Category Archives: Organization

Heritage Monitoring Scouts

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(Left to Right: Jeff Moates-FPAN, Ellen Klee-FWGP, Nigel Rudolph-FPAN, Sally Douglass-FWGP, Jamie Letendre & Kassie Kemp-FPAN​)

We had a great presentation on September 21, 2017 from the knowledgeable staff of the Florida Public Archaeology Network’s Central and West Central regional offices. The mission of the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) is to “…promote and facilitate the conservation, study and public understanding of Florida’s archaeological heritage.”

In their presentation Jeff, Nigel, Jamie, and Kassie introduced FPAN’s new Heritage Monitoring Scouts (HMS) program. The program is focused on monitoring at risk archaeological sites. Particularly those impacted by climate change in the form of erosion and sea level rise.

HMS is a great opportunity for Scouts (citizen scientists) to contribute to our understanding, and protect, Florida’s rich history. It is easy to become a Scout and the public is encouraged to apply to the program. For more information on HMS send FPAN an email at hmsflorida@fpan.us or click on the HMS link above.

Marine Animal Rescue

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The University of Florida Marine Animal Rescue is a a non-profit organization funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through the College of Veterinary Medicine Aquatic Animal Health Program, UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station, and the Cedar Key Dolphin Project.

The Rescue Program responds to sick, injured, and deceased marine mammals in Levy, Dixie, and Taylor counties of the Big Bend. They coordinate rescues of live animals and, if possible, transport them to rehabilitation facilities. They also perform necropsies (animal autopsies) on deceased marine animals to determine their cause of death and learn more about their anatomy, physiology, and the health of their ecosystem.

To report a sick, injured, or deceased marine animal, call or text the 24-hour UF Marine Animal Rescue Hotline at 352-477-0344 or the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-407-3922. Be prepared to give your location (address, GPS, or waterway marker), animal involved (dolphin, whale, manatee, sea turtle), number of animals and their condition (alive, dead, injured or distressed).

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities contact Amber Lea Kincaid (Stranding Coordinator), at a.kincaid@ufl.edu.