His public service in Florida is legendary, as was his passion for the Everglades, clean air and water, wildlife, fishing, and managing Florida’s booming growth. He was a respected advisor to Governors from both parties and played an instrumental role in envisioning and advocating for some of the state’s most respected conservation initiatives.

He served on agencies and boards too many to number. He was appointed to the South Florida Water Management District Board by Governor Bob Graham and then subsequent governors, serving for 14 years. He used this platform to continue his career-long push for a plan and state and federal funding for Everglades restoration. Governor Bob Martinez appointed him to chair the Commission on the Future of Florida’s Environment which called for bonding to acquire environmentally sensitive lands, leading to Florida’s landmark program which has resulted in millions of acres of conserved lands.

In addition to playing a key role in the passage of Florida’s 1985 Growth Management Act he also co-founded 1000 Friends of Florida and remained an actively involved guiding force as Chairman Emeritus up until the day of his accident. Shortly before his passing, he asked 1000 Friends to edit and publish a white paper he had spearheaded on the most critical environmental issues facing Florida. Entitled Trouble in Paradise, the paper was dedicated in his memory.

He was a one-of-a-kind, passionate and enthusiastic advocate for Florida’s environment. He leaves a tremendous legacy. We all will miss him and extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Alita, children Nathaniel Jr., Adrian and Lia, and five grandchildren. To find out more about some of Nathaniel’s many accomplishments please see the nomination narrative for his 2011 recognition as a Great Floridian. Also, check out the video the Guardians of Martin County have released as a tribute.