FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2004
CONTACT: Leigh Ann Asklar, (850) 245-2112

Florida's State Parks Light Up Washington for the Holidays

--2004 state ornament honors volunteers and natural Florida--

WASHINGTON D.C. - Florida’s award-winning state park system will represent Florida in Washington D.C. this Christmas on the state Christmas tree in President’s Park. The Florida state ornament adorning the tree, which this year honors Florida’s 158 state parks, will be featured tonight in the Christmas Pageant of Peace 2004, celebrating the 81st annual lighting of the National Christmas tree.

“Florida’s award-winning state park system represents the diverse natural, cultural and historical resources that make Florida unique,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “This holiday ornament symbolizes the countless hours spent by volunteers and park employees preserving and celebrating the gift of natural Florida.”
 

The 2004 Florida ornament was designed by Tallahassee resident and nationally renowned artist Judy Minor. Inspired by the Florida State Park Service symbol worn by all park rangers, the ornament is a tribute to the more than 6,000 volunteers who dedicate time to preserving state parks for future generations.
 

The National Christmas Tree is surrounded by 56 smaller decorated trees representing the 50 states, 5 territories and the District of Columbia. Florida’s state tree will be decorated with the state park ornament honoring volunteerism and environmental stewardship.

Volunteers in Florida’s award-winning state parks are saving taxpayers millions of dollars every year. Last year alone, park volunteers saved Floridians $20.4 million by contributing nearly one million hours of work to the State – the equivalent of 451 full-time employment positions.

Lending a hand in volunteerism, Citizen Support Organizations are non-profit volunteer groups dedicated to supporting natural Florida by developing and promoting special events, raising funds for equipment or renovations and seeking grants. Last year, Florida’s 92 CSOs raised more than $3 million dollars to support public lands.

Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 158 parks covering more than 700,000 acres. Over the last five years, Florida added eight new parks and more than 203,000 acres to its nationally-renowned park system and increased attendance by five million, welcoming a record 19.1 million visitors last year. In 1999, Florida received the National Gold Medal for Excellence award for its outstanding state park system.