These past weeks, I have attended class “on” The Indian River Lagoon.

Twisting and winding through mangrove islets, its brackish waters extend and run parallel with this area of Atlantic shoreline for 156 miles. It houses some of the most  unique and diverse biological ecosystems that merged together with Mosquito and Banana Lagoons forms one of the largest estuaries in North America.

Over the last 100 years, human impact has put great stress on this delicate environment.

A particular area of concern has been the degradation of the Lagoon’s water quality.

Thankfully, conservation efforts and projects aimed at wetland restoration, sea grass mapping, as well as capturing storm water sediment have led the way in the saving of this extraordinarily vital Floridian habitat.

Another such effort to preserve these nutrient rich waters that continues to support thousands of species of plants, fish, shell fish, birds, as well as hundreds of dolphins and manatees is Oyster Reef Restoration.

For thousands of years the Oyster has filtered and purified these waters, battling pollution. Fortresses built of layers upon layers of shell deposit create a reef system that helps to bolster and stabilize the Lagoon’s coastline against erosive boat traffic and commercial over harvest.

The Marine Discovery Center partners with many proactive conservation organizations in area counties including The Nature Conservancy

Using eco friendly mesh materials, Oyster shells are tied to “mats” that are anchored down in the shallow estuary waters. In about a year’s time, floating Oyster larvae that is “welcomed” home- forms sturdy foundations for new reefs.

A few months back when I enrolled in The Master Naturalist Program, and before I left Fishers for New Smyrna Beach, it was my personal intention to continue weekly monitoring off Island. Despite the difference in natural settings and ecosystems, I wanted to share with students that one can be a naturalist and share local traditional knowledge anywhere.
Here I can observe and count local Brown Pelicans in the colony that inhabits a nearby mangrove isle. After a week of learning the rhythm of a different beach altogether, I spied a neighborhood Gopher Tortoise that emerges regularly from shrubs buffering a parking lot. I determine River Otter remain elusive while still creating a well worn path to the lagoon. It’s noted here as well that invasive plants have historically taken root-a Blue Heron rests in an Australian pine.

There is quite a bit of discussion in the Master Naturalist course about ethics- within educational outreach, and interpretation.

While sharing my respect and enthusiasm specifically for Fishers Island with future Island Sentinels (students) has been seemingly effortless-thinking, what’s not to love about our Island’s outdoor uniqueness? I share with them also that it’s really about the “outreach” and how others interpret that.

  Basically, “if you talk the talk you’ve got to walk the walk.”

For instance, back on Fishers Island as stewards making sure we stay our distance and be still while monitoring seals at Hungry Point-it’s illegal to disrupt their haul out.  Or being aware of countless balloons that wash ashore might have us NOT “invite” balloons to the next community celebration. Even by riding our bikes or walking to the beach we know we can cut down on invasive gas emissions locally

So student Island Sentinels actually become teachers and their passion for wildlife conservation and land preservation on a tiny Island can indeed lead to positive, far reaching steps – even globally.

I haven’t sighted a Snowy Owl on the beach yet, but I hear that indeed Floridians in Jacksonville have!  With historic winter weather patterns I ask myself “Has the Arctic Circle come full?”

Keeping with the winter theme though, the Snowy Egret has graced me with its elegance in the early mornings while I monitor the low tidal flats.

A member of the heron family, this bird breeds as far north as Maine, and migrates even to Central America. The Seminole culture referred to the slender legged and statuesque egret as “Yellow Snippers”- a wise and determined spirit displaying balance while walking into deep waters without fear.

This particular local bird IS wise, declaring its residency, staying put here on the beach, awaiting trapped minnows, crabs, and unsuspecting surfcasters -despite Climate Change Snowy Egret is putting its best foot forward…

The wind gusts whipping upon Dock beach are unforgiving this afternoon.
Snow drifts mixed with sand blasting against my legs and binoculars fogging up with every breath.

I spot what I believe is a pair of Semipalmated (palmated means “webbed” between toes) Sandpipers-each standing on one leg.

These shorebirds minimize losing heat while tucking the other leg in.

Like us putting our cold hands in warm pockets, they too adapt to this frigid clime.

Breeding high up in the Arctic, these migrants may fly far down to South America.