FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 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 Crystal River Preserve State Park

CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Park Service partnered with Duke Energy for a "Park Power Days" volunteer work day at Crystal River Preserve State Park. 

Nearly 50 Duke Energy employees and alumni joined park staff to aid with cleanup and improvement projects, including conducting trail maintenance to improve visitor experience with hiking, biking and wildlife viewing at the park's six native coastal habitats. Additionally, volunteers installed and repaired park gates as well as a new kiosk, and enhanced trails around the park's three lakes. 

“Florida State Parks benefit so much from this partnership with Duke Energy,” Florida Park Service Director Eric Draper said. “Duke volunteers’ work on trails and park infrastructure help make the park better for everyone. I’m grateful for their investment of time in protecting the natural and cultural resources of this unique coastal preserve.”

“Helping protect and preserve Florida’s natural environment is vitally important to our customers, communities and company,” said Duke Energy government and community relations manager Dorothy Pernu. “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. 

Crystal River Preserve State Park includes 27,500 acres of salt marsh, tidal creeks, mangrove islands, hardwood forests, coastal scrub and pine flat woods, and is a year-round destination for hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding and birdwatching. 

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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