FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 26, 2016

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

SUMMER ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS PROVIDE HANDS-ON LEARNING

~DEP's South District staff teach students about Florida ecosystems and sustainability-

Summer camp participants at the Fort Myers Imaginarium Science Center.

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's South District partnered with the Fort Myers Imaginarium Science Center's and the city of North Port's summer camp programs to teach hundreds of students ways to protect Florida’s water, land and air. DEP staff educated summer camp participants on the value of protecting the environment, utilizing fun, educational interactive activities on topics such as wetlands, estuaries and recycling.

"Educating the next generation of Floridians about responsible environmental practices is crucial to protecting the state's natural resources," DEP South District Director Jon Iglehart said. "DEP's South District is proud to partner with local organizations to provide environmental education to students throughout the year."

South District staff joined the Fort Myers Imaginarium Science Center's Sci-Habitat Camp for the third consecutive year, providing children with a basic understanding of estuarine and marine environments through hands-on activities. Students learned about mangroves, wetland habitats and the variety of species that live in wetlands, and toured the Imaginarium's newest aquarium, featuring a replica of the USS Mohawk Veterans Memorial Reef located off Sanibel Island.

For the fourth consecutive year, the South District provided educational classes to the city of North Port's summer camp students on wetlands and Florida habitats, recycling and the importance of STEM education through interactive games.

About the Department of Environmental Protection's South District

The South District, headquartered in Fort Myers with a branch office in Marathon, provides environmental permitting assistance, emergency response and environmental education outreach in nine counties in Southwest Florida, including the Florida Keys. The district includes 10 Aquatic Preserves, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It is also home to many scenic waterways, including portions of the Myakka and Peace rivers, the Great Calusa Blueway and portions of Lake Okeechobee. Some of Florida’s finest nature-based recreation and educational sites can be found in the 25 state parks in the South District. The district is committed to DEP’s vision of strong community partnerships, safeguarding natural resources and enhancing ecosystems.
For more information visit: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/south. 

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/15f785a