Biologist wins FOLA’s Jim Thomas Award

Friends of Lake Apopka has presented the sixth annual Jim Thomas Environmental Award to a recipient who “exemplifies the passion and commitment of FOLA founder Jim Thomas and who contributes to the continued restoration of Lake Apopka.”

Nathalie Visscher, a regional biologist with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, accepted the blue water droplet-shaped glass award Tuesday, June 4, at a FOLA meeting held at the Oakland Nature Preserve.

“It took enormous courage for Nathalie to insist on large-scale treatment of hydrilla in the face of opposition from some of her colleagues and some recreational users,” said Joe Dunn, FOLA executive director. “Jim Thomas would have admired her principled stand.”

Visscher is thrilled to have been chosen for the award.

“It was such an honor to receive this award, even though it was unexpected,” she said. “I have always admired Jim Thomas’ lifelong dedication to the environment, so it meant a lot to me.”

Visscher has a master’s degree in biology from Université Côte D’Azur and has spent her entire career in invasive plant management. She is considered an expert in the field, FOLA officials said.

Prior to joining FWC as a regional biologist, Visscher worked for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, also as a regional biologist.

She has been protecting Florida’s waterways from invasive aquatic vegetation for almost 25 years and has been helping Lake Apopka for the past 15 years.

“She has been courageous and, many times, outspoken about the dangerous environmental consequences of hydrilla, water hyacinth and water lettuce,” according to FOLA.

Visscher started raising the alarm about Lake Apopka’s hydrilla in 2019, but budget constraints hampered control efforts. As the problem worsened, she worked with her colleagues at the St. Johns River Water Management District to create an effective control plan that would return hydrilla to pre-2018 levels.

In November, SJRWMD performed a large-scale hydrilla treatment.

“That treatment would have never been possible without Nathalie’s passion and substantial knowledge,” FOLA officials said. “Without Nathalie Visscher’s willingness to speak unpopular truths, 25 years and hundreds of millions of dollars of restoration efforts could have been undone by the hydrilla infestation in Lake Apopka. We genuinely appreciate all that Nathalie has contributed to the restoration of our lake and look forward to her continued involvement and guidance.”

Visscher said she is passionate about Lake Apopka because it has so much to offer to the stakeholders, fish and wildlife.

“It doesn’t deserve the reputation of a dead lake,” she said. “The native plant community is one of the most diverse on the Harris Chain. Raising awareness about and managing invasive plants is critical for effective restoration efforts.

“Lake Apopka is a unique system, which underwent many changes over the years,” Visscher said. “Being the headwater of the Harris Chain, it is very important to continue the ongoing habitat restoration to promote the establishment of native aquatic plants and increase the water quality.”

Visscher has been a proponent of the environment since she was a child growing up on the Island of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea.

“I learned at a young age the importance of native habitats and their protection against invasive species,” she said. “My dad was my biggest mentor. I am proud to have had the opportunity to turn my passion into a career.”