Trout Lake Nature Center Receives SECO Energy Foundation Grant
The Trout Lake Nature Center (TLNC) received $22,000 in dedicated SECO Energy Foundation grant funds to support the replacement of a portion of a vital boardwalk that traverses the 230-acre preserve. Located in the Eustis area, Trout Lake Nature Center was awarded the grant in March by the SECO Energy Foundation. The funding will support costs that TLNC, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation, will incur as it replaces the boardwalk used by thousands of adult and student visitors each year.
Boardwalk Replacement Funding Was Needed
Over time, the wooden boardwalk has become weathered, and as its condition continued to deteriorate, the TLNC Board of Directors made the decision to replace it. Trout Lake Nature Center’s Executive Director, Eileen Tramontana, shared, “We have so many visitors that rely on using the boardwalk to explore our natural habitat, and safety is paramount. Wooden structures do not enjoy indefinite lifespans here, unlike our trees and rich vegetation. Our Board made a timely and appropriate decision to reconstruct the boardwalk now so it can support the ongoing interest in the TLNC.” The Center’s walking trails are open to the public throughout the year.
SECO Energy Foundation Board Director Matthew Roudabush agreed that the grant would go to good use and is excited to see progress already being made. After delivering the check to Ms. Tramontana, he said, “The Foundation knows these funds are going to support a worthy cause—a significant community asset that contributes to environmental appreciation and knowledge of our Florida wetlands and habitat for such a variety of life,” adding, “The boardwalk will be safe and viable for the foot traffic it experiences for some time to come.”
Morgan Hatfield, the SECO Energy Board Trustee for District #9 and also the recently elected Board Secretary/Treasurer shares Director Roudabush’s enthusiasm for the Foundation’s decision to fund the Trout Lake grant. From a family of educators and administrators in Lake County, Mrs. Hatfield states, “As a lifelong Lake County resident and a proponent of environmental education in and an understanding of the energy industry, I recognize the importance of preserving the ‘Old Florida’ environmental areas and educating students about nature, conservation and energy.”
TLNC Board Director Bob Wexler added that the opportunity to upgrade the materials used on the boardwalk was an added benefit. “Lumber prices have risen in the last few years to the point where purchasing composite materials for the boardwalk was a viable option. The new boards will last much longer and provide a much safer surface to walk upon long term.”
Community and Educational Impact
Trout Lake Nature Center has conducted hundreds of field trips and reached over 215,000 students. The students and members from Central Florida who come to enjoy the Nature Center can experience environmentally friendly wetlands, mesic flatwoods and lake bottom features that encompass most of TLNC.
Since 1988, the Trout Lake Nature Center has been a vital resource for nature education, conservation, and awareness in Central Florida. The center is run by a dedicated board of directors, executive director and staff, who work tirelessly to maintain the facilities and habitats and develop engaging programs for visitors. Thanks to the support of generous donors, program fees, fundraisers, grants and loyal members, TLNC continues to thrive and serve the community.
Foundation rounds up your bill to the nearest dollar. The donated pennies are devoted to charitable causes within the communities served by SECO Energy. Donations are tax deductible. More information can be found at www.SECOFoundation.org. You may opt out by emailing customerservice@SECOEnergy.com or calling (352) 793-3801.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE (800) 435-7352 or https://csapp.Fdacs.Gov/cspublicapp/checkacharity/checkacharity.Aspx. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Registration number ch70691.
To learn more about the SECO Energy Foundation, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.
