Parks Group Celebrates Staffer Receiving 2024 Everglades Conservationist Award

Bonita Springs, Fla. – Today, the National Parks Conservation Association proudly recognizes Marisa Carrozzo, Senior Coastal and Wildlife Program Manager in NPCA’s Sun Coast Region, who will receive the 2024 Conservationist Award today at the 39th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference.

Marisa Carrozzo has been a powerful advocate for the Greater Everglades ecosystem for more than thirteen years. At NPCA, Marisa leads campaigns to protect wildlife and public waterways from Big Cypress National Preserve to Biscayne National Park to Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and beyond.

She has been a vocal and visible champion for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Restoration Blueprint, intended to protect the only coral reef in the continental United States from threats like climate change, pollution, and more. Marisa has contributed significantly to NPCA’s efforts to list the ghost orchid under the Endangered Species Act and helps lead the movement for a marine reserve area at Biscayne National Park.

“Marisa Carrozzo is a true champion for America’s Everglades and iconic Florida national parks. Her contributions to the environmental movement in the Sunshine State cannot be overstated.” Said Dr. Melissa Abdo, Sun Coast Regional Director for the National Parks Conservation Association.

“Thanks to her hard work, imperiled wildlife habitats across Florida’s lands and waters are better protected. And thanks to her leadership and partnership working with diverse allies, more clean water is flowing across the river of grass and into connected coastal waters.” Abdo continued.

Marisa served the Florida conservation community for four years as co-chair of the Everglades Coalition and was most recently appointed to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Prior to joining NPCA, Marisa was Everglades and Water Policy Manager for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, leading campaigns to improve and protect water quality in the Everglades and beyond.

“It’s an honor to accept this award from the Everglades Coalition.” Said Marisa Carrozzo, Senior Coastal and Wildlife Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association.

“From the watery depths of Biscayne National Park to the high cypress dome branches of the Everglades, Florida’s remarkable public lands and waters deserve protection. I am privileged to work alongside talented conservationists and passionate advocates from all walks of life, united by our desire to see a restored Everglades ecosystem.”

### About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.6 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org