District celebrates the many champions of conservation
In celebration of Conservation Professionals Week, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible team at the St. Johns River Water Management District. When people think of conservation, efforts like wetland restoration, land preservation and no-till farming often come to mind, but behind these initiatives is a diverse group of dedicated professionals working to make that happen.
Conservation is a collaborative effort, requiring a wide range of expertise, each playing an important role in protecting and preserving our natural resources. From hydrologists who study water flow and quality to engineers who design sustainable solutions to administrative experts who manage projects and funding, each team member contributes their unique skills to the larger mission of conservation.
Suzanne Archer, the District’s Agricultural Cost-share Program technical program manager, embodies this dedication. With a 34-year career across five organizations, Archer feels as though working for the District is where she was meant to land. “I’m able to combine my background in production agriculture with my passion for protecting our natural resources,” she explains. “I enjoy working with producers and District staff to help protect our water supply for food and fiber production for future generations of agriculturists.”
Environmental Scientist Paul Ek has spent 30 years on the water quality team and has witnessed significant environmental restoration firsthand at Lake Apopka. “When I joined the District in 1994, it was known as the most polluted lake in the state, but thanks to the District’s initiatives—such as acquiring farmland, establishing a marsh flow-way, harvesting gizzard shad and promoting native aquatic plants—Lake Apopka has become a popular destination for anglers, birders, hikers and bikers.” Ek adds, “If you told me 30 years ago there would be cars lined up at 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning waiting for the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive to open, I would have thought you were crazy. But that’s the rewarding part of being involved in work that contributes to such a notable environmental recovery.”
Anne Elise Wester, a supervising professional engineer in the Bureau of District Projects and Construction, is committed to restoring and enhancing the region’s water resources. “Some projects I work on restore hydrology for improving ecosystems, while others ensure that flood control infrastructure is effective or improve water quality,” she shares. “Many projects also increase opportunities for public recreation, which I enjoy as well.”
These are just a few of the many conservation professionals at the District working every day to protect our natural resources. Their commitment, expertise and passion are essential to ensuring the sustainable use of water, ultimately benefiting both the people of the District and the entire state.
