PRESS
RELEASE: July 7, 2015
BISCAYNE BAY AQUATIC PRESERVES GRADUATES “BAYOLOGISTS”
~Children graduate this three-tier educational camp program with a degree in “Bayology”~
Students after “Bayology” graduation.
MIAMI
– Biscayne
Bay Aquatic Preserves’ “Bayologist” camp program culminates with a graduation
ceremony for children who have earned a “Junior Bayologist” degree by completing
all three camp series consecutively. “Bayologist” camp teaches children about the
importance of the bay’s plants and animals via classroom activities and on-the-water
experiences.
“Children are the next generation to protect Biscayne
Bay; hands-on experiences inside and around the bay are critical to their
learning,” said Michelle Metcalf, Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves’ ecotourism coordinator.
“As a ‘Junior Bayologist,’ campers understand the importance of clean water, Biscayne
Bay’s unique ecosystem and its diverse species.”
Outdoor activities include using a seine net to view
fish species, wading and swimming in Oleta River State Park, identifying bird
species at a nearby rookery, canoeing around a bay island and conducting an
island species scavenger hunt.
Classroom activities and lessons are bolstered by
presentations from distinguished scientists from the Miami-Dade area. Speakers
discuss the science behind shark tagging, marine mammal teeth types related
to prey species, shorebird and wading bird identification, and plankton
sampling techniques, including a plankton tow demonstration and microscope
viewing.
“Bayologist camp provides a unique opportunity for local
kids to learn about conserving and protecting Miami’s natural resources via
outdoor activities within Biscayne Bay,” said Joanna Walczak, Florida Coastal
Office southeast regional administrator. “Fostering first-hand experiences leads
to an increased interest in the sciences and a connection to Florida’s aquatic
preserves.”
The “Bayologist” camp
program is a series of three camps that take place over a year. Offered in March, June and December, each camp's curriculum builds on
the previous camp’s lessons. Camps can be attended independently and children are not required to attend the camps consecutively; however, only
children completing the three camps consecutively will be eligible for the
“Junior Bayologist” degree. The next Bayologist camp
will
be offered during the winter school break in December 2015. Email Michelle
Metcalf at michelle.a.metcalf@dep.state.fl.us for more information or to
enroll in the next camp.
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