Membership Meeting, May 1, 2025, 7 p.m. Oxbow Eco Center

Dr. Edie Widder is our guest speaker.  She will be joined by Ms. Michelle Martin. 

Dr. Edie Widder is a deep-sea explorer, bioluminescence expert, and CEO/Senior Scientist at the Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA), a nonprofit she co-founded in 2005 to protect ocean ecosystems. Renowned for capturing the first deep-sea video of a giant squid in 2012 (and again in 2019), her pioneering work has been featured by the BBC, PBS, Discovery, and National Geographic. She’s received numerous honors, including a MacArthur “genius” grant, the Explorers Club Citation of Merit, and the inaugural Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration. Her 2021 memoir, Below the Edge of Darkness, was hailed by The New York Times as “a thrilling blend of hard science and high adventure.”

At ORCA, Dr. Widder leads efforts to find science-based, results-driven solutions to ocean conservation challenges. ORCA, based in Vero Beach, FL, focuses on developing innovative technology, collecting actionable water quality data, and engaging the community—especially young citizen scientists—in marine conservation. Learn more at www.TeamORCA.org.

Via Zoom: Join Zoom Meeting on April 3rd at 6pm

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting

Meeting ID: 845 9007 9130

Passcode: 419983

March 6, 2025 Tim Moore, FAU Harbor Branch

 Title: Impacts of Environmental Shifts on Coastal Ecosystems

 Dr. Tim Moore has been involved with studying the Earth for 35 years using ocean color remote sensing, and  has been part of NASA Science Teams on satellite missions since 1996.  His areas of interest spans from ocean to inland lake research on regional and global scales, and includes the Great Lakes, the Indian River Lagoon, and Lake Okeechobee.  Using satellite-based tools and field observations, Dr. Moore studies water quality trends that include harmful algal blooms, phytoplankton dynamics in community structure, succession, and ecological roles in the environment. He received his Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1989, his Master's degree from the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island in 1996, and his Ph.D. from the University of New Hampshire in 2008.  He has been working at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute as a Research Associate Professor since 2019.  

Emily Surmont from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection/Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves will be our February 6 presenter.

Presentation Description:
What’s the connection between your lawn and the lagoon? Do landscaping practices really make a difference? Join Emily Surmont for an insightful exploration of lagoon-friendly landscaping and its critical role in supporting pollinators. This presentation will highlight the FDEP Titusville Native Plant Pollinator Garden project, providing an overview of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) watershed, the outcomes of habitat enhancement efforts, and actionable ways you can contribute to the cause

John Nelson, creator of The Audubon Moment, will be presenting on the wildlife he encountered in Alaska.

SPEAKER: Dr. Paul Gray

Dr. Gray is a Science Coordinator for Audubon Florida's Everglades Restoration Program. He is based out of Lorida, FL, near the Kissimmee River, and has been working for Audubon for 29 years

Paul works on water, land, and bird management issues primarily related to Lake Okeechobee, but assists with state-wide issues too. This work entails representing Audubon in public and private meetings, and helping develop Audubon oral and written comments on various policy and technical issues. He is a charter member of the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Working Group and former co-chair of the Snail Kite Coordinating Committee.

Paul’s educational background includes a BS from the University of Missouri, an MS from Texas Tech University on wetland ecology, and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida focused on waterfowl ecology.

Speaker:  Barbara Pierzakowski - EagleWatch Volunteer Coordinator of Martin and St. Lucie counties

Barbara was born in California and grew up in New Jersey where she lived until 1988. She eventually moved to Maryland with her husband and then to Alabama in 1993 and retired to Florida in 2015. She and her husband now reside in Palm City, Florida

When she was a child, she received a "Brownie” camera and became interested in taking pictures outside her home. In 1981, her interest was renewed and bloomed when she acquired a new digital Mavica camera. She is currently a hobby wildlife and still life photographer.

She discovered a pair of Bald Eagles near her home in Palm City, which surprised her because she was under the impression they only lived in Alaska. Barbara is now a dedicated Eagle Watch Volunteer Coordinator for Martin and St. Lucie counties and devotes her spare time following eagle pairs as they nest.

ALSO, GRACE STOCK AWARDS WILL BE AWARDED TO THREE STEM STUDENTS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PROJECTS

Speaker:  Dr. Jim Masterson - Assistant Research Professor FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute.

Dr. Jim Masterson is an Assistant Research Professor at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce, Florida.  As part of the university instructional faculty, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in marine ecology, biodiversity, aquaculture and the
natural history of Ihe Indian River Lagoon.  His research interests include marine predator-prey dynamics and coastal ecosystem health. He has a keen interest in facilitating and expanding the use of telepresence as a tool to allow K-12, college and public audiences to participate in global at-sea scientific expeditions in real-time.

He has previously served as Director of the FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitor Center which provides visitors with a close-up look at the research being undertaken at FAU Harbor Branch.  Jim received his B.S. in Ecology, Ethology and Evolution from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and received his Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from Florida Institute of Technology.

Speaker: John Nelson

John Nelson retraces James Audubon's explorations throughout Florida, from Jacksonville to Key West and examines some of his paintings that were produced as a result of this trip.  Learn how Audubon created his painting and the resulting engravings that have been considered the Gold Standard for Ornithological Illustration. 

SPEAKER: Paul Gray, Ph.D.

Waterfowl, ducks, geese and swans are among the most treasured birds in human cultures. They are pets, food, watch "dogs", collector's items, the subject of literature and art, harbingers of changing seasons, hunting and birding trophies and even have had dog breeds created just to hunt them. North America hosts about one-third of all species in the world, and Florida hosts most North American species. Dr. Gray will talk about the diversity of this remarkable group including our human interactions and fascination with them.

Dr. Gray is a Science Coordinator for Audubon Florida's Everglades Restoration Program. He is based out of Lorida, FL, near the Kissimmee River, and has been working for Audubon for 29 years

Paul works on water, land, and bird management issues primarily related to Lake Okeechobee, but assists with state-wide issues too. This work entails representing Audubon in public and private meetings, and helping develop Audubon oral and written comments on various policy and technical issues. He is a charter member of the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Working Group and former co-chair of the Snail Kite Coordinating Committee.

Paul’s educational background includes a BS from the University of Missouri, an MS from Texas Tech University on wetland ecology, and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida focused on waterfowl ecology.

SPEAKER: Tim Brown, Education Director, Treasure Coast Wildlife Center

Tim was a volunteer with the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center for 2 years before becoming a staff member, and has now been with TCWC for 26 years! His favorite thing about his job is never knowing what will happen next, and getting to share the TCWC amazing ambassador animals with the community. Tim's goal is to help people understand the diversity of south Florida’s natural ecosystems. He wants to ensure that present and future generations learn to appreciate their natural heritage and hopefully develop attitudes and beliefs that are necessary for south Florida’s resources to be preserved.

SPEAKER: Jason Fischer, Ph.D - Conservation Program Manager for terrestrial wildlife projects with Disney Conservation.

Ever since he first started Taking pictures of birds as a child, he has been fascinated by birds and our relationship to them. His graduate research focused on avian urban ecology, and he now brings this passion to managing Disney’s avian conservation efforts. His work involves supporting international avian conservation efforts with the Disney Conservation Fund and developing research and engagement programs focused on the wildlife that calls Walt Disney Parks and Resorts home.

DESCRIPTION: Disney Conservation works to save wildlife and build a global community inspired to protect the magic of nature. In this presentation, you'll learn more about Disney's conservation efforts on our properties and in collaboration with other conservation organizations. From the Shanghai Disney Resort to the Walt Disney World Resort and beyond, join Dr. Jason Fischer to learn more about Disney's avian conservation efforts around the world.

Speaker: Kathy La Martina - Product Management Professional, South Florida Water Management District

Kathy La Martina has over 35 years of experience in the environmental and water resources field.  She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science Technology from the Florida Institute of Technology.  Kathy serves on a number of committees and boards throughout the Treasure Coast and is the district representative for Martin and St. Lucie counties.

Kathy is an expert on South Florida hydrology, ecology and  water management.  Some of her areas of specialization include water resource management, intergovernmental partnerships, water management design and water resource education.

This interesting presentation about water management in South Florida is highly recommended.. Don't miss it.

SPEAKER: Diane Goldberg

Diane's presentation is about gardening with native plants and how they help to keep our water and waterways clean.  They also help to mitigate climate changes and at the same time you can enjoy butterflies and birds in your own yard.

She is an ambassador for the Right to Clean Water constitution amendment initiative we want to get on the ballot.  She is a certified Florida Master Naturalist, Florida Master Gardener, and graduate of Barry University. She serves as the conservation chair for the St. Lucie County Audubon Society and as government affairs rep. for Conservation Alliance of St Lucie County.  Both supporters of the Right to Clean Water initiative.   

Ms. Goldberg is also the liaison to the Rivers Coalition and also now helps the Martin County and Indian River County chapters of the Florida Native Plant Society.   

Diane received the 2022 Volunteer Service Award for Outstanding Service to the Indian River Lagoon from the Marine Resource Council and the 2021 Environmental Educator Award from Pelican Island Audubon. 

She was a past officer for the St. Lucie County chapter of the Native Plant Society. She audited a Florida native plant class from Sandra Wilson at the University of Florida and took a native class online from George Rogers, now retired instructor at Palm Beach College. Along with amateur botanist John Bradford, she helped to survey the diverse native flora species at the former Halpatiokee Buffer Preserve in Port St. Lucie where she assisted park rangers in moving endangered bromeliads. 

Diane gives lectures on gardening with native plants and how they help to keep our water and waterways clean as well as helping to mitigate climate change while enjoying having butterflies and birds in your yard.  Diane also volunteers to save the endangered Lakelas Mint, which is endemic to our area.

Speaker: Lorraine Sulik-Morecraft  -  Avid birder, photographer and author

Lorraine will be speaking about the joy of birding and the basics of creating a photo journal including her birding Big Year! Lorraine is the daughter of a professional photographer and has had a camera in her hands since a young age. She is married to a lifelong birder, Bob Morecraft and has been avidly birding for the past few years.

Lorraine has created a number of photo books, highlighting their birding adventures and digital art bird images. She loves to cook and is the author of Stories from My Galley about their many decades of sailing with images of their travels including recipes.

Speaker: Emily Surmont, Native Plant Garden - Project Manager, Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves

In September 2021, the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves kicked off a native plant pollinator garden project to demonstrate the importance and appeal of lagoon friendly landscaping. A year and a half later, the project has fostered community engagement through garden maintenance, bee and butterfly monitoring, as well as special projects and events. Join us to learn about the wildlife this project has provided for thus far (native butterflies, native bees, birds, and additional wildlife), and how you could get involved!

FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Presenter:  Samantha McGuire, Master’s Marine Science, Graduate Research Assistant, FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery. Samantha has done various research in marine mammals including dolphins and manatees. 

Come learn more about this unique project.  Like a fingerprint, dolphins can be identified by the unique pattern of nicks and notches on the dorsal fin. Hear about the current research and how this new program helps to fill in the gaps along the shore.  Citizen scientist participants can take photos of dolphins from land, submit online, and follow along with an interactive map. After the presentation, you will have an opportunity to register to participate in the Dolphin Spotter program. No experience is needed to be a Dolphin spotter! 

Before the presentation begins, the annual Grace Stock Awards will be presented to three STEM students for their outstanding projects on conservation.

Presented by Gina Kent. Senior Conservation Scientist, Avian Research and Conservation Institute, Gainesville, FL

 Learn all about these magnificent birds and Florida’s isolated population. Gina will present her research and share her knowledge about these sometimes hard to identify birds that soar high in the air.

Presenter:  Michael Brothers - Adjunct Professor of Environmental Science - Stetson University and Retired Director of Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, Florida.   

ZOOM MEETING ONLY

We all agree that those flocks of gulls we often see loafing on the beach look similar, but if we take a closer look, we can see their subtle differences. Learn about seagulls by one of the leading gull experts in the USA.  Mr. Brothers will explain how to identify some common and some not so common gulls. Learn about his extensive research on the Lesser Black-backed Gull’s breeding location, a European species that have been showing up regularly on the US shores.  

Use the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85887138089?pwd=RVRURithcTU1TTJJVWFXeW91b21UZz09