This week Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve wrapped up surveys in St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve, officially completing three of the five systems we monitor annually. Additionally, Tim and Sandra accompanied Nigel and Mandy from the Florida Public Archaeology Network to survey one of their sites within the preserve. They were eager to locate the site and document post Hurricane Helene, which they did so successfully.  

On Sunday, June 22, a lightning strike during a storm sparked fire at the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve (SJBSBP). Fortunately, the fire ignited within one of the pre-designated burn zones, allowing for a rapid and strategic response.

This past week, Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve’s (ANERR) research team was able to complete the routine exchange of their long-term continuous water quality monitoring at seven sites across ANERR. These exchanges are key to maintain accurate data. Freshly calibrated equipment is put out while the instruments in the field are retrieved, leading to little or no gaps in the data.

Guana Tolomato Mantanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) Collaboration Specialist Shannon Brew hosted a three-day program, “Lifelong Learners: Adult Coastal Camp,” in partnership with Sea Grant Agent Carolyn Kovacs. During this blend of interactive classroom and field activities, participants learned about the GTMNERR estuary and explored the southern portion of it.

At the Guana Tolomato Mantanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR), the summer Research Experience for Undergraduates Intern Nicole D’Arienzo has started conducting her experiment.

The St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve conducted two prescribed burns on May 14 and 15, covering a total of 294 acres. The fires were set to reduce excess fuel and support native plant communities. One of the zones had not been burned since before Hurricane Michael and had a significant buildup of vegetation that could pose a wildfire risk.

Big Bend kicked off its first day of seagrass surveys last week in Steinhatchee. With heavy rain threatening to brown out many of the sites, the team launched two boats and set out to sample the entire system in one day. Thanks to the help of Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve contractor Morgan Edwards, all 25 sites were completed. It was no easy task, as each site required four replicate quadrats, but the team got it done.

On Saturday, May 3, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve welcomed more than 1,000 community members for the 2025 Rookery Bay Community Day, an event dedicated to celebrating the vibrant connection between people and the coastal environment.

Lara Bracci, land-based sources of pollution coordinator for the Coral Reef Conservation Program, and Kylie Morgan, coral protection project coordinator for the Coral Protection and Restoration Program, assisted the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves team in swapping data sondes in the bay. They snorkeled to clean the equipment and exchanged the sondes.

The St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve (Buffer Preserve) is a hidden gem along Florida’s Gulf Coast that recently expanded by 606 acres. The Buffer Preserve serves as a natural buffer against pollution and provides a haven for wildlife and rare plant species.