FOWR Member Spotlight - Cindy Newton
Cindy’s background varies as she chose to put her family first and adjust her career moves to accommodate their priorities. Moving from state to state brought amazing opportunities in several fields from running a repair shop, working retail, teaching, negotiating service contracts, to owning a media production business and many things in between. No matter the professional path, her faith, family, love of nature, service to others, and working with children have always been in the forefront.
Now, she spends much of her time volunteering for The Friends of the Wekiva River to protect the Wekiva Basin and our beloved river and advocating for smart growth and preservation of rural areas and natural resources.
Cindy shared some of her background and hopes for the Wekiva Basin and answered a few other fun questions for us. Enjoy!
What's your earliest memory of the Wekiva River? I first saw the Wekiva when I drove to Seminole County from Lake County to close on our home over 25 years ago. Its natural beauty seemed so pure and it touched my heart.
What's your favorite animal and plant in the Wekiva Basin? Each animal is special to me and their purpose in our ecosystem is so valuable, I'm not certain I have a favorite. My early childhood was spent outside in nature surrounded by wildlife in Ohio, so the wildlife I did not see as a child, such as alligators and manatees intrigue me the most. My favorite plant changes in various settings, but I think the orchids are my all time favorite.
What do you wish people knew about the river? I wish people understood t's importance to our ecosystem and the consequences growth in Florida is having on its health and threatening its existence. There is also a lack of understanding of the entire Wekiva Basin and the significance of the most effective recharge area known as the Wekiva Study Area.
What's your favorite thing about the river? The way this unique system brings people together to help protect it and how it gives back tenfold what it receives.
Favorite memory on the river? Watching otters play and just enjoy the river.
Biggest hope for the river's future? That it is protected in perpetuity for future generations.
How and why did you get involved with FOWR? A few years ago, as I advocated for protection of our natural resources and rural lands in Lake County, I became aware of Friends, but had no idea FOWR also helped protect the Wekiva Study Area where I live. In reaching out to ask for information, and to share research, I was invited to a board meeting and was convinced to join the board.
Do you have any unusual skills or hobbies? Is Peafowl herding considered a skill? My neighborhood is home to a large flock of peafowl and for some odd reason they flock to me and follow me around. I am also a certified hypnotist, which is a bit out of the ordinary.
What do you like to do for fun? Photography is a passion of mine, so hiking with a camera for wildlife photographs is my way of relaxing and recharging. Spending time with my family is always the most fun.