Audubon Intern Brittney Deoliveira submitted this recap of her experience helping with the Rally for Amendment 1 & Clean Water on February 18. Thanks to Brittney joining the team that helped organize over 400 people in support of this very important issue. Enjoy!

On February 18, hundreds of Floridians gathered on the steps of the Old Florida Capitol building in Tallahassee to rally in support of clean water and Amendment 1, which 75% of Florida voted for on the 2014 election ballot.

As one of the many college students attending the rally on that cold, yet clear day, it encouraged me to see all ages peacefully united together at the Capitol. While volunteering at the Florida’s Water & Land Legacy tent and assisting rally attendees, I had the opportunity to speak with numerous constituents, many of whom traveled miles for this specific Capitol Day. A lot of networking occurred on the lawn, as well reencounters of past acquaintances.

Vehicles and trucks honked their horns as they passed by at the intersection of Monroe Street and Apalachee Parkway. The signs held at the rally not only showed creativity, but they each sent a certain message: “Save Our Springs,” “Buy The Land, Send It South,” and “Don’t Frack Florida”, amongst others.

After witnessing the optimistic passion of everyone, it became clear to me the motivation behind their presence at the rally and meeting with Senators later that day. Whether the interests were for Florida’s tourist economy, agriculture, the environment, or our children’s future, the preservation and conservation of Florida’s resources remains of essence in the hearts of Floridians, and they made it clear once again at the Capitol.