GOVERNOR CRIST NAMES PAMELA JONES-MORTON OF LEE COUNTY AS POINT OF LIGHT
April 30, 2008
Contact:
GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE — Governor Charlie Crist today recognized Pamela Jones-Morton as this week’s Point of Light for outstanding volunteerism. Pamela is a volunteer and Master Naturalist at Lovers Key State Park in Fort Myers Beach, Fla.
“Pamela’s commitment to the environment and to Lovers Key State Park has added to the overall park experience, an experience that both visitors and staff can enjoy,” said Governor Crist. “It’s wonderful to see Floridians such as Pamela pass on an advanced understanding of wildlife and nature, giving visitors a deeper appreciation for our state’s natural beauty and history.”
As a Master Naturalist, certified by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Pamela’s knowledge of Florida’s environment has benefitted the Lovers Key State Park where she heads a shorebird monitoring program during the nesting season. She records data and shares it with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the International Shorebird Society in order to better understand and protect the valuable species of birds.
In 2007, Pamela spent 535 hours volunteering at the park. Using her background as an educator, Pamela teaches new staff and volunteers about coastal resources, local history and responsible recreation. She has trained park rangers to lead guided kayak tours and staff and volunteers to guide beach walks and estuary tours. She has also represented the park as a media spokesperson on numerous occasions.
“Pamela’s outstanding volunteer qualities have become an asset to the park,” said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “Her dedication to Florida’s resources is exemplified in her weekly interpretative programs and her work with the shorebird nesting monitoring program.”
The Governor’s Points of Light Award, sponsored by Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, recognizes a Florida resident who demonstrates exemplary service to the community. Award recipients are announced each week. A panel of volunteer judges, composed of leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service, evaluates all nominations and makes recommendations to the Governor. The Governor’s Volunteer Florida Foundation manages the program. For more information or to nominate, visit www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org.