Friends of A1A Environmental Education Fair

Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway will host its first ever Environmental Education Fair on Saturday, May 1st in Marineland, according to an announcement received by the St. Augustine local news desk today.

Byway Administrator Sallie O’Hara promises Historic City News readers a full day of free workshops, activities, exhibits, vendors and entertainment connected with the coastal environment.

“This is an opportunity for anyone who cares about the coastal environment to come together and learn about the many unique resources, from nature, scenic conservation and recreation to the historical, cultural and archaeological aspects,” O’Hara said. “We are very pleased that many Byway organizations with similar interests in coastal conservation strategies are supporting the event.”

The event, which is from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., will be at the University of Florida Whitney Labs on the west side of SR A1A in the Town of Marineland. The event is expected to draw 500 persons, ranging from environmental advocates to families and children.

Activities will include 12 indoor and in-the-field workshops, 40 exhibitor and vendor booths, science fair projects, environmental activities, storytelling, face-painting and music.

A nationally acclaimed presenter, Michael Klubock, Founder and Executive Director of the Malibu Foundation for Environmental Education, will serve as the guest speaker. Klubock, whose specialty is inspiring youth to become good stewards of the coastal environment, will lead participants on a short beach clean-up.

Klubock, whose specialty is inspiring youth to become good stewards of the coastal environment, will lead participants on a short beach clean-up. One of the many activities of the Friends of A1A is to conduct at least two beach clean-ups a month in St. Johns and Flagler counties. The goal of the “See It-Clean It” Program funded, in part, by the Florida Coastal Management Program and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, is to inspire citizens to continue organized and regular beach clean-ups throughout the year and educate everyone about the delicate linkages between people and our natural environment.

The Master of Ceremonies will be Frank Gromling, an author, radio host and publisher for Ocean Publishing in Flagler Beach. Gromling, the host of “Cover to Cover” on WNZF radio, will host his show live from the event at 11:30 a.m. Others expected to be on hand at the Fair are the Mayor of Marineland, Jim Netherton, and the President of Friends of A1A, Barbara Jenness.

Box lunches and beverages will be available on-site for a nominal charge. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information about the Environmental Education Fair and how to become a sponsor, exhibitor or participant, please call the Friends of A1A at 904.425.8055 in St. Johns County or 386.585.3679 in Flagler County.

Friends of A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway is a non-profit organization that protects, preserves, and enhances resources along the A1A National Scenic Byway. This citizen’s advocacy group partners with municipalities, governmental agencies and other civic groups to maintain and improve resources along the corridor.

Designated in 2002, the Byway is rich in history, nature, archeology, culture, scenery and recreation. The Friends of A1A’s efforts benefit residents and travelers alike by maintaining the identified intrinsic resources while allowing economic development.