The Friends of Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves citizen support organization hosted their first quarterly social event at Beech Kombucha, a craft kombucha brewery, tasting room and botanical garden. The TBAP manager gave an update on preserve activities, followed by a knot tying workshop.  As most attendees are outdoor people, there was much enthusiasm for learning some very useful knots.

Staff from the Florida Aquarium assisted Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserve (TBAP) staff on Friday as part of TBAP’s “Day of Action” service program. They worked on an island in the Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve to remove marine debris and invasive plants. The Florida Aquarium regularly provides staff for this type of work. TBAP is thankful for their continued support.

Managing natural resources in Florida’s most densely populated county poses some challenges, but it also offers unique resources for those management activities. Numerous individuals, organizations and academic institutions have come together to help restore and protect these especially valuable natural features in an urban landscape.