Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful Welcomes Garret Dufty as Environmental Outreach Program Coordinator

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - Nov. 19, 2024 - PRLog -- – A dedicated team member for the Gwinnett County Government since 2019, Garret Dufty proves an ideal fit for the county's hybrid nonprofit/government organization focused on environmental education, advocacy, and engagement. After serving impactful roles for the Gwinnett County Departments of Parks & Recreation and Water Resources, Dufty will now fulfill the role of Environmental Outreach Program Coordinator for Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful (GC&B). In his new role, his primary focus will be all programs and initiatives that involve water and water preservation. Dufty will oversee the Adopt-A-Stream Program, Stormwater Protectors, Great Gwinnett Wetlands, Great Days of Service, Household Hazardous Waste, maintenance of the WaterGoat litter capture system at Bethesda Park's Sweetwater Creek, and more.

"We are so excited to welcome Garret to the Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful team," said Schelly Marlatt, Executive Director for the eco-focused nonprofit. "We have had such fun partnering with him over the last two years in his Department of Water Resources role. He is highly capable – as evidenced by his recognition with a 2023 "New Trainer of the Year" award from Georgia Adopt-A-Stream. But more than that – he truly loves nature and the community he serves. When he's not facilitating an Adopt-A-Stream workshop, clearing the nets of our WaterGoat, or helping the rest of our team at a cleanup or recycling event, don't be surprised if you see Garret out hiking the trails at the new Harris Greenway or birding at Harbins Park. This man doesn't just talk the talk. He walks the walk. He is a certified Master Herpetologist and Master Naturalist. He sets a fabulous example for others to follow."

Born in South Florida, Dufty grew up in the City of Jefferson, Georgia, which he still calls home today. Armed with a bachelor's degree in political science, he completed a year of service through AmeriCorps Project Conserve in Asheville, North Carolina. In this role, he first developed his environmental outreach skills as well as his volunteer leadership abilities.

Dufty enjoys hiking, gardening, spending time with his family, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs in his free time. He enjoys visiting local parks to study reptiles, amphibians, and birds native to Georgia.

Gwinnett County neighbors who would like to meet the newest member of the Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful staff can attend a future Adopt-A-Stream workshop or volunteer for the first Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful event of 2025 – the annual Bring One for the Chipper (https://gwinnettcb.org/events/bring-one-for-the-chipper-j...) Event on January 25. To learn more about Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, its programs, and future events, please visit www.GwinnettCB.org.