|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Through partnerships with environmental organizations, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) continues to foster a culture of environmental excellence.
The latest collaboration, with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF), announced in advance of Earth Day 2021 (Apr. 22), is designed to expand education opportunities for teachers, students and families to learn about Florida’s environment and wildlife, and how they can preserve and protect both for future generations.
As a conservation sponsor, FPL will support the GHOF’s recently launched marine science education program in Florida schools. The immersive curriculum-based courses and adventures explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering and math through student specific inquiry using up to date, groundbreaking research.
“We are thrilled to welcome one of Florida’s most prominent and largest companies as a partner,” said Dr. Guy Harvey, world-renowned scientist, conservationist and artist. “FPL’s investment in cutting-edge technology, clean energy, local citizens and communities mirrors the GHOF philosophy to help make a difference and move Florida toward a more sustainable future. Not only does FPL share our values in preserving the environment and enhancing education, but we both also care about protecting and preserving the state’s most valuable wildlife species.”
One of the wildlife species that Dr. Harvey refers to is the manatee. For decades, these mild-mannered creatures have been gathering in the warm-water outflows of Florida power plants to stay warm in the winter months.
To further educate the public on how to protect and preserve these amazing animals, FPL constructed Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center, located next to their Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center. The facility is designed to inspire the public to take care of the gentle giants and their surrounding ecosystem and draws more than 150,000 manatee lovers per year (pre-COVID-19). Efforts like this are an important part of what makes FPL so much more than just an energy company.
“Investing in education and inspiring the next generation to be environmental stewards is part of our commitment to working with the communities we serve to help make them better places to live, work and raise a family,” said Pam Rauch, vice president of external affairs and economic development at FPL. “We are excited to champion the protection of Florida’s wildlife alongside the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation to make a difference in our communities, and to move Florida forward.”
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment. The GHOF funds affiliated researchers working to better understand the ocean ecosystem and educators helping to foster the next era of marine conservationists. FPL looks forward to collaborating with the researchers and extending the GHOF’s efforts and reach.
For more information on the GHOF, education sponsorship opportunities and to make a donation visit www.GHOF.org or send email to GHOF@GuyHarvey.com. For more information on FPL’s environmental commitment, visit www.fpl.com/environment. To learn about Manatee Lagoon, visit www.visitmanateelagoon.com.
