West Coast Chapter Field Trip

Manatee Viewing Center at the Big Ben Power Station
Host: Teco Electric Al Perotti, Mike Middlebrooks, Wendy Valley

Eleven chapter members attended a field trip on 8/16/2007 to the Manatee Viewing Center at the Big Bend Power Station. All of the attendees were impressed with the facility and the environmental efforts and programs open to the public. The challenges of providing and protecting a mission critical service to the community while working in conjunction with the environment was impressive. Most companies would have stopped their effort at meeting environmental regulation. The fact that Teco has gone well above that by creating a sanctuary and an excellent learning lab is a testimony to the company and the people like Wendy, her staff and the team of volunteers.

Wendy's knowledge and enthusiasm was infectious. It is exciting to hear about the outreach programs to teach adults and children about the environment, the Manatee, the history of Teco and their stewardship of the environment.

Along with the information about the Manatee Viewing Center and challenges they also shared the challenges in providing security for a sanctuary and interacting with other enforcement agencies.

The viewing center is open daily, 10.am to 5pm, from November 1 through April 15. You can log on to tampaelectric.com/manatee to use their web cam and to find out more information about location and the different services provided at the center. I would highly recommend a visit for adults and kids. It is an opportunity to get close to nature in its natural habitat.
-- Jon Kemp, Chapter Chairman
(More photos below)