Hear from local leaders and environmental experts during an Earth Day panel discussion exploring how land and water choices shape the future of Florida’s natural resources.

• 🎟️ Ticket Details: Free, please RSVP in advance

Event Description

Join us this Earth Day for an engaging Eco Talks panel discussion exploring the connection between land, water, and the health of Florida’s natural ecosystems. From Soil to Springs: Protecting Florida’s Water and Land brings together local voices to discuss how everyday choices impact the state’s most vital resources.

This community conversation will examine the relationship between sustainable agriculture, land use, and water conservation, and how these practices work together to protect places like the Wekiva River and its surrounding springshed for future generations.

Through real stories, expert insight, and local perspective, the panel will highlight what shapes Florida’s springs—and what actions can help preserve them. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how land stewardship directly impacts water quality, wildlife, and the long-term health of our environment.

Meet the Panelists

Dr Jay Exum | Vice President, Friends of Wekiva River and Principal Ecologist & President, Exum Associates
Jay Exum received his Ph.D. in wildlife ecology from Auburn University in 1985 and began his professional career in central Florida at that time. Dr. Exum has provided ecological expertise on projects related to threatened and endangered species, wetlands ecology and large-scale conservation planning. In his private practice, he has represented private businesses, counties, public agencies and NGOs on resource management, land acquisition, and wildlife conservation across Florida and the Southeast.

Dr. Exum established Exum Associates, Inc. in 2014 with a desire to collaborate with like-minded colleagues and public and private clients with a shared mission to conserve natural resources. In addition to his business career, Jay has served as president of the Friends of the Wekiva River, Chairman of the Board of the Florida Wildlife Federation, president of the Florida Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Chair of the Seminole Forever Acquisition and Restoration Committee, and on the advisory board for the University of Florida Wildlife Ecology and Conservation department.

Jordan Bentley | Water Quality Scientist, Resource Environmental Solutions (RES)
Jordan is a Florida native and avid fisherman with 8 years of experience as a Water Quality Scientist. His family hails from Polk county and has been involved in the cattle and citrus industries since the 1940’s. Due to his family history and passion for nature, Jordan understands that there is a fragile balance between economic prosperity and environmental health.

Lee Constantine | Seminole City Commissioner, Seminole County
Seminole County Commissioner Lee Constantine, a University of Central Florida graduate, has served Florida as a public servant for 46 years.

In 1978, he was elected the youngest official in the history of the City of Altamonte Springs, serving as Commissioner and Mayor for 14 years. In 1992, he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, and in 2000, he was elected to the Florida Senate, representing the citizens of Orange and Seminole Counties. He served until November 2010, ending his Senate career due to term limits.

Since 2012, Lee has served as a Seminole County Commissioner, being re-elected in 2016, 2020, and 2024.

The media has recognized Commissioner Constantine for his talent in brokering compromise, his mastery of the complex state budget process, and his leadership in education, the environment, and economic development. Throughout his legislative career, he has passed numerous significant and groundbreaking bills.

Ryan Smart | Executive Director, Florida Springs Council
Ryan Smart holds a Master’s degree in Political Science, focused on Water Policy & Public Administration from the University of Florida, where he was honored for his environmental advocacy work as the 2017 University of Florida Bob Graham Center Young Floridian of the Year. He took the helm as FSC’s first Executive Director in 2018, after having served as the Director of the Florida Conservation Coalition and President of 1000 Friends of Florida.

Sign up to join the Florida Springs Council: www.floridaspringscouncil.org/springs-advocate

Val Hahn | River Ambassador, Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System
Val Hahn is an environmental professional with 12 years of experience in conservation and natural resource protection. He holds a B.S. in Earth Science from Northern Michigan University and has worked across federal and state agencies, as well as with The Nature Conservancy, the world’s largest conservation NGO. Val brings a strong background in ecosystem management, environmental education and outreach, and cross-sector partnership development. He proudly serves as the River Ambassador for the federally designated Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System, leveraging his expertise, experience, and strong commitment to champion the protection of our nationally significant river system.

Learn more about Wild & Scenic: www.wekivawildandscenicriversystem.com

Joe Balog | Executive Director, Mighty River Recovery
Joe Balog is the Executive Director of Mighty River Recovery, a group focused on restoring and preserving Florida’s St. Johns River. A Fisheries Scientist by training, Balog spent his early career in the outdoor industry. He’s an accomplished outdoor writer and seminar speaker and today guides the fastest-growing nonprofit in freshwater Florida. Balog’s ideas on holistic care-plans for Florida’s freshwater resources bring a unique viewpoint to managing imperiled systems.

Learn more about Mighty River Recovery: www.mightyriverrecovery.org

This event is a part of our annual Earth Day celebration. Explore the full schedule HERE.