Page 7 - The Shores of Jupiter - July '19

The Shores, Page 7
David Wolkowsky’s Ballast Key

waters that surround the key teem with inhabitants of a awesome partnership we have and all of the work it has
healthy coral reef ecosystem including threatened and done to make this possible.”
endangered sea turtles. Wolkowsky began his stewardship The Nature Conservancy has a long history of
of the island in the early 1970s, carefully developing and conservation efforts across the Greater Everglades
managing the property in an environmentally sensitive Ecosystem, from the headwaters of the Everglades to
way to ensure that he would be a good neighbor to the the Keys. In 2012, TNC contributed the first parcel of
Protected And Managed surrounding islands and marine resources of the National land to the brand new Everglades Headwaters National
Wildlife Refuge, and by completing the protection of the
Wildlife Refuge and Florida Keys National Marine
By TNC And U.S. Fish And Sanctuary. As a well-known and impactful public figure, last in-holding in the Key West NWR, TNC continues its
Wildlife Service As Part developer, philanthropist, and visionary, he welcomed commitment to the conservation of the entire Everglades
ecosystem. The organization’s work in protecting the Keys
many guests to Ballast Key including Tennessee Williams,
Of The Key West National Truman Capote, British Prime Minister Edward Heath, began in 1971 with the property that is now Lignum Vitae
Nancy Sinatra, Leonard Bernstein, and Prince Michael
Key Botanical State near the Village of Islamorada. As of
Wildlife Refuge of Greece. Wolkowsky arranged to donate the island to 2019, TNC has protected more than 7,700 acres, or more
protect it from a future of development and offer its wealth
than 9 percent of the land in the Keys, through hundreds of
David Wolkowsky’s Ballast Key, a 14-acre island of natural resources and beauty to conservation purposes, individual land deals, mostly with federal, state and local
located in the clear blue and vibrant waters eight miles prior to his passing at the age of 99 in September 2018. government partners. Managing the island as a research
west of Key West, has been generously donated and “From the way the tides flow through the flats to the facility furthers TNC’s goals and efforts towards coral reef
will be forever protected through the commitment of glimmers of migrating tarpon, this place was David’s protection and restoration, sea-level rise adaptation, and
The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife home. He wanted it protected for generations to come. nature-based coastal resilience for coastal communities.
Service as part of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge We’re honored to help carry out his legacy,” stated the About The Nature Conservancy
(Key West NWR). For more than two decades, The Nature Wolkowsky family. The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation
Conservancy (TNC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ballast Key is the final piece of the Key West NWR, organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters
Service (the Service) worked closely with Wolkowsky to established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt as on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create
preserve the island’s natural and historical values. The a preserve and breeding ground for nesting wading birds innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest
partners are now collaborating to manage and conserve and other wildlife. The refuge consists of the Marquesas challenges so that nature and people can thrive together.
the island sanctuary and fulfill Wolkowsky’s vision to Keys and 13 other keys set in over 375 square miles of We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters
safeguard the subtropical gem and support marine and open water. For more than 110 years the refuge has been and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and
coastal scientific research and education. In recognition managed to preserve quality, character and integrity of water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable.
of Wolkowsky’s commitment to preservation and these protected wilderness lands and open waters, and Working in 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach
philanthropy, the Service is working to rename the island since that time, Ballast Key has been the only remaining that engages local communities, governments, the private
“David Wolkowsky Key.” private property within the refuge. The area from Ballast sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.
“David Wolkowsky’s incredible generosity and Key west, out to and including the Marquesas region, is org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.
dedication to this special island ensures lasting protection remote, and a research facility on Ballast Key will enable
and a legacy of conservation, which will benefit nature additional study of the region.
and wildlife, scientists, students, and the Florida Keys “David Wolkowsky was keenly aware of Theodore New Moon Last Quarter
community,” said Temperince Morgan, executive director, Roosevelt’s conservation vision for the Florida Keys and July 2 July 24
The Nature Conservancy in Florida. “We look forward wanted his legacy to be a part of that,” said Leopoldo
to the future of David Wolkowsky Key, and expect the Miranda, regional director for the Service’s Southeast First Quarter New Moon
science and conservation efforts that will be developed Region. “The donation of his Ballast Key completes the July 9 July 31
there to be impactful for years to come.” Key West National Wildlife Refuge. The 14-acre key will Full Moon
The island is home to many imperiled and endangered be protected forever as part of the National Wildlife Refuge July 16
species of native plants and wildlife, and the shallow System. I want to thank the Nature Conservancy for the

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