Program Overview: What You’ll Learn This Year
This year’s program offers a comprehensive exploration of diverse environmental and fishing topics, providing hands-on experiences and valuable knowledge. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Fishing 101: Gain essential skills for successful fishing, including gear selection, bait usage, knot tying, casting techniques, and understanding fishing regulations.
- On the Water: Apply your fishing skills in a real-world setting along the shore, practicing casting, bait selection, and techniques while navigating the water safely.
- Washback Turtles & Beach Stewards Program: Learn about the significance of Washback Turtles and how you can contribute to their conservation through the Beach Stewards Program.
- Clam Class: Discover the crucial role clams play in maintaining water quality and ecosystem health, including insights from Dr. Todd’s research on “super clams.”
- Ft. Matanzas: Explore the historical and ecological importance of Ft. Matanzas, including a boat tour to learn about wetlands, mangroves, and coastal habitats.
- Drones in Coastal Estuary Research: Understand how drones are used in environmental monitoring, from capturing aerial imagery to tracking changes in coastal ecosystems.
- Sharks: Delve into the essential role sharks play in marine ecosystems, gain an understanding of their biology, and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.
- Ecosystem Tour: Experience the diverse coastal ecosystems of wetlands and marshes from a boat, learning about the interconnections between different habitats and their roles in the environment.
- Fishing Lessons on Boat: Master the art of fishing in the ICWW of Northeast Florida, including navigation, safety, fish location techniques, and enjoying the natural surroundings.
This program is designed to provide a rich and engaging learning experience, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills and a deep appreciation for Florida’s natural world.