For 25 years, St. Johns RIVERKEEPER has served as a trusted voice and ardent advocate for the protection and restoration of the St. Johns River and its watershed. “Our founders believed that we all have a right to clean water and a healthy river,” explains Lisa Rinaman, the St. Johns Riverkeeper. “For the last 25 years, we have worked diligently each and every day to defend the river, hold polluters accountable, raise awareness, educate youth, and engage citizens to take a stand for the St. Johns.”
Throughout the 1990’s, newspaper headlines like “Study shows river loaded with toxins,” “Report says quality of St. Johns worsening,” and “Effluent is pushing St. Johns into decline” were common. State agencies and environmental regulations were not keeping up with the pollution and impacts from the rapid growth and development occurring throughout our St. Johns River’s Watershed.
Frustrated by the declining health of the River, several concerned citizens recognized the need for an independent watchdog group to advocate for the St. Johns and hold regulatory agencies and polluters accountable. In October 1998, they organized a meeting of various citizen stakeholders to explore the possibility of starting a RIVERKEEPER program for the St. Johns.
A steering committee was created, and the diverse group that ranged from environmentalists to angers rallied around one common goal – protecting the St. Johns River. Due to their hard work and determination, St. Johns RIVERKEEPER (SJRK) received its license from the Waterkeeper Alliance, setting the stage for 25 years of advocacy for our St. Johns River.
SJRK is celebrating its 25th anniversary throughout 2025. They are hosting a variety of events to help the public explore the watershed and learn about the river - including a 25th Anniversary Luncheon on the banks of the river in Jacksonville, the watershed-wide Great St. Johns River Cleanup, and 25 Taps for the St. Johns, a celebration of local breweries.
Science and the best interests of the St. Johns River guided the founders’ decisions, not politics or individual agendas. SJRK quickly became, and remains today, a trusted and effective voice for the St. Johns. When threats to the River have emerged, St. Johns RIVERKEEPER has been there to mobilize citizens, raise awareness, and speak up for the River by taking a stand. Some of St. Johns RIVERKEEPER’s big accomplishments over the years can be found on their website.
https://stjohnsriverkeeper.org/25-years/
About St. Johns RIVERKEEPER | St. Johns RIVERKEEPER, Inc. is a member-supported, nonprofit advocacy organization for the St. Johns River and its watershed. Our mission is to defend the St. Johns River and advocate for its protection. Visit www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org for more information.
