8-Month Flagship Program | Session 5 |
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Got Milk?
By Liesa Priddy and Armando Ubeda, NRLI Class 21 Fellows
NRLI’s Class 21, Session 5, got underway in Okeechobee with Ben Butler, co-owner of Butler Oaks Farm (a dairy) and SFWMD member, tackling two of the most contentious topics being discussed in Florida: water and agriculture. Ben’s knowledge of both subjects allowed him to paint a complete picture of these interwoven issues, not an easy task. A field trip to Larson’s Dairy and the Nubbin Slough boat launch reinforced our perception of the numerous partners and collaboration that are necessary to work on the issues. Complicated and contentious barely describe the situation that Floridians face when it comes to water quality and quantity. It is obvious, however, that we share the common goal of wanting to do what’s best for the environment and quality of life in our Sunshine State.
For you Jeopardy! fans, here’s some trivia for you:
A: Four Q: How many gallons of water does a cow drink to produce one gallon of milk?
A: Big Water Q: What does the Seminole name Okeechobee mean in English?
A: Sand Q: Which bedding material do dairy cows prefer?
A: Five Q: How many water management districts are in Florida?
A: Fifty-Five Q: At what temperature are dairy cows happiest?
A: HABs Q: What are Harmful Algae Blooms?
The class can always rely on the project team to use interesting methods of sharing information to keep fellows engaged and active. Instead of having a standard stakeholder panel on day two, the class divided into small groups and had one panelist assigned to each group. This allowed us to be “up close and personal” with each panelist, as group members had a chance to zero in on specific issues and questions specifically relating to the panelist’s affiliation. During the stakeholder panel debrief, each group shared the key points of their conversations with the class. We all agreed that the more intimate setting provided a relaxed format and a better environment for sharing. This method is more panelist friendly because it removes most of the stress and intimidation often experienced by a panelist.
Session 5 reinforced some information and exposed us to lots of new information. We were still in awe of the tremendous efforts put forth to ensure that Florida’s water supply is healthy for drinking, recreation, and the environment. What a herculean task! As for the new, many class members milked a cow for the first time. Many had never experienced the enormity of Lake Okeechobee. We all left in awe of the challenges ahead with confidence that working together is the key.
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We're now accepting applications for NRLI Class 22!
Please spread the word to anyone you think might be a good fit for NRLI - our alumni make the best references for our program!
Also, if you are interested in helping plan and/or attending any of the sessions, please let us know! We love seeing you and having you meet the current Fellows.
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Katherine Clements
Natural Resources Educator, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County
Dr. Katherine Clements is the Ecology and Natural Resources Educator for UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Sarasota County. The Ecology and Natural Resources Education Program fosters connections with and conservation of our ecosystems, through education for youth and adults, about the area’s diverse natural resources. Dr. Katherine coordinates the Sarasota LIFE program (Learning in Florida’s Environment), a multi-agency, award-winning elementary environmental education program. She is a Florida Master Naturalist Program lead instructor and Past President of its advisory panel. Dr. Katherine serves the Sarasota community by providing educational programs and assistance with creating backyard wildlife habitats, minimizing human-wildlife conflicts, invasive species, the health benefits of nature, and promoting the balance of our natural areas’ ecosystems. Dr. Katherine received a BS in environmental studies from SUNY Buffalo, and a doctorate degree in naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle. After 15+ years as a physician, she chose to return to her prior career of environmental interpretation. Dr. Katherine has lived with her Park Ranger husband, 2 children, and many animals in a Florida State Park for over 20 years. She is passionate about making a difference in our world through educating about and promoting connection to our natural environment. She believes the health of the environment is intricately linked with our own health and well-being. Dr. Katherine brings the love of all things natural to her position at UF/IFAS Extension and is very excited to be a NRLI fellow!
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Greg DeAngelo
Division Director, Environmental Assessment and Restoration, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Greg DeAngelo has been with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection since 2001. He joined the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration in 2013, initially as program manager over the TMDL and groundwater sections. Greg is a University of Florida graduate (environmental engineering), a licensed professional engineer, and a certified project management professional. Prior to his time at DEAR, he accumulated 20 years of experience in state and federal air quality programs, and he also spent some time managing the state's storm water compliance and underground injection control programs. As DEAR Deputy Director, Greg managed the water quality assessment, evaluation, restoration, and data management programs associated with implementing the Clean Water Act in Florida. He was recently appointed Division Director, which adds water quality standards as well as the biology, metals, and scientific support services of the department's water quality laboratory.
Throughout his career, Greg has emphasized staff development and encouraged employee-led process improvements and innovations, recognizing that both are vital to the division's ongoing mission of achieving Cleaner Water, Faster.
Outside of work, you can find Greg hiking or paddling with his family, playing some variety of sport based on a flying disc (ultimate, disc golf), or sampling the communities' local microbrews.
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Kristin Foss
Fishery Management Analyst, Division of Marine Fisheries Management, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Kristin is a Fishery Management Analyst with FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management, where she helps manage Florida’s marine fishery resources for their long-term well-being and for the benefit of people. To do this, Kristin works closely with scientists, managers, partners, and stakeholders to seek novel ways to apply traditional fisheries management tools and develop new techniques to achieve conservation for Gulf and South Atlantic fisheries.
Kristin views her job as the intersection of science and policy, and her professional role utilizes her wide range of academic training and life experiences. She started her career as a research fisheries biologist with NOAA Fisheries Science Mississippi Laboratory, assisting with annual stock assessments and researching impacts on fisheries populations from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology, with minors in Anthropology and Environmental Science, from Millsaps College. She earned her master’s degree in Oceanography and Coastal Science from Louisiana State University, where she focused on assessing fish populations and artificial habitat at offshore oil platforms off Louisiana’s coast.
Outside of work, Kristin can usually be found hiking, paddle boarding, traveling, and hanging out with her labradoodle, Holly.
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Class 21 Fellows & Schedule |
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Rob Aldredge Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Chad Allison Partners for Fish & Wildlife/Coastal Program Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Chris Altes Archaeologist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Clay Archey Senior Manager of Purchasing & Corporate Facilities, A. Duda & Sons Inc.
Kelly Aue Suwannee River Partnership Outreach Coordinator, UF/IFAS Extension
Jessica Blain Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Forest Service
Rosezetta Bobo Diversity Director, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Katherine Clements Ecology & Natural Resources Educator, UF/IFAS Extension
Greg DeAngelo Division Director, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Kristin Foss Biological Scientist IV, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Travis Franklin Captain, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Maxine Hunter Urban Horticulture Extension Agent, UF/IFAS
Cat Ingram Intergovernmental Liaison, Florida Forest Service, FDACS
Kristen Kosik Program Associate for the Conservation Leadership Initiative, Audubon Florida
Jared Lanier Field Representative, Florida Farm Bureau Federation
Jason Lawor Public Affairs Specialist, National Forests in Florida – USDA
Chris Marble Associate Professor, Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida
Nate Mouzon Technical Program Manager, St. Johns River Water Management District
Gregory Owen Senior Planner, Alachua County Board of County Commissioners
Brian Pelc North Florida Restoration Project Manager, The Nature Conservancy
Liesa Priddy Owner, JB Ranch
Jennifer Thera Environmental Consultant, Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Armando Ubeda Florida Sea Grant Agent, UF/IFAS
Savannah Winstanley Ecosystem & Asset Analyst, City of Winter Haven
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