Teachers on the Estuary
COASTAL ECOLOGY TEACHER WORKSHOP
SAPELO ISLAND
June 23-26, 2016
Join us for an in-depth look at Georgia’s coastal systems and discover the abundance and variety of wildlife found along our shores and in the estuary. Emphasis is placed on estuarine and marine ecology, coastal species identification and adaptations, coastal geology, activity sessions, and the National Estuarine Research Reserve(NERR) System’s System Wide Monitoring Programs(SWMP) for potential estuarine impacts resulting from climate change. This workshop is open to both formal and non-formal educators of all grade levels.
Participants receive curriculum and resource materials.
2 PLU’s are available.
On-Island Accommodations:dorm style, 2 beds per room with central A/C and bathroom, community kitchens, extra fridge space for snacks, beverages, etc.
Physical Activity: includes beach and marsh activities and (optional) evening turtle walks; participants should be tolerant of heat and sun.
Transportation on the island is by flatbed truck with board seats. It may be bumpy, but a great way to see Sapelo!
Cost: $250
Questions?
Please contact
Deadline for Registration: May 15, 2016
Teachers on the Estuary
Coastal Ecology Teacher Workshop
June 23-26, 2016
Agenda Highlights
Thursday, June 23
8amCheck in at Georgia Department of Natural Resources(GADNR) classroom
Welcome, orientation, and introduction to the estuaries of Georgia and their importance as a nursery habitat for both commercial and recreational fisheries.
8:30-3:30: GADNR fisheries biologists will lead presentations and activities related to commercial and recreational fisheries, a recreational fisheries management lab activity for aging fish through otolith dissection, and trawling trip into the estuary on the R/V Anna. Lunch will be provided
4:00 drive to ferry dock for 5:30 ferry departure to Sapelo
~Settle in, orientation, andprojects overview
Dinner
9:00 Sea Turtle Program
Friday, June 24
Breakfast is self-serve and includes coffee, tea, juice, cereal, bagels, fresh fruit
8:30 Depart for Sapelo NERR(National Estuarine Research Reserve) lab and Marsh Landing dock with Adam Mackinnon, SINERR Education Coordinator:sessions include introduction to the System Wide Monitoring Program(SWMP) and activity to learn how water quality conditions impact life in the estuary, overview of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System and Estuaries 101(E101) Curriculum along with Estuarine Oyster Reef activity
Lunch
Dr. CJ Jackson, Geologist: Georgia Southern University & Skidaway Institute of Oceanography: Geology of the coast and origin of Georgia’s Estuaries
4:00 low tide beach exploration and seining at Nannygoat beach
7pm dinner
~Estuarine Plankton & Dock Community study at Marsh Landing dock and SINERR lab
Take a closer look at life under a floating dock and the role this habitat plays in the estuarine system
9:30 to the beach to observe the bioluminescence as it lights up the sands after dark
Saturday, June 25 Breakfast: see above
8:30 Depart for dune study at Cabretta beach walk Dr. Jackson, who will use a LiDAR device (Light Detection and Ranging, a remote sensing method) to examine the surface of the beach, followed by salt marsh habitat study to observe and identify plants and animals that have adapted to this harsh, yet fragile estuarine habitat. Return by way of Historic Hogg Hammock community
12:30 Lunch
Depart for sand lab activity at SINERR lab to identify sediments that make up GA’s barrier islands
Free time
6:00 Depart for Raccoon Bluff at Sapelo’s beautiful north end forobservations along Blackbeard Creek’sancient shoreline
7:30 Dinner
Project presentations and LiDAR data review from Cabretta beach
Sunday, June 26
Breakfast
~Human Influence on Sapelo:
8:30 Depart for Sapelo’s north end for a closer look into our climax maritime forest and to further our exploration of the past, from the ancient Native American Shell Ring, to the Chocolate Plantation tabby ruins.
12:30 return to dorms for lunch
Wrap up and clean up
3:15 leave for 4:00 ferry departure to mainland
Teachers on the Estuary
Coastal Ecology Teacher Workshop
June 23-26, 2016
REGISTRATION FORM
Name:
Male:___Female:___
E-mail Address:
School:Name:
Address:
County:
State:
Grade Level(s):
Subject(s) Taught:
Home Mailing Address:
City and Zip Code:
Primary Phone#:
Emergency Contact, Name and phone#:
Do you eat seafood and/or chicken?
Make check for $250 payable to: Friends of Sapelo and mail to:
Friends of Sapelo
103 S. Harbour Oaks Drive
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
ATTN: Coastal Ecology Teacher Workshop
Registration Deadline: May 15, 2016