The Conservancy of Southwest Florida hosted its 53rd Annual Members’ Meeting on Jan. 12 at the Conservancy Nature Center. During the meeting, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida introduced new members to the board of directors, presented the 2017 Eagle Award to John and Donna Hall, and introduced its first Eaglet Award, presented to fourth grade student, Kea Shindle.
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida welcomed two new members to its board of directors, which includes John Hall, former oil executive and prior Conservancy board member; and John Walter, an active force in global conservation efforts and board member for EcoAmerica and the African Wildlife Foundation. Four members were also re-elected to serve an additional four-year term on the board of directors, including Phil Gresh, Wayne Meland, Mayela Rosales and Van Williams.
“Now, well into our fifth decade as a leading environmental protection organization, we have had the opportunity welcome new friends and supporters as well as spend time with our long-time supporters – who believe, as we all do, in the pursuit of common-sense, science-based conservation,” said Ken Krier, board chair for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “We are a team that wants to provide solutions to the pressing mission of protecting Southwest Florida’s water, land, and wildlife in order to preserve our future.”
The 2017 Eagle Award recognized John and Donna Hall, who have been involved and highly supportive of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida for more than 20 years. As a board member, John Hall has used his expertise in the oil industry to help advance the Conservancy’s legislative priorities and water quality efforts. Donna Hall has served on our Magic Under the Mangroves committee and been instrumental in raising funds for the operational needs of the organization. John and Donna Hall were selected as the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s 2017 Eagle Award Winners because of their integrity, dedication and unwavering commitment to protecting Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.
The Eaglet Award was a new addition to this year’s meeting, created to honor bright young leaders who dedicate themselves to protect the natural environment and quality of life in Southwest Florida. Kea Shindle was selected as the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s Inaugural Eaglet Award winner due to her dedication in leading her peers toward raising awareness about wildlife rehabilitation and the Conservancy’s mission. Shindle ran for fourth grade class president at The Village School of Naples using her love and commitment to Southwest Florida’s wildlife as her election platform. Shortly after winning the election, the fourth grade classed raised $305, which was donated to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital.
“Generous, civic-minded members and donors serve as the foundation for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s distinctive and unique structure, and play a monumental role in carrying out our mission to protect our region’s water, land, wildlife and future,” said Rob Moher, president and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “Alongside our valued supporters, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida will continue to build on our reputation for science-based policy recommendations, world-class scientific research, rehabilitation of native wildlife populations, and quality environmental education for our citizens.”
About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a not-for-profit environmental protection organization with a 50-year history focused on the issues impacting the water, land wildlife and future of Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Conservancy accomplishes this mission through the combined efforts of its experts in the areas of environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, world-class Nature Center and von Arx Wildlife Hospital are headquartered in Naples, Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, south of the Naples Zoo off Goodlette-Frank Road. Learn more about the Conservancy’s work and how to support the quality of life in Southwest Florida www.conservancy.org.
