CSX Supports St. Johns Riverkeeper

To encourage the Jacksonville community to learn more about environmental sensitivity and gain a greater appreciation for the St. Johns River, which flows in front of the CSX headquarters building, CSX has made a $50,000 donation to St. Johns Riverkeeper?.

The 310-mile St. Johns River, the longest river in Florida, is home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mollusks.

St. Johns Riverkeeper raises awareness through citizen-based advocacy of the need for a clean and healthy St. Johns River and its tributaries.

The CSX donation will be used to continue the Riverkeeper's educational outreach about the importance of the river, which includes boat tours and experiments for students.

"We are very grateful that CSX is supporting our efforts to get more folks out on the St. Johns River to experience it firsthand," said Jimmy Orth, St. Johns Riverkeeper Executive Director. "Experiential learning opportunities like the boat trips we will provide are much needed in our community."

The 310-mile St. Johns River, the longest river in Florida, is home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mollusks. The St. Johns was designated an American Heritage River in 1998, one of only 14 rivers in the United States to receive this national recognition. It is one of the few rivers in the United States that flows north.

"Saint Johns Riverkeeper is effective at reaching out to youth with messages that are scientific and practical about how all of us can positively impact the river in our daily lives," said Rick Nath, CSX Manager Environmental Programs. "The Riverkeepers have supported CSX's Earth Day programs and we looking forward to continuing our partnership with them through their sensible protection and recognition of the river."

For more information on St. Johns Riverkeeper, please visit www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org.