During their recent ANNUAL MEETING, Florida SEE welcomed new board members.

Welcome to Britt Patterson-Weber, of the Naples Botanical Garden where she is Vice President of Education & Interpretation.  Britt has over 20 years experience as an environmental educator and is excited to assist Florida SEE in reviving our educational offerings to members pursuing certification.


FLORIDA SEA GRANT Extension Agents approved in a team role include:

Board Member Nancy MacPhee co-presented a SUSTAINABLE TOURISM workshop for attendees of the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) conference recently. FLORIDA SEE's certification program was referenced during the workshop presented to beach managers from around the USA.

In 2022, ASBPA launched the BLUE FLAG program for North America. Blue Flag is an annual eco-award for beaches and marinas and operates in 48 countries and has awarded over 5042 sites. Beaches must comply with 33 criteria focused on sustainable growth.  For more information visit www.blueflag.us
 

Florida SEE recently approved re-launching their certification program online to make it easier for Eco tour operators to conduct a self assessment and apply for certification. More details about the certification process will be provided in the November newsletter. 

To prepare for this process- Florida SEE needs assessors!

Please join Pete Corradino for an informational webinar on becoming an anonymous assessor- Wednesday, November 15 at 6:30pm. Assessors must be a current member of Florida SEE. 

 
​To join Florida SEE, click here. 
 

To register for the Assessor Training WEBINAR on November 15, CLICK HERE.

   

The Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) is the only stork that nests in North America. Also known as “Ironheads”, the black-skinned, bald-headed storks forage with their beak and head in fresh water, sweeping it back and forth and sensing for prey items. Prey includes predominantly fish, but also frogs, crayfish, insects and even baby alligators! Drainage efforts throughout Florida in the 20th century caused severe degradation to Wood Stork foraging habitat, leading to decimated population numbers. In 1984, the Wood Stork was placed on the Endangered Species list providing better protection of their colonies and feeding grounds. Wood Storks have rebounded but their populations remain imperiled in Florida. Look for the Wood Storks nesting in pond apple forests, cypress swamps and mangrove islands during the winter months and remember to always keep a respectful distance from Wood Storks when viewing to prevent disturbing them as they forage and nest. 

Thanks to Everglades Day Safari for contributing this article.