Engaging communities in conservation one event at a time

District Education and Outreach Coordinator Ali Pressel uses a graphic of Florida’s aquifers to help explain their importance to children at the Backyard Biodiversity Day event.

On a crisp October Saturday morning, Ali Pressel arrives early at Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park. She pulls out her pop-up tent and table and begins setting up for Backyard Biodiversity Day, a community event that celebrates Florida’s native wildlife, plants and conservation efforts. As she unfolds her tablecloth adorned with the St. Johns River Water Management District’s logo, she carefully arranges a variety of educational materials: coloring books, rain gauges, brochures, stickers and other giveaways designed to engage visitors of all ages. 

Pressel’s role as the District’s education and outreach coordinator brings her to events like this, where she connects with local communities, school groups and residents. Her efforts are part of a larger initiative to promote water stewardship and awareness across the region. Spanning nearly 13,000 square miles across 18 counties, the District has a vast area to cover in its educational efforts. Events like Backyard Biodiversity Day offer a valuable opportunity to further the District’s mission. 

In her multifaceted role, no two days are alike. One day, she might attend a neighborhood meeting to discuss water conservation and best practices for irrigation; the next, she could be at an educator open house, sharing insights about the Blue School Grant Program—an initiative designed for teachers to help instill a lifelong appreciation for Florida’s water in students. On another day, she might set up a table at a local zoo, engaging with the community about the District’s mission. 

Pressel attends events throughout the District to raise awareness about its mission.

For today’s festival, held within the District’s Middle St. Johns River Strategic Planning Basin (portions of Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Lake, Marion and Putnam counties), Pressel’s booth is right in the heart of the action. The park is bustling with attendees eager to explore the environmental exhibits, join guided hikes, listen to expert speakers and participate in children’s activities and workshops.  

Among her visitors at the booth was seven-year-old Max FitzPatrick, accompanied by his six-year-old sister, Lyla. At her table, Pressel shows them a map of Florida’s aquifers and explains where the water we drink and shower with comes from. “It’s so interesting talking to kids about water,” she says. “They’re naturally curious, ask a lot of questions and often seem to grasp the importance of water in our lives.” 

After their discussion of the aquifer, Max expresses a particular interest in springs. “I’ve been to a spring before, but I didn’t know they could be that deep,” he shares, enthusiasm lighting up his face. Seizing the moment, Pressel elaborates on the significance of Florida’s springs and encourages him to explore and appreciate these natural wonders. With that short conversation, she helps spark enthusiasm for the environment, showcasing the impact that outreach efforts can have on the next generation. 

“It’s really important to engage with everyone,” Pressel explains. “Children can have a significant impact on their families and peers. For instance, when they learn how much water is saved by turning off the faucet while brushing their teeth, they often take it upon themselves to remind everyone in their household to do the same. They become little ambassadors for conservation.”  

Pressel also talks to many adult visitors throughout the day. With much of central Florida still recovering from Hurricane Milton, numerous individuals approached her with questions about how water levels are managed in the region. “There are no flood protection structures in the Middle St. Johns River Basin, so it’s important to explain the value of floodplains and wetland restoration, which provide storage for floodwaters during significant storm events,” she notes. “Many people are unaware of how these natural features reduce flood risks and help protect communities.”  

By the end of the day, Pressel had distributed countless rain gauges, stickers and coloring books and had meaningful conversations of dozens with attendees. “It was a great event,” she says as she packs up. “But it’s just one of many. Some weeks, I attend three to four outreach events. Each person I speak with is another opportunity to help them understand who we are and what the District does.” 

To learn more about the District’s educational resources, please visit www.sjrwmd.com/education/.