GTMNERR Showcases Aquatic Preserves and NERRs at the ASSPD Conference Field Day

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve staff and the Friends of GTM Reserve co-hosted an outreach table for the Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) at the Association of Southeastern State Park Directors Conference field day at Washington Oaks State Park, within the GTMNERR boundary. The table featured Florida's network of Aquatic Preserves and NERRs and highlighted research on plankton and oysters, including the debut of the Dancing Oyster Reef.  

DRP and the Florida Forest Service also planned a prescribed fire demonstration using drone ignition on a nearby GTM spoil island. Recent storms and king tides kept the fire from igniting, but the conference attendees still enjoyed watching a helicopter demonstrate how it suppresses fires.