The Power Of The Volunteer

Robert Fields

St. Johns Riverkeeper: Riverkeeper volunteer

When one of Robert Field’s family members invited him to come out early one Sunday morning for a cleanup along McCoy’s Creek, little did he know he would soon be the leader at future site cleanups sponsored by the St. Johns Riverkeeper.

“After the cleanup, I went home and reflected about all that we had accomplished, and I’ve been hooked ever since,” Field said. “It’s shocking sometimes to look at the bags of trash that are collected by a small group of hardworking volunteers.”

“We are a small organization tasked with providing a big voice for a massive river system,” said Jimmy Orth, Executive Director of St. Johns Riverkeeper. “As a result, volunteers are essential to our work, allowing us to expand our advocacy efforts, educate and inform more people and monitor more of the river”

“Volunteers like Robert also contribute valuable expertise, experience and knowledge that can greatly enhance the effectiveness of our organization,” Orth continued.

For Fields, his volunteer work is not just about helping to keep the St. Johns River free from trash and pollution or being an advocate for this precious natural resource. He said one of the best things about volunteering is the friendships he has made with volunteers and residents over the past three years.

“There are some pretty amazing people who live in Jacksonville,” said Fields. “I am proud to be a part of such a positive group of people.”