March 10, 2020–
We are delighted to share this news.
Author and long-time environmental advocate Doug Alderson has been appointed to a new full-time position with the Apalachicola Riverkeeper, taking on the role of Outreach and Advocacy Director. He will primarily focus on community partnerships, outreach programs and campaigns, and effective communication and engagement strategies, working closely with the Riverkeeper-Executive Director.
Doug has volunteered with Apalachicola Riverkeeper for almost a decade, primarily helping to coordinate the annual Apalachicola RiverTrek, a five-day kayaking adventure that raises funds for the Riverkeeper and awareness about the Apalachicola River system. RiverTrek set a fundraising record in 2019, raising more than $62,000. “The Apalachicola basin has been close to my heart for most of my life and I am excited that I can dedicate my full talents to raising awareness about its attributes and human-caused threats,” Doug said. “Apalachicola Riverkeeper has a dynamic board, staff and volunteer army, so the way forward looks promising.”
Being an avid outdoors enthusiast since boyhood, Doug hiked the entire Appalachian Trail at age 18, coordinated an environmental group walk across the United States, backpacked through Europe, and mapped the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail for the state of Florida. In his professional career, he has worked as a lobbyist for various environmental groups, a naturalist and educator for the Tallahassee Museum, and associate editor for Florida Wildlife Magazine. His most recent position was assistant bureau chief and paddling trails coordinator for the Florida Office of Greenways and Trails. He is also an avid writer and photographer, having 14 published books and hundreds of magazine articles to his credit. Paddle Florida awarded Doug their inaugural Environmental Service Award in 2015.
Doug and his wife Cyndi have one adult daughter, Cheyenne, an elementary school teacher. Cheyenne is often Doug’s travel buddy, sharing a hobby of outdoor photography.