One of the most important components to
ERS is the fostering of environmental stewardship and
education in the local community, especially in our area
youth. Since 1999, ERS has partnered with students/teachers in
the 3-year Marine Science program at Washington High School,
where students have received hands-on training in techniques
used in the marine sciences field including; investigating the
origin of scallop die-offs in Big Lagoon, determining the
effectiveness of different grass species in dune restoration
(joint effort with Gulf Islands National Seashore), and a 2005
study to examine fish diversity at Project GreenShores site 1
and 2 (pre-construction). Last year, students conducted
monitoring at Project GreenShores for fish
diversity/abundance, plankton populations, sediments and
currents and benthic invertebrates. Currently, students are
conducting fish diversity/abundance surveys at Project
GreenShores through March 2008.
ERS staff members are available
throughout the year to conduct shoreline tours of Project
GreenShores. This is a frequently requested activity for
school groups of all ages and offers a hands-on education to
estuarine habitats/functions and restoration. In 2007, over
500 students, both K-12 and university level, participated in
Project GreenShores tours. In addition, ERS conducts
presentations to community organizations on Project
GreenShores as well as on restoration programs and projects in
the area.
We also offer internships to high school
and college students/graduates to aid in gaining real world
environmental experience.
Volunteers/interns are crucial to the
success of the Ecosystem Restoration Section and are always in
need. If you are interested in volunteering with ERS or a
shoreline tour of Project GreenShores, please contact
Amy Baldwin Moss for more information.
Northwest District - Community Outreach
2012 State of Florida