Fall 2011 NRLI Alumni Association eNewsletter

8/2/2019 Fall 2011 NRLI Alumni Association eNewsletter

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Fall 2011

Presidents WelcomeGreetings NRLI Alumni!

Welcome to the Fall 2011 edition of the Florida NRLI Alumni Association eNewsletter. Can you

believe we are already on our 6th

edition? First and foremost, this is YOUR newsletter! I hope

you will take the opportunity to submit articles and/or program announcements in the future

as it is a great opportunity to let other alumni know what you are doing and network with

other professionals in the natural resource-related field. This publication would not be possible

without the contributions of our wonderful alumni network that numbers approximately 186

individuals around the state and abroad. Thank you for your contributions!

Of course it is fall time, which means a new NRLI Class is underway. It has been very encourag-

ing to hear that the fellows of Class XI have been welcomed to NRLI by a number of alumni whohave attended and/or participated in the first several sessions. It can't be said enough how

important it is to have alumni support at each of these gatherings. For one, it shows current

fellows that NRLI isn't just about their class, but much more. It helps them realize they are a

part of growing network of professionals who are leaders in their field and have a genuine in-

terest in protecting this state's precious natural resources. In addition, alumni get the opportu-

nity to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and keep informed about evolving current

issues. There are still a number of sessions left in Class XI, and I strongly encourage you to at-

tend as many as you can. To view the Class XI schedules visit:

http://nrli.ifas.ufl.edu/schedule11.shtml.

Don't forget if you know of a colleague or friend that you think would benefit from NRLI, let the

project team know! It is never too early to nominate someone. Remember, nobody makes a

better spokesperson for NRLI than us! We know first-hand the personal and professional bene-

fits associated with going through the program, we know the types of personalities and quali-ties desired for participation, and we are across the state to promote it.

Finally, how can I have a president's welcome without talking about money!?! Last year we had

our First NRLI Alumni Class Challenge and were able to raise over $1400 in support of the NRLI

program. We intend to continue this new tradition as a means of providing scholarship funds

for future fellows. It goes without saying, however, that times are still tough economically for

many Floridians, and some of you may not have the means to participate. We are fully aware of

this, and understand completely. We hope that if can participate, that you will consider donat-

ing whatever you can to help ensure that NRLI continues to thrive in the future. You can now

donate at anytime by visiting:

https://www.uff.ufl.edu/OnlineGiving/FundDetail.asp?FundCode=013735?

Of course, the other way to show your support of our great organization is to pay your annualdues! Annual dues are only $25 per year or the lifetime dues are only $125, which are both

extremely reasonable. Revenue generated from the dues helps to support alumni-sponsored

functions such as the NRLI Graduation ceremony and scholarship funds for potential fellows.

Thank you for your time, and I hope you enjoy the newsletter. Have a wonderful year!

Sincerely,

Bryan Fluech

NRLI Alumni Association President

Class VIII

The Alumni Association

Mission is to:

foster effectiveleadership and pro-

fessional develop-

ment

provide networking

opportunities enhance the NRLI

program, and pro-

mote its long-term

viability.

WHATS INSIDE?

Presidents Welcome 1

Class XI Schedule 2

New Resource for Alumni 3

Facilitator Wanted 3

The NRLI Class Challenge 4

Welcome Class XI 5

Expanding Environmental

Education in Suriname with

Project Learning Tree

6

Considering Natural Re-

sources in Land-Use

Decision Making Process7

National Association for

professional women in the

landscape industry8

Alumni Spotlights 9

Mark Your Calendars 10

NRLI Alumni Association

Dues Reminder10

Florida Natural Resources

Leadership Institute

Alumni Newsletter

Volume 3, Issue 2
http://nrli.ifas.ufl.edu/schedule11.shtmlhttp://nrli.ifas.ufl.edu/schedule11.shtmlhttps://www.uff.ufl.edu/OnlineGiving/FundDetail.asp?FundCode=013735https://www.uff.ufl.edu/OnlineGiving/FundDetail.asp?FundCode=013735https://www.uff.ufl.edu/OnlineGiving/FundDetail.asp?FundCode=013735http://nrli.ifas.ufl.edu/schedule11.shtml


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Page 2 Florida Natural Resources Leadership Institute Alumni Newsletter

YOUR NRLI Alumni Association

Board of Directors

Bryan Fluech, President (Class VIII)Teresa Watkins, Vice President (Class VII)Ed Dunne, Secretary (Class VI)Dianne Hughes, Treasurer (Class VIII)Tom Ostertag, AGM Coordinator (Class IX)Deborah Burr, Past President (Class IV)

Directors:

Ed Wright, Class VIStan Bronson, Class II

Dr. Paul Monaghan, Class IXEric Bush, Class XCraig Diamond, Class X

Dr. Burl Long, Alumni Advisor

2011-2012 NRLI Schedule

Are You A NRLI Facebook Friend?

Become a Friend! The NRLI Facebook Pageprovides you with general program updates, NRLIsession schedules and photos, and allows you to
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Florida-Natural-Resources-Leadership-Institute/105293026174791https://www.facebook.com/pages/Florida-Natural-Resources-Leadership-Institute/105293026174791http://nrli.ifas.ufl.edu/schedule11.shtmlhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Florida-Natural-Resources-Leadership-Institute/105293026174791https://www.facebook.com/pages/Florida-Natural-Resources-Leadership-Institute/105293026174791


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Designing Public Consensus Barbara Faga

Welcome to Designing Public Consensus, a website dedicated to the challenges and rewardsof working with community groups, government agencies, citizen activists, and other stake-holders on urban design projects.

Over the years, Barbara Faga has developed an astute senseof what it takes to create a shared vision among many dis-parate interests. Now, these lessons are available in one in-cisive volume. Designing Public Consensus: The Civic Theater of

Community Participation for Architects, Landscape Architects,Planners and Urban Designers (Wiley, 2006) examines publicprocess implemented in projects of different scales, and re-veals the lessons learned by the design practitioners.

Through case studies, designers, government officials, clients,community members, and other stakeholders reveal themoments of brilliance as well as the good intentions gonewrong.

To learn more visit:http://www.designingpublicconsensus.com/


WANTED:Professional Facilitator to assist in the formationand management of two stakeholder groups in

Southwest Florida.

For more information contact Carol Lippincott

(Class VIII) of Florida LLC at [email protected]

Calling All Facilitators!

A New Resource For NRLI Alumni
http://www.designingpublicconsensus.com/http://www.designingpublicconsensus.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.designingpublicconsensus.com/


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Page 4Florida Natural Resources Leadership Institute Alumni Newsletter

The NRLI Class Challenge is a unique opportunity for NRLI alumni to give back to a program that hasprovided each of us with so many valuable skills and learning experiences, so that other natural resource

professionals may benefit from the program in the future.

Last year was the first year we initiated the Challenge, and because of your efforts we raised over $1400dollars in scholarship funds. We intend to continue this new tradition as a means of assisting future fel-

lows who might not otherwise be able to participate in NRLI.

It goes without saying, however, that times are still tough economically for many Floridians, and some ofour alumni may not be able to contribute this year. We are fully aware of this, and understand com-pletely. However, we dont want to pass up the opportunity to continue supporting NRLI any way we

can. We hope that if you do have the means, you will consider donating whatever you can.

We are changing the format of the Challenge this year. Instead of emphasizing a Class vs. Classcompletion, wed like to focus on individual alumnis ability to donate what they can. Perhaps you can

afford a donation of $15, $25 or $50 to ensure future NRLI Fellows participation? Every bit helps!

Donating to the Challenge is Only a Click Away!https://www.uff.ufl.edu/OnlineGiving/FundDetail.asp?FundCode=013735

Fellows can donate money themselves or have sponsors (organizations and/or other individuals) donate

money on their behalf as often as they would like.

All donations are tax deductable. If you would prefer to write a check, it should be written out to theUniversity of Florida Leadership and Education Foundation with NRLI in the memo line. Donations

should be mailed to:

Candace Kaswinkel

Florida Natural Resource Leadership InstituteP.O. Box 110240Gainesville, FL, 32611-0240.

Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Your NRLI Alumni Association Board of Directors
https://www.uff.ufl.edu/OnlineGiving/FundDetail.asp?FundCode=013735https://www.uff.ufl.edu/OnlineGiving/FundDetail.asp?FundCode=013735https://www.uff.ufl.edu/OnlineGiving/FundDetail.asp?FundCode=013735


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Class XI Commences Bruce Delaney Class II

Greetings from the NRLI Project Team!

Class XI commenced with an excellent session in Day-tona Beach on August 11th, 12th, 13th. The sessions wasa success both as a bonding experience for the new classand as a look at a vital issue affecting Florida. The focusof the session was the protection of Sea Turtle Habitatand how it relates to coastal development. The planningand implementation of the session was greatly aided bythe help of NRLI Alumni, Jennifer Winters and Jane Pro-vancha from Class VIII along with Craig Diamond and Kat

Diersen of Class X. We also received a lot of supportfrom the Volusia County Extension Director, Davis Grif-fis. Their efforts, knowledge of the issue and contactslead to a very successful introductory session.

The new class is composed of 16 Fellows. This year we have an international contingent from Mexicomaking this the first class to have this distinction. The Fellows include Holly Abeels, Brevard County Ex-tension; Carolyn Cox, UF/Florida Climate Change Institute; Lindsay Cross, Tampa Bay Estuary Program;Gregg Eason, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission; Eddie Ellis, Universidad Veracruzana; Brad Etheridge,Thomas Cattle Company; Kelly Keefe, US Army Corp of Engineers; Citlalli Lopez-Binnquist, UniversidadVeracruzana; Chris Martinez, UF/IFAS Ag and Biological Engineering; Shannon McGee, Polk County Ex-

tension Service; Patricia Negreros-Castillo, Universidad Veracruzana; Becky Raulerson, UF/IFAS Centerfor Public Issues Education; Thomas Ruppert, Florida Sea Grant; Camille Soverel, Florida Fish and WildlifeCommission, Hugh Thomas, Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services; and Curt Williams,Florida Farm Bureau Federation.

The NRLI Project Team has now expanded and we would like to welcome Joy Hazell,Sea Grant Extension Agent from Lee County and Alumni Class IX as our newestmember. Joy will bring an added dimension to the team. It is also nice to have JonDain back from a year sabbatical in Mexico. He was missed.

We have an exciting schedule planned for this year and have already received much

support from our Alumni. As always, we encourage you to look at the currentschedule and consider attending one of the remaining sessions.

It is early in Class XI but we encourage you to begin thinking about who, in your organization, wouldbenefit from becoming a NRLI Fellow and start talking with them about it now. Forward their name andcontact information and we will contact them as well.


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Expanding Environmental Education to Suriname with Project

Learning Tree Nancy Peterson Class I

Nancy Peterson, a NRLI alumnus, traveled to Paramar-ibo, Suriname in South America this summer to intro-duce local teachers to Project Learning Tree (PLT), aprogram that focuses on environmental education. Pe-terson worked alongside Gerald Culen, Institute ofFood and Agricultural Sciences Family, Youth, andCommunity Sciences faculty member, Dirk Wong-sopawiro, Coordinator for the Biology Education Pro-gram, Institute for Graduate Research at Anon de KomUniveristy, and Deborrah Feurich, Biology Training Co-ordinator in Paramaribo to present a two-day trainingworkshop featuring a new curriculum, Forests of theWorld, at a local teachers college. Following the work-

shop, Peterson was also a guest speaker at a QualitativeResearch Methods course offered by Gerald Culenwhich will be made available to UF graduate studentsthis spring semester.Peterson felt Suriname was a perfect match for the PLTForests of the World program since about 85% of itstotal land area contains relatively pristine forest ecosys-tems and recent trends in deforestation have broughtissues regarding forest utilization into public discussion.Peterson, who was training PLT educators outside ofthe country for the first time, appreciated the culturaldiversity of the area and different perspectives towardforest use and management.The PLT Forests of the World curriculum, which hasnever been taught in Suriname before, was customizedto focus on current issues and ecosystems unique tothis South American location. Peterson worked priorto the trip to review the workshop materials and learnmore about forests in Suriname and relevant forest in-dustries. She also incorporated more hands-on activi-ties, which are not typically utilized by Suriname teach-ers, to provide instructors with a variety of teachingmethods. The workshop focused on introducing pre-service biology teachers to the Forests of the Worldcurriculum to be taught to middle and high school stu-dents in Suriname. Students exposed to the programare expected to gain a better understanding of how dif-

ferent cultures value, interact, and protectforests. Following the workshop, Petersonand other coordinators met with biologyinstructors and administrators from theteachers college and found that the programwas well-received. Suriname educators re-quested that more PLT Forests of theWorld workshops be made available tomore of their teachers and that they wouldlike to expand the program to geographyclasses. Further involvement in Suriname and

similar areas is tentative but a possibility forPLT in the future as Peterson continues towork with Dr. Dirk Wongsopawiro.The Forests of the World workshop is goingto be offered in LaBelle, Florida this comingNovember 4th. Registration for the work-shop can be found at:http://plt2011conf-eorg.eventbrite.com/.

Biology pre-service teachers at the Voor de Opleiding Van

Leraren (Teachers College) in Paramaribo, Suriname,

South America hold up their certificate of completion of

the Project Learning Tree Forests of the World Educator

Workshop. Nancy Peterson (back left), School of Forest

Resources and Conservation conducted the 2-day work-

shop.
http://plt2011conf-eorg.eventbrite.com/http://plt2011conf-eorg.eventbrite.com/http://plt2011conf-eorg.eventbrite.com/


7/10


Considering Natural Resources in Land-Use

Decision Making Processes

Save the Dates! The Changing Roles Webinar Series 2011

What will you learn?This 4-part webinar series introduces concepts in the Changing Roles Professional Develop-ment Program, which aims to prepare natural resource professionals to work in the chal-lenging context of the wildland-urban interface. The webinar speakers include experts andpractitioners sharing their experience, relevant research findings, and best practices. Case

studies and exercises will offer insights into strategies.

This year's webinar series has a theme: Considering Natural Resources in Land-Use DecisionMaking Processes. Natural resource professionals often refer to "being at the table" in refer-ence to their participation in multi-stakeholder processes such as land-use planning andtherefore, this same language is used in the session titles of this series. Each session will ad-

dress the theme from a different perspective.

Who should participate?Natural resource professionals who want to learn more about wildland-urban interface is-

sues, opportunities, and strategies.

What continuing education credit is available?Earn continuing education credits right from your desktop at your convenience! The CRwebinar series provides a convenient, free professional development option for busy profes-sionals who want to earn continuing education credits without paying travel expenses ortaking time off work. Society of American Foresters and International Society of Aboricul-ture continuing education credits have been applied for and participants who log in to thelive sessions may be eligible. The archived sessions can be viewed for continuing educationcredits for up to one year.

Craig Diamond, NRLI Class X fellow, will speak in the second session and SteveSmutko, one of the NRLI founders in North Carolina, will speak in the fourth

session, so tune in and support!

Check out our website for session details and for more information on how toaccess the webinar: http://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/
http://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinars


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The national association for professional women in the landscape

industry (NAPWL) Teresa Watkins Class VII

I have recently joined a new national association for pro-fessional women in the landscape industry (NAPWL).We are currently in the beginning phases of our organi-zation and have just recently started our organized pushfor establishing local chapters for NAPWL nationwide.

Our organization is unique in that is a national organization for all professional women in thelandscape industry (architects, designers, contractors, nursery, manufacturers,etc.). There aremany women's groups across the country but none that has a national presence and none thatreach out across so many professions in the green industry.

Our goal and mission is to promote professionalism, education, sustainability and a sense ofcommunity for all women in the green industry. Right now, we have a rapidly growing presenceon:Linked In - National NAPWL - http://www.linkedin.com/groups/NAPWL-National-Association-Professional-Women-3642620?trk=myg_ugrp_ovrCA Subgroup - http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3979085&trk=myg_ugrp_ovrFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/#!/NAPWLTwitter - http://twitter.com/#!/NAPWLOur Website is - www.napwl.com

I am the chapter starter for the Florida state chapter and looking to partner with organizationslike ASLA, CLCA, etc. to get the word out and share information that we have coming up foreducational seminars, outreach & networking.

I have included our National Office on this email as they may be able to provide you with addi-tional information to present to the Board. We have not yet established a relationship with theNational Board of ASLA but are looking into doing that as well. If you can share information onthe best person to contact in Washington, that would be greatly appreciated.

This association is not a lobbying/legislative association but a support group for professionalwomen. If you know someone in the landscaping industry, academia or hard hat, please forwardthis on to them and let them know they are invited to join. We will be having regional chaptersstarting across Florida. We will also be having our first informal meeting at The Landscape Showin Orlando, September 30th, 2011 at the Orange County Convention Center. Any woman orwoman-owned business attending the tradeshow is welcome to attend. Just email me for details

at: [email protected].
http://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.interfacesouth.org/products/changing-roles/webinarshttp://www.linkedin.com/groups/NAPWL-National-Association-Professional-Women-3642620?trk=myg_ugrp_ovrhttp://www.linkedin.com/groups/NAPWL-National-Association-Professional-Women-3642620?trk=myg_ugrp_ovrhttp://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3979085&trk=myg_ugrp_ovrhttps://www.facebook.com/#%21/NAPWLhttp://twitter.com/#%21/NAPWLmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://twitter.com/#%21/NAPWLhttps://www.facebook.com/#%21/NAPWLhttp://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3979085&trk=myg_ugrp_ovrhttp://www.linkedin.com/groups/NAPWL-National-Association-Professional-Women-3642620?trk=myg_ugrp_ovrhttp://www.linkedin.com/groups/NAPWL-National-Association-Professional-Women-3642620?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr


9/10


Dianne Hughes (NRLI Class VIII) was elected Employee of the Year for the FloridaDepartment of Environmental Protections (FDEP) Southeast District Office for fiscal

year 20102011. Below is an excerpt from the nomination form of Diannes achieve-

ment:

Dianne consistently strives for excellence in all assignments and demonstrated her

commitment to assist the FDEP to revise 2010 Loxahatchee River National Wild andScenic River Management Plan by working with the diverse agencies represented onthe Loxahatchee River Management Coordination Council; an advisory body estab-lished by Section 83-358.5 Laws of Florida. The act dictates that the Council reviewall proposed modifications to the river management plan. Dianne continued to meet her other responsibilities including

time sensitive restoration permits.

Dianne took ownership of the revision process and within a year completed the 2010 Loxahatchee River National Wildand Scenic River Management Plan (LRNWSRMP) after the Parks side of FDEP had struggled with the process for fiveyears. Diannes efforts reflected positively on FDEP by bringing the document to completion. She consistently demon-

strated a positive and constructive attitude despite substantial challenges and resolved stakeholder disagreements with

diplomacy and tact.

Diannes work was adopted by the Loxahatchee River Management Coordination Council on September 27, 2010 and the

136 page document is the basis for a multitude of interagency agreements associated with the restoration and protectionof the Loxahatchee River; an Outstanding Florida water and the States first (of only two) nationally designated Wild and

Scenic River. The Plan she revised is the template for agency activities for the next five years and reports on the progressmade to date. The citizens of Florida will benefit from having this State treasure protected and well managed for the next

five years using the document that Dianne revised.Dianne is an exceptional example of a DEP self motivated team player who is willing to work diligently with internal and

external stakeholders to reach consensus on controversial issues which exhibits to other agencies and the public that the

Southeast District is a significant player in the environmental community. The resulting product was accepted at the Oc-

tober Governing Board meeting of the South Florida Water Management District and then approved by previous Secre-

tary Mimi Drew of FDEP and is a reason for Southeast District staff to be proud. Her technical expertise and passion to

protect the natural resources of Florida make her a terrific role model for FDEP employees.

Alumni Spotlight

NRLI Alumni Dianne Hughes Elected Florida DEP

Southeast District Office Employee of the Year

Bob Adair (Class I) was recently appointed to serve on the Fertil-izer Technical Council by Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam H.Putnam. As the citrus industry representative for the 13 membercouncil, he will advise the Department of Agriculture & ConsumerServices regarding the administration and enforcement of laws andrules pertaining to licensing, inspection and regulation of the fertil-izer industry. Bob is the Executive Director of the Florida Re-search Center for Agricultural Sustainability, a research organiza-tion dedicated to developing new technologies for agricultural pro-duction systems that are economically profitable to the farmer and

avoid resource depletion and damage to ecosystems.

NRLI Alumni Bob Adair appointed by Com-

missioner of Agriculture


10/10


Mark Your Calendars

FNRLI Alumni Association

Membership Dues$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Have you paid your FNRLI Alumni AssociationMembership dues?

Your dues help support the Associations efforts

to promote alumni interaction with FNRLI such asthe annual graduation ceremony and the Alumni

Association website. The dues structure are:

$25 a year

$125 for a life-time membership.

Please send check to:FNRLI Alumni Association

c/o Dianne Hughes1065 NE Rio Pine Lane

Jensen Beach, FL 34857

Visit the

FNRLI Alumni Association Online at:

http://fnrli-alumni.org/default.aspx

Dont Forget.

Join Florida Earth Foundation and the USF Patel School of Global Sustainabil-

ity for the fourth installment of the Water Choices Forum Series. This ses-

sion will create a think-tank environment where participants along with ex-

perts from around the state actively discuss and propose ways to solve the

State of Floridas water challenges. Building on Water Choices I, II and III,

Water Choices IV will take previous discussions forward with a particular

emphasis on public-private partnerships. Water Choices IV will explore how

these partnerships have been used in the past and how implementation of

these partnerships can create innovative solutions to address future water

challenges. FDACS Commissioner Adam Putnam is the invited keynote

speaker, along with the new Executive Director of Southwest Florida Water

Management District, Blake Guillory. Agenda and registration is available at

http://floridaearth.orgor by calling (561) 686-3688.

Busy Kislig-Shires ByerlyInterim Executive Director

Conservation Trust for Florida, Inc.P.O. Box 134

502 NE Cholokka Blvd.Micanopy, FL 32667

Phone: 352-466-1178
http://fnrli-alumni.org/default.aspxhttp://fnrli-alumni.org/default.aspxhttp://floridaearth.org/http://floridaearth.org/http://floridaearth.org/http://fnrli-alumni.org/default.aspxhttp://fnrli-alumni.org/default.aspx

Documents

Fall 2011 NRLI Alumni Association eNewsletter