Friday, May 14, 2010 - County Staff, Commissioner Recognized By Conservation Alliance

Two St. Lucie County staff members and one County Commissioner were recently recognized by the St. Lucie County Conservation Alliance for their efforts in environmental protection and awareness.

At its annual Environmental Awards luncheon, the St. Lucie County Conservation Alliance presented Outstanding Environmental Services Awards to County Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky and Cooperative Extension and Environmental Education Manager Anita Neal. Additionally, the group awarded its Environmentalist of the Year Award to St. Lucie County Marine Resource Coordinator Jim Oppenborn.

Commissioner Dzadovsky was recognized for his many community projects and tireless support for environmental projects aimed at cleaning up the Indian River Lagoon, while Neal was acknowledged for the Extension Office's countless outreach and education programs that continue to foster a collaborative working environment.

Oppenborn's earned the Environmentalist of the Year Award for his work with St. Lucie County's oyster reef restoration project in the Indian River Lagoon, as well as the artificial reef program, which spares concrete and steel from the landfill and uses it to create offshore reefs for marine life.

The St. Lucie County Conservation Alliance is a non-profit group dedicated to protecting St. Lucie County's native habitat and natural environmental.