Tallahassee, Fla. – The Everglades Trust (Trust) today released the following statement, attributed to its CEO Anna Upton, regarding Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announcing that George Barley (posthumously), Mary Barley, Paul Tudor Jones II, and Nathaniel Reed (posthumously) have been awarded the Governor’s Medal of Freedom, the highest honor in the state.
“The impact that George Barley, Mary Barley, Paul Tudor Jones II, and Nathaniel Reed have had on the state of Florida is immense.
“Their names and legacies are synonymous with their tireless advocacy for one of the most quintessential parts of Florida – America’s Everglades – fighting to save and protect it for the health of our state and for Floridians.
“It was clear to them – not only from scientific research, but also from their own experiences – that there is no other place like the Everglades, and that if we don’t invest in its restoration, it will be forever lost.
“These recipients of the Governor’s Medal of Freedom have played an important role in getting us to where we are today – the closest we’ve ever been to restoring the Everglades – and it is fitting that we recognize their significant contributions during the year we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.
“Florida and our nation are better because of their contributions to Everglades restoration.”
For more information on the Trust, visit evergladestrust.org and follow @evtrust on Twitter.
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