Posted: 5-15-2008
Crist recognizes IFAS Master Naturalist as the weekly "Point of Light"
Gov. Charlie Crist recognized Pamela Jones-Morton, a UF/IFAS Master Naturalist, as the weekly “Point of Light” April 30.
Jones-Morton is a volunteer and Master Naturalist at Lovers Key State Park in Fort Myers Beach.
The Florida Master Naturalist program is led by IFAS wildlife ecologist Marty Main. The program works to promote awareness of and respect for the state’s natural world.
Jones-Morton has put skills learned in that program to good use, heading a shorebird monitoring program at Lovers Key State Park during the nesting season. She shares the data with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the International Shorebird Society to better understand and protect shorebirds.
Last year, she also spent 535 hours volunteering at the park. She teaches new staff and volunteers about coastal resources, local history and responsible recreation. She’s trained park rangers to lead guided kayak tours and staff and volunteers to guide beach walks and estuary tours. Also, at times, she has represented the park as a media spokesperson.
The Governor’s Points of Light Award recognizes a Florida resident who demonstrates exemplary service to the community.
For more information or to nominate someone, visit www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org.
Florida Master Naturalist Program:
http://www.masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/
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