Nutrien White Springs collaborates with SportsAbility Alliance for unique outdoor adventure for individuals with disabilities

Nutrien's White Springs Phosphate facility proudly sponsored the 26th annual SportsAbility Alliance Deer Hunt in November, creating a unique and unforgettable outdoor experience for individuals with disabilities.

The event welcomed over 40 SportsAbility members and their guests, giving them the opportunity to explore approximately 1,000 acres of Nutrien's property, which includes reclaimed lands that support diverse plant and animal habitats.

“We’ve had a long-standing relationship with SportsAbility – previously known as the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA) – and community interest has peaked in 2024,” says Mike Batts, Environmental Supervisor at White Springs and one of the Nutrien volunteers who helped make the event a success. “To accommodate the growing demand, we added an extra weekend of activities, with our site’s farmhouse providing a comfortable and accessible base for our guests.”

The farmhouse was previously renovated to ensure accessibility and comfort, featuring specialized furniture and washroom facilities. In addition, a mobile-accessible deer stand designed for hunters with disabilities was purchased with the help of a donation from Pure Polymer, one of Nutrien's suppliers.

To ensure the event ran smoothly, White Springs had more than 15 dedicated volunteers who assisted with logistics, food coordination, guided hunts, and transportation.

During the event's kick-off luncheon, Rachel Garland, Nutrien’s Government and Industry Affairs Manager, Stan Posey, Nutrien’s White Springs Environmental Affairs Manager, and David Jones, Founder and Director of FDOA, welcomed participants, volunteers, and local officials and spoke about Nutrien’s commitment to providing recreational opportunities for people with disabilities. Hunter safety was also a key focus, addressed by representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

David Jones shared a touching speech, expressing his thanks to Nutrien and its volunteers for supporting the event and highlighting the restorative power of nature. Despite his mobility challenges from an accident years ago, he continues to find solace and strength in the natural surroundings at Nutrien.

Looking forward to 2025, White Springs and SportsAbility plan to enhance the initiative with a new recreational fishing program. Several of the site's reclaimed lakes will offer excellent angling opportunities for people with disabilities, further expanding the adventure.