Ballon debris removal effort at Lake Okeechobee supports environmental stewardship mission

From left, Megan Parsons, Lee Martin and Jessica “Skippy” Martin pose with balloons collected during a cleanup effort near Julian Keen, Florida, April 22, 2026. The team recovered 28 balloons in three hours, demonstrating the widespread impact of litter in waterways. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo)