On December 16, the Timucuan Parks Foundation (TPF) held a special celebration at the Ribault Club on Fort George Island to honor more than a quarter-century of service dedicated to Jacksonville's wilderness parks. The event brought together supporters and stakeholders to review past successes and discuss future objectives in park preservation.
During the Wander Wild celebration, TPF Executive Director Fred Richards outlined significant milestones achieved since the organization was originally established as Preservation Project Jacksonville. He emphasized the foundation's ongoing work to promote community involvement and environmental care through diverse initiatives and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing local parks.
Richards stated, "The tremendous turnout was deeply encouraging and served as a powerful affirmation of the community’s commitment to our mission." The gathering also featured artistic displays created by TPF Special Adviser and Artist Kathy Stark, which illustrated the foundation's historical journey and its positive influence on area parks.
Guest speaker Mark Woods, a columnist for the Florida Times-Union and author of "Lassoing the Sun," addressed the importance of park friends' groups. He remarked, "I realized how important those friends’ groups are to each park. The parks with vibrant active friends’ groups were vibrant active parks. I am grateful for all that the Timucuan Parks Foundation has done. That is why we came here, and that is why we are still here."
At the ceremony, TPF presented awards to key contributors. Woods was honored with the TPF Friend of the Year Award, Alex Wolf, a TPF Trail Team Member, received the Volunteer of the Year recognition, and Bob Hayes, TPF Board Chairman, was awarded the Champion Award.
