by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Now the most precious resource in Northeast Florida has a resource of its own.
The “Get Your Feet Wet” guide to the St. Johns River was officially released to the public by the St. Johns Riverkeeper and Mayor John Peyton during a ceremony Tuesday at Memorial Park in Riverside, which officials said provide a needed and informational spotlight on one of the region’s most important assets.
“People will now be able to better explore, understand and learn about it (the river),” said St. Johns Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon.
The 170-page guide provides comprehensive detail on the river, said Armingeon, and is broken down into easily navigable sections including river facts, trip preparation tips and tactics, places to explore, things to do, facts and pictures of river wildlife, a resource section and a journal for note taking.
The book isn’t just a guide, though, as some see it as a unique tool.
“It’s a great marketing tool to expose what treasures we have here,” said Nathan Rezeau, City Waterfront Management & Programming division chief. “It goes a long way toward getting the word out and it’s portable and easy to understand.”
Peyton said the book is a valuable collection that informs the public on issues such as the St. Johns River health and its release and subsequent public consumption is just “one step closer” to further educate the public on its importance — such as the recent local efforts to combat water withdrawal for consumption in Central Florida.
“It’s an uphill battle, but we continue to stand united,” said Peyton.
Armingeon added that he hoped the guide, in addition to providing access information and detail on the river, would create more river advocates and aid in their efforts to enhance and preserve the river.
“We believe this book will be another awakening to the community,” he said. “We’re anxious to share it.”
Allison Tison and her daughters, Elise and Rachel, attended the release, which also featured river-themed educational stations and opportunities. The discussion and events that followed provided a great lesson for her daughters, she said, as well as her own interests.
“I have an interest in the St. Johns River,” said Tison. “I’ve lived here all of my life ... I think it (the guide, event) is great.”
It’s the type of enthusiasm Riverkeeper Executive Director Jimmy Orth likes to see and he believes others will take note of the guide and its benefits.
“There’s never really been anything like this,” said Orth. “I think it’s extremely beneficial and a great way for the community to learn more of what the river is all about.”
For more information on the “Get Your Feet Wet” guide, go to www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org.
356-2466