FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2019

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP Partners with Duke Energy for "Park Power Days" Volunteer Event at Highlands Hammock State Park

SEBRING, Fla. – Recently, The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Park Service partnered with Duke Energy for a "Park Power Days" volunteer work day at Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring.

More than 50 Duke Energy employees and alumni joined park staff to aid with cleanup and improvement projects, including the installation of 13 educational kiosks providing information about the park's natural and cultural resources, recreational offerings and visitor safety. Additionally, volunteers assisted with removal of non-native sand pines as phase one of a native scrub habitat restoration project to help protect the endangered Florida scrub jay, an endangered bird that inhabits the park.

“Florida State Parks benefit so much from this partnership with Duke Energy,” Florida Park Service Director Eric Draper said. “Duke volunteers did valuable work to preserve habitat for the Florida scrub jay, and the new educational kiosks will help share why Florida’s natural ecosystems and cultural history are worth protecting.”

“Helping protect and preserve Florida’s natural environment is vitally important to our customers, communities and company,” said Jerry Miller, Duke Energy government and community relations manager. “Our local employees volunteer thousands of hours every year and especially enjoy projects like this one. We work here, live here and are proud to give back to our communities alongside the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Park Service.”

Thousands of organizations, businesses and corporations partner with Florida State Parks on projects and programs. These partnerships are key to providing outstanding state park visitor experiences; preserving history, natural lands and native wildlife; and extending the benefits of parks into nearby communities. Learn more about corporate partnership opportunities at Florida State Parks. 

Highlands Hammock State Park is home to a unique and richly divergent collection of plant and animal life. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking and birding opportunities. 

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails 

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

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