Franklin County seventh-graders take to the Flatwoods

Students in Franklin County’s LIFE Program examined the role of decomposers in nutrient cycling, measured and compared undergrowth in burned and unburned areas, and related tree ring growth to regional rainfall (see photos). The field experience was the third of four planned for this school year and was conducted at the St. Joseph Bay Buffer Preserve on January 19, 20, and 21.

Training conducted for new LIFE Program sites

Over 20 educators attended the two-day workshop on the LIFE Program at the Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. Educators came from Research Reserves, State Parks, Aquatic Preserves, and DEP District Offices. The participants gained a detailed understanding of the key principles that define the LIFE Program. Site educators examined ways to implement a LIFE Program at their site, while district outreach and education coordinators outlined ways to provide support. Over the next two school years, six new LIFE Sites will be established around the state.

LIFE Events

• February 8, 2005: Presentation of LIFE Program at the State Committee on Environmental Education meeting and visit to potential LIFE sites in south Florida
• February 28, 2005: Deadline for teachers to confirm interest in attending the Dive into Marine Science Education Workshop (please see last month’s LIFE Update)
• April 19, 20, 21, 2005: LIFE-ANERR Field Experience #4 at the Florida State University Marine Lab