"Something To Be Proud Of"

A comment made by a pleased parent of all the hard work and effort by the Pelican Island Elementary School Eco Troop at the dedication of Pelican Island Audubon's Martha Wininger Reflection Park on Monday, February 5, 2007.

Formed in 1997, the Eco Troop composed of Pelican Island Elementary School students, through hard work and dedication, accomplished the major feat of raising $65,000 in donations along with over $200,000 in grant money from the Department of the Interior to purchase wooded lots near Pelican Island Elementary at Barber Street and Schumann Drive in Sebastian. The land was purchased as a way to preserve scrub habitat for the threatened Florida Scrub Jays that live around the school. The land is open to the public who are invited to walk the Aloa Lorton Nature Trail to view a small piece of the real Florida.
A ceremony to dedicate Pelican Island Audubon's Martha Wininger Reflection Park was held on February 5, 2007. The event celebrated the accomplishments and legacy of the Eco Troop in their successful efforts to raise awareness of the Florida Scrub Jay along with preserving the bird's habitat.
Former Pelican Island Elementary School principal Bonnie Swanson stands before the obelisk commemorating the Eco Troop's work to conserve the scrub jay habitat. Read more about Bonnie and the project below.
A large crowd composed of City of Sebastian and Indian River County dignitaries along with Eco Troop alumni, their parents, and teachers braved a rainy, chilly morning to attend the dedication of Pelican Island Audubon's Martha Wininger Reflection Park.
Eco Troop alumni, now in junior and senior high schools, reflected on the work they had done to conserve the property. Rochelle Henf reviews the accomplishments of the Eco Troop while Bonnie Swanson holds an umbrella to ward off the rain.
Alex Diagiacomo reads a copy of a letter addressed to the people of the year 2104 that has been placed in the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge time capsule. The letter tells how a determined group of people can make a difference and hopes that the future holds appreciation and preservation for the scrub jay habitat.
Dr. Richard Baker, president of the Pelican Island Audubon Society, speaks about the importance of conservation and the value of protecting land for the benefit of plants, wildlife, and people.
Past president of Pelican Island Audubon Jens Tripson, realizing the importance of protecting the habitat to the children, the community, and the scrub jays, allowed the Society to act as Trustee of the land and Treasurer for the project.
Dr. David Cox provided the scientific support for the project along with designing the informational kiosks to be placed in the park.
Bonnie Swanson, holding microphone at right, introduces the three teachers that inspired the students to work on the project. From left to right they are Deb Berg, Terry Baird, and Diana Diagiacomo.
City of Sebastian town manager Al Minner reads the plaque affixed to the obelisk which says, This plaque commemorates the City of Sebastian's sponsorship of the ECO Troop of Pelican Island Elementary in the endeavor to change the course of the future. February 5, 2007
Mr. Fred Wininger is presented a plaque by Andrew Berg. Mr. Wininger's donation, in memory of his late wife and former mayor of Sebastian Martha Wininger, provided the initial money to begin purchasing the properties.
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge manager Paul Tritaik and Jens Tripson watch the ceremony.
A group photo of Eco Troop alumni, current Pelican Island Elementary School students, and their teachers pose before the commemorative obelisk.

From Us To You...Forever
Bonnie Swanson and the Eco Troop
from Volvo For Life Awards

A principal in the Indian River County School system, Bonnie Swanson obtained a grant to develop a unique environmental program for her students. Bonnie envisioned a program through which children could not only learn the importance of preserving endangered species, but also take direct steps to do so.

Through Bonnie’s leadership, these nine- and ten-year-olds purchased fourteen residential lots to create a nature reserve. The children raised $250,000 through grants and donations, and by taking on various part-time jobs. In 2003, Bonnie and her students decided to call their project, ”From Us To You…Forever.” The children settled on this name because their group placed a conservation easement on all the purchased properties. The land now exists as a nature reserve in perpetuity. The Pelican Island Audubon Society serves as Trustee of the land and Treasurer of the project. In the near future, a small park in the easement area will feature kiosks describing the children’s achievement. A designated area will feature all of the children’s handprints as well.

Bonnie united diverse elements of the community to back the project. These included groups that might not normally collaborate, such as environmentalists and local businesses. The local school board, county commission, and the Sebastian City Council all provided crucial help and advisement. A local engineering firm and title company donated surveying expertise, and two real estate brokers helped to purchase each lot. Even the national government played a role. Interior Secretary Babbit and the U.S. Representative made several visits in shows of support. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gave input to the scientific advisement of local biologists. The Indian River County Conservation Manager helped develop a long-range plan for the property.

Bonnie and the children succeeded in creating a nature preserve that will last into perpetuity. They also generated national press, as PBS, ABC, and Linda Ellerby of Nickelodeon featured stories on the children’s accomplishment. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the State of Florida honored the project as well. But the greatest reward is in what Bonnie Swanson helped teach a new generation: No matter how small a group or young the individual, by uniting together, young people can change the world.

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All images and text copyright Pelican Island Audubon Society.
E-mail: piaudubon@bellsouth.net