Water-Related News

Volunteers needed for “Eyes on Seagrass” monitoring program

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CHARLOTTE COUNTY – The Charlotte County UF/IFAS Extension Service and Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership are seeking volunteers to participate in the Eyes on Seagrass monitoring program to document the health and status of seagrass in upper Charlotte Harbor and Lemon Bay. The Summer 2022 survey will take place July 11-25.

Participants must form teams of at least three and receive training ahead of their first-time sampling. Sea Grant will provide monitoring equipment, a dive flag, and a cooler for samples. Teams will be responsible for transportation to their assigned sites (via boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard) as well as their own water shoes, mask, snorkel, fins and flotation device if preferred.

Summer Training sessions

Mid-County Library
2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
July 7, 2022, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Registration: https://eos.eventbrite.com

Laishley Marina/Pavilion
120 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
July 23, 2022, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Registration: https://eosvs.eventbrite.com

The all-day event at Laishley Marina will provide an opportunity for volunteers to receive training, connect with other volunteer team members and launch for sampling. Snacks will be provided.

For information, contact Kate Rose at kate.rose0210@ufl.edu or 941-764-4346; or Jessica Scott-Dunda at JScott-Dunda@chnep.org or 941-575-3374.