Celebrating Conservation Professionals Week: The people behind the mission
Conservation Professionals Week, taking place Aug. 25-29, shines a spotlight on the people who power conservation. Efforts like wetland restoration, protecting wildlife habitats, prescribed burns, invasive species removal and monitoring water quality may come to mind when you think about conservation. But behind these initiatives is a diverse group of dedicated professionals working to make that happen.
This Conservation Professional’s Week, the St. Johns River Water Management District (District) is proud to highlight some of the amazing staff whose work exemplifies our mission to protect natural resources and support Florida’s growth by ensuring the sustainable use of Florida’s water for the benefit of the people of the District and the state.
Managing land for the future
Growing up next to the Wekiva River Buffer Conservation Area shaped Jeremy Olson’s path toward a career in land management. Now the District’s land management program manager, Jeremy channels his childhood love of Florida’s wild places into restoring and maintaining the lands the District manages.
He is especially proud of the team’s work at Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area, where past disturbances left the landscape in need of significant repair. Using a variety of restoration tools, they’ve begun restoring the area’s historic hydrology, forest structure and species composition.
“Land conservation and wildlife corridors have broad support in this state, which is great to see, but preservation alone isn’t enough,” Jeremy says. “Many ecosystems require active management, from prescribed fire to controlling invasive species, to remain healthy and functional. My role is to maintain and improve the areas the District manages so they serve the purpose they were intended to serve.”
Connecting people to Florida’s natural treasures
For Erin Reichel, education and outreach coordinator, the District’s mission of protecting water quality, water supply, flood protection and natural resources felt like a perfect fit from the start. Growing up in Florida fostered her love for the outdoors and inspired her to help preserve what makes the state so special for future generations.
Erin takes pride in her outreach work, whether teaching educators hands-on activities they can use in their classrooms or celebrating places like the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.
“Helping to connect people with water and lands within the District is something I take pride in,” she says. “In my role, I get to directly interact with community members, share our mission and show how we all play an important part in conserving and protecting Florida’s natural systems.”
Making a difference for three decades
For Jim Peterson, strategic planning basin coordinator, a love of biology and the environment led to a career that has now spanned more than three decades at the District. Over that time, he’s witnessed tangible improvements in the lakes and waterways of the Ocklawaha River Basin thanks to restoration work, nutrient reduction projects and floodplain wetland purchases.
One place especially close to his heart is Lake Apopka. “Even though the work is ongoing, the improvements there have been incredibly rewarding,” Jim says. His motivation is simple but powerful: “As corny as it sounds, I want to help improve the environment for future generations. I enjoy seeing wildlife in these areas and knowing they benefited from the work we have done gives me job satisfaction.”
Protecting water through every permit
Aliya Brewster, a regulatory scientist and one of the District’s newer team members, grew up on the Caloosahatchee River, where she witnessed firsthand the water quality issues that affect communities across the state. Learning about the District’s goals deeply resonated with her, inspiring her to join the public sector to safeguard Florida’s water systems.
Aliya sees value in every project she takes on. “The work, no matter the size, makes me proud to be a team member,” she says. Each completed case not only protects resources but also helps educate and encourage others to protect our resources. By ensuring compliance with permits designed to protect Florida’s waters, she helps ensure these resources will endure long into the future.
From inspiring others to restoring entire landscapes, these four professionals represent just a fraction of the dedicated District staff whose passion makes conservation possible. Their collective efforts help ensure that Florida’s waters, lands and wildlife are protected for everyone who depends on them.
