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10 Year Anniversary

For a decade, St. Johns RIVERKEEPER has served as the voice for the St. Johns River. Join us as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary and continue the march towards a clean and healthy St. Johns River.

10 Year Commemorative Magazine

Delve into a wealth of history, insights and information by downloading our 10 Year Commemorative Magazine.




10 Year Slideshow

ten-video-thumb 10 years of history, news, and events are included in these two video slideshows.
» Watch part 1 (1997-2006)
» Watch part 2 (2007-present)



Success Statistics

  • Responded to hundreds of pollution incidents, holding polluters accountable and resolving problems.
  • Led efforts to prevent construction-site runoff, fecal coliform bacteria pollution and nutrient pollution, the loss of critical wetlands and habitat, and the proposed withdrawals of water from the flow of the St. Johns River and Ocklawaha River.
  • Presented to over 500 schools and organizations and organized more than 100 boat trips for over 4500 adults and children.
  • Organized or participated in several hundred community events.
  • Received news coverage over 1400 times and nearly 300,000 hits to our websites raising awareness about our work and the issues impacting the river.
  • Produced quality educational resources for teachers and the public that include 3 documentaries (The Green Monster, Revenge of the River, My St. Johns River - Our Responsibility), a virtual tour website (www.mystjohnsriver.com), a river guidebook (Get Your Feet Wet), lesson plans and curriculum.

Awards and Acknowledgements

  1. Neil Armingeon, the St. Johns RIVERKEEPER, is named Folio Weekly's 2004 Person of the Year.
  2. St. Johns RIVERKEEPER receives the 2005 CSX Lifetime Environmental Achievement Award.
  3. The Northeast Florida Regional Council presents the 2006 Regional Award for Excellence in Environmental Stewardship to Neil Armingeon.
  4. The Green Monster and Revenge of the River documentaries both receive first place honors at the national Awards for Reporting on the Environment.
  5. St. Johns RIVERKEEPER receives the 2007 Zone VIII Conservation Award from The Garden Club of America.
  6. Neil Armingeon is named the 2007 Outspoken Citizen of the Year by the Southside Business Men's Club.
  7. St. Johns RIVERKEEPER receives the Florida Wildlife Federation's 2009 Water Conservationist of the Year award.

Milestone Moments

Condom Creek

St. Johns RIVERKEEPER discovers a severe break in a JEA wastewater discharge pipe flowing into the Ortega River. The wastewater contains high levels of bacteria, condoms, and feminine hygiene products. As a result, the pipe replacement is expedited by 14 months, problems at the wastewater treatment facility are quickly repaired, and a settlement is reached that requires JEA to fund specific environmental projects to benefit the health of the St. Johns River.

Freedom Commerce

St. Johns RIVERKEEPER joins with the Sierra Club to lead the fight to save the headwaters of Julington and Pottsburg Creeks by preventing the filling of 265 acres of forested wetlands. As a result of our efforts, the developer agreed to reduce the proposed wetland impacts to less than 30 acres and to protect a significant portion of the property. As of today, none of the high-quality wetlands that were originally slated for development have been destroyed.

River Dance Study (View Study)

St. Johns RIVERKEEPER successfully lobbyies Jacksonville Community Council, Inc. (JCCI) to study how the community can interact with the river and it tributaries for the maximum benefit of both people and nature. The "River Dance" study draws significant community-wide attention to the St. Johns River and results in the implementation or partial implementation of 7 of the 9 study recommendations.

The Green Monster

St. Johns RIVERKEEPER launches a successful River Friendly Yards public awareness campaign to educate homeowners about the impacts of runoff and to provide simple and easy "river-friendly" lawn maintenance and landscaping tips. As part of this campaign, The Green Monster, a television program is produced. It documents the causes and impacts of the massive algae bloom of 2005. Hosted by former Jaguar Jeff Lageman, The Green Monster aired on NBC, was nominated for 3 Emmy Awards, and received first place honors at the national Awards for Reporting on the Environment.

Water Wars

St. Johns RIVERKEEPER leads the effort to prevent plans in Central Florida to remove millions of gallons of water a day from the flow the St. Johns River and the Ocklawaha River. As a result of widespread public opposition, the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) launches a 3-year study to better understand the impact of water withdrawals, delays future permit decisions until completion of the study, and commits more resources and attention to water conservation and reuse programs to solve our water supply problems.

Nutrient Agreement

St. Johns RIVERKEEPER and several other environmental groups reach a historic settlement agreement with the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requiring the state of Florida to adopt measurable limits for the nutrient pollution that is triggering algae blooms and poisoning our waterways.

Ten Ways to Help the St. John's River in 2010

  1. 1. Become a member. Join the St. Johns RIVERKEEPER team.
  2. 2. Share information about St. Johns RIVERKEEPER with 10 people.
  3. 3. Buy a St. Johns River guidebook and visit 10 parks along the river.
  4. 4. Volunteer for 10 hours. Join the River Patrol, a neighborhood watch for the river.
  5. 5. Recruit 10 new members. Host a St. Johns RIVERKEEPER party for your friends.
  6. 6. Pledge to reduce your water use by 10 gallons a day.
  7. 7. Learn 10 new things about your river and why it's important. A Riverkeeper boat trip is a great way to learn and have fun!
  8. 8. Write 10 letters or e-mails to your legislators in support of the river.
  9. 9. Plan to attend 10 St. Johns RIVERKEEPER or river-related events.
  10. 10. Donate an extra $10 a day, week, month, or year to St. Johns RIVERKEEPER.

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