Florida Wildlife Federation Recognizes Ryans

The Florida Wildlife Federation honored John and Marian Ryan of Winter Haven with the 2010 FWF Stewardship Award for their tremendous efforts on behalf of Florida, her citizens and her environment at the Federation’s 73rd Annual Conservation Awards Banquet.

For over two decades, John and Marian Ryan have vigorously pursued the environmental enhancement not only of their community in Polk County, but of the state.   John, who presently works to address the hydrological connections and river systems damaged by the construction of Interstate 4 in Central Florida, has for many years used his expertise to fight for renewable energy and in opposition to new coal-fired power plants.  Closer to home, he has worked for protection of the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern.   John also serves as a planning commissioner in his native Polk County.

Marian Ryan has served as president of the Friends of the Parks Foundation since 2004.  She successfully spearheaded efforts to gain funding for improvements for outdoor recreational sites and encouraged the usage of trails to fight against “nature deficit disorder,” and helped get the web-based Trek Ten Trails Program started to encourage use of local public lands.  An achiever of the highest order, Marian has worked to ensure gopher tortoise mitigation sites, passage of a land protection referendum which to date has conserved close to 26,000 acres and restoration of Lake Hancock.

The Federation’s annual selection of outstanding conservationists is one of the oldest in the state. Award winners are selected from nominations made to the Federation’s board of directors and are chosen for their dedicated efforts on behalf of Florida’s fish and wildlife and native habitats.

Friends of the Parks Foundation is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization created to promote and support parks and recreational opportunities in Polk County.  To learn how you can join this exciting group of dedicated citizens, go to www.friendsoftheparks.net.