Alachua County's recently appointed sustainability program manager will be off to the Netherlands this summer to learn about environmental issues.
Sean McLendon was sponsored by Gainesville's Rotary Club to represent the county in a monthlong exchange program. He will be part of a five-person team in the city of Eindhoven from May 16 to June 14.
This exchange, sponsored by Rotary District 6970 in Jacksonville, will focus on local issues, including clean water and conservation, waste and recycling, and environmental concerns.
McLendon said the people in the Netherlands are dealing with similar issues as Americans, particularly those in North Central Florida, such as the climate change, a rising sea level and increasing energy costs.
McLendon said he hopes to use the experience to expand his work on the county's Energy Conservation Strategies Commission.
