Who We Are
Based on the principles of visionary environmental advocate, Arthur R. Marshall, Jr. (1919-1985), the mission of the Foundation is to develop, promote, and deliver science-based education and public outreach programs central to restoration of the greater Everglades ecosystem and its historic “River of Grass.”
Established in 1998, the Foundation has quickly grown to become a leader in environmental education and is the only non-profit in South Florida offering hands-on learning opportunities in Everglades restoration and preservation. Since the organization’s founding, our message has reached more than three million people through our many programs and events, as well as via partnerships with other environmental and community groups.
In addition to working with approximately 25,000 K-12 students during each school year and through after-school, scout, and summer camp programs, the Marshall Foundation conducts an annual Summer Intern Program for college age students planning to pursue careers in the environmental sciences and related fields.
The Foundation has received numerous awards and recognition through the years for our efforts to develop future stewards of the environment, encourage appreciation for Florida’s natural resources, and ensure safe drinking water for generations to come. Our volunteers have planted more than 100,000 native Florida trees in wetlands areas and harvested close to 4,000 pounds of cypress seeds for germination and replanting.
History of the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation
In 1982, Art Marshall’s good friend, famed Florida environmentalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas, was impressed with Art’s idea to create a foundation to bring students together to work with senior scientists on Everglades restoration projects. She gave him $1,500 and her 501(c)(3) to help get the project underway, but unfortunately it did not come to fruition before his untimely death in 1985.
In 1998, following his retirement from the U.S. Marines, Art’s nephew, John Arthur Marshall, took up where his uncle left off, creating the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation and Florida Environmental Institute. John and his wife, Nancy, co-founder of the organization, have devoted themselves to fulfilling Art’s dream, actively involved on a daily basis as chairman and president of the Board, respectively.
From its humble beginnings in the Marshall’s home, the Foundation has continued to grow and flourish, thanks to the commitment and dedication of its supporters and volunteers. In 2005, along with a move to a small office space in West Palm Beach, Josette Kaufman was hired as the first executive director. In April 2011, the organization reached another milestone, relocating to its new headquarters in Lake Worth to accommodate its growing staffing and programming needs.
Arthur R. Marshall (1919 - 1985)