The Firewise Community lost a great leader in 2017. We were saddened by the passing of Mary Prescott who served the Firewise Community for 15 years.
Mary began her involvement with Firewise while serving on the Board of the Wedgefield Homeowners Association. Her efforts led to Wedgefield becoming a Firewise Community in the inaugural year (2002). This was important to the St Johns River Water Management District because we manage nearly 10,000 acres of land adjacent to Wedgefield, and we manage those acres with prescribed fire to support endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. Her efforts made our job easier.
But Mary didn’t stop there. She served as an emissary of the Firewise message to other communities around the nation. She was directly responsible for the establishment of at least two other Firewise Communities in Florida.
Last year, in response to her illness, she stepped down from her post as President Firewise. I am convinced she was trying to prepare all of us for today.
In appreciation for her efforts, this past September, the St Johns River Water Management District awarded Mary the Bob Owens Volunteer Service Award. Mary received her award while watching over staff who are banding nestling red-cockaded woodpeckers. Those baby woodpeckers will serve as a lasting legacy to Mary and her service.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary’s family during this difficult time.
