NAPLES, Fla. - s4story -- The Alliance for Florida's National Parks will award Aliyah Walker as the first-ever recipient of the Lisa Andrews Conservation and Education (L.A.C.E.) Award at the ninth annual Wine & Wildlife Gala on Nov. 4, 2025, in Naples, Fla.

The L.A.C.E. Award is being created to honor the legacy of Ranger Lisa Andrews and her lifelong dedication to environmental stewardship and education and will be presented annually to individuals who exemplify Andrews' legacy and inspire future generations to explore, learn from and safeguard the environment.

Exemplifying Andrews' legacy is no small feat. She created the Swamp Water And Me Program (S.W.A.M.P.) in Big Cypress National Preserve. Now entering its 27th year, S.W.A.M.P. is a curriculum-based program that enables every sixth grader in Collier County to go on a free field trip to Big Cypress.

Walker, a senior environmental specialist with the Florida Department of Health, was selected for her outstanding contributions to public health, water quality and environmental outreach in Collier County. Her work spans water sampling, compliance inspections and community education programs that promote sustainable practices to protect Florida's surface and groundwater.

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"Aliyah embodies the spirit of curiosity, leadership and commitment to conservation that defined Lisa Andrews' career," said Lulu Vilas, CEO of The Alliance for Florida's National Parks. "Her dedication to protecting our natural resources and educating the public makes her a perfect choice for this honor."

Born in Sumter, S.C., and raised in Naples, Walker earned a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in chemistry from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Her career began in pharmacy and public health before transitioning to environmental health, where she now leads water program efforts and collaborates with Collier County Pollution Control's Laboratory on education and outreach.

The annual Wine & Wildlife Gala benefits the transformative park education programs championed by The Alliance. Wine & Wildlife will present guests with a unique opportunity to enjoy extraordinary cuisine and live music at one of Southwest Florida's premier private country clubs, while supporting education, exploration and conservation programs at Big Cypress National Preserve and Biscayne, Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks.

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For tickets to the Wine & Wildlife Gala, please visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/IXi/.

About The Alliance for Florida's National Parks
The Alliance for Florida's National Parks is the official philanthropic partner for Big Cypress National Preserve and Biscayne, Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks. The nonprofit organization provides opportunities to support education, exploration and conservation programs in Florida's national parks, and is devoted to filling the gaps in government funding, providing critical monetary support to the essential programs provided by each of the parks. For more information, visit FloridaNationalParks.org.