FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2017

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

DEP South District Partners with the Quality of Life Center to Host Environmental Science Fair

~Environmental Science Fair provides campers with hands-on learning experiences~

Various DEP divisions and programs came together to provide educational opportunities.

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's South District recently partnered with the Quality of Life Center in Fort Myers to host an Environmental Science Fair at the Center's Summer Camp. 

"The South District enjoys taking part in student environmental and STEM programs year-round, " said Jon Iglehart, DEP South District director. "Our educational program reaches a wide range of students, summer campers, Girls and Boy Scout troops and home school programs, providing an awareness of Florida’s natural resources and the role we play in protecting our environment.”

The event provided hands-on learning experiences in a number of STEM fields. More than 170 campers learned about live aquatic species and habitat identification, how to write underwater to document findings, the importance of mangroves, what to recycle and how a wastewater plant works. Campers also participated in exercises to learn about the anatomy and physiology of various marine animals, such as manatee, dolphin, American alligator and loggerhead turtles.

“Words can't explain how grateful we are to have had an all-day workshop," said Anna Wallace, Quality of Life Center. "The kids had a great time, and we truly believe that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has inspired the youth of the Q to take on another role in education and career opportunities.” 

DEP's South District, Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration, Florida Park Service, Office of Emergency Response and Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve joined forces with the Lee County Solid Waste Division to create this day-long educational outreach event. 

The Quality of Life Center is a non-profit organization located in Fort Myers. The center provides at-risk youth with education to become academically competitive, arts for discipline and resilience, while instilling values which will serve them into adulthood. 

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/1aa0c64