The Friends of St. Sebastian River Board of Directors has unanimously selected the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park as the recipient of the organization's 2017 Environmental Enhancement Award. This prestigious recognition given annually since 1999 is awarded to an organization, individual, or project which has made a major enhancement to the St. Sebastian River.
Over the past year, the State Park secured grants to hire contractors who worked methodically to remove invasive plants along the western shore of the south prong of the St. Sebastian River. Changes can already be seen as a result of their efforts covering over 35 acres of shoreline. Plants native to Florida will now provide more healthy habitats for the animals living in the park.
Tim Glover, president of the Friends of St. Sebastian River, will present the award to Dylan Gavagni, park manager, and Samantha McGee, environmental specialist, at 6 p.m. Jan. 23 at the North Indian River County Library, 1001 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian. The public is encouraged to attend. Gavagni will describe other park projects and be available to answer questions.
During the meeting, McGee will present updated information on the invasive plant project, as well as several other resource management projects. As the longest serving employee at the park, McGee is widely recognized for her extensive knowledge in land management issues, including prescribed burning, scrub jay monitoring, red-cockaded woodpecker research, and habitat restoration.
The St. Sebastian Preserve State Park encompasses over 35 square miles spanning both Indian River and Brevard counties. Its 60 miles of trails can be explored by foot, bicycle and horseback and the park is home to many native plants and animals, including over 70 protected species.
The mission of the Friends of St. Sebastian River is to maintain and improve the health and beauty of the St. Sebastian River and its watershed. For further information on the nonprofit organization, visit fssr.org.