CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

ESTERO BAY AQUATIC PRESERVE
ANNOUNCES FALL WADING TRIPS

~Upcoming hands-on, educational events taking place in Ft. Myers~

Participants enjoying hands-on, close-up learning opportunities about local ecosystem.

WHAT:        Wading Trips

WHO:          Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve

WHEN:        Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 from 10 a.m.–noon

                    Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 from 9–11 a.m.

                    Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015 from  9–11 a.m.

                    Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015 from 9–11 a.m.   

WHERE:     Directions to the wading trip location will be provided upon registration.

HOW:         Wading trips are free, but registration is required. Call Jackie Langston
                  at 239-530-1004 to register. 

Participants will take a refreshing journey into the waters of the bay, wading into mudflats and seagrass beds at low tide to find many of the plants and animals that call this estuary home. Dip and seine nets will be provided for participants to collect organisms such as fish, shrimp, crabs and snails. The organisms will be placed in buckets or magnifiers for attendees to take a closer look and learn how each living creature plays an important role in the ecosystem.  

Participants are required to wear closed-toed shoes that can get wet, such as old tennis shoes or diving booties, and a swimsuit or shorts. 

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Coastal Office

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Coastal Office (FCO) is responsible for oversight of the state’s 41 Aquatic Preserves, three National Estuarine Research Reserves, the Coral Reef Conservation Program, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Florida Coastal Management Program and the Outer Continental Shelf Program. It is the mission of FCO to conserve and restore Florida’s coastal, ocean, and aquatic resources for the benefit of people and the environment. For more information, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/117d37d