FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Florida continues to face an environmental crisis that is threatening wildlife and the state's natural resources.
Environmental activists said they're alarmed at the rate wildlife species are dying off, from pollution, deforestation and other man-made factors.
That's why the Duke Energy Foundation is funding 10 non-profits to preserve the state's wildlife.
This grant is focusing on protecting Florida's natural resources for future generations to enjoy, but it's also about getting the youth educated and involved in conservation efforts.
And Franklin's Promise Coalition is engaging the youth with hands on training and field work.
"We've built living shorelines. We've planted sea oats. We've done wildland fire prep," Executive Director Joe Taylor.
It's more than just conservation work, the grant also aims to help children and teens get training, certifications and employment.
"Each of our young folks identify something that they see as important it could be anywhere from getting a drivers license, completing a high school diploma, or getting a particular certification. So they allow the resources to help us," said Taylor.
Michael Taylor is one of those teens getting involved and he said the work he's doing is hard, but worth it.
"I started out with nothing when I came here. I had no drivers license, I had no diploma, I had no certifications for any kind of job. But starting here basically gave me my life," said Michael Taylor.
