With more than 1,000 sq. miles of waterways to protect and restore in its jurisdiction, Calusa Waterkeeper has opened enrollment for its 2025 Ranger Training Academy that gives citizens an opportunity to become trained Rangers and serve as advocates for clean water in Southwest Florida.
The academy offers a comprehensive educational program that covers water pollution, monitoring/testing, policy, advocacy, and restoration aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and leadership.
“Volunteer Rangers are the heart and soul of our organization who play an integral role in water testing, community outreach and advocacy,” said Executive Director Connie Ramos-Williams. “They are our water warriors, our boots on the ground and fins in the water that help us achieve fishable, drinkable, swimmable water in Southwest Florida.”
The 2025 Ranger Training Academy consists of four monthly courses designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills needed to protect our waters. Classes will be held on the 2nd Friday of each month starting on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 1 PM and concludes on Friday, April 11, 2025. Instructional training is provided by Waterkeeper Captain Codty Pierce and Ranger Leadership.
Participants who complete the academy will graduate as Rangers, equipped to conduct water and air quality testing as trained citizen scientists. They will also serve as ambassadors of Calusa Waterkeeper, advocating for the clean water movement in our community.
Online registration for the 2025 Ranger Training Academy is now open. A $125 donation per participant is required and includes educational programming, annual Calusa Waterkeeper membership, a Ranger baseball hat, and a certificate of course completion upon graduation from the academy.
For more information about the 2025 Ranger Training Academy or to register, please contact info@calusawaterkeeper.org or visit CalusaWaterkeeper.org/Rangers.