and the Florida
Trail Association, who led a hike for the adults.
An estimated 380 participants took part in this event. All-in-all it was a
fun day and a great way to recognize and show appreciation to our
volunteers, and to involve the community in a positive experience with the
Corps of Engineers.
Do you have a volunteer success story to share?
We will rotate
stories and print them as space becomes available.
