From: https://www.fnps.org/news/blog
Eugene Kelly, Hernando Chapter for President
I’ve lived in Florida since my family settled in the Orlando area in 1970 - that’s pre-Disney - and have spent most of those 50+ years working to understand and protect the natural resources and landscapes that make Florida such a wonderful place to live. After earning BS and MS degrees in Biology with coursework emphasizing the study of plant ecology, I interned with the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy in the mid-80s when we were just beginning to really study and appreciate the incredible floristic significance of the Lake Wales Ridge. I have dedicated myself to plant conservation ever since.
I enjoyed working 16 years as a conservation biologist at the Southwest Florida Water Management District, where I assisted in conserving and managing natural areas protected through the Save Our Rivers, Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever programs. Then I rejoined The Nature Conservancy to serve as the Conservation Planner for the Florida Chapter. Now in semi-retirement, I have the luxury of working on just the occasional project that entices my interest and advances conservation.
FNPS has been the leading voice for plant conservation in Florida for 45 years. I have helped FNPS exercise that voice by serving as the current Chair of the Policy and Legislation Committee and as Conservation Chair for the Hernando Chapter. From 2008-2010, I served a term as President. It is more important than ever for FNPS to use its voice and extend the power of its dedicated membership to advance plant conservation and I look forward to continued service to the Society.
