FLORIDA FIELD SCHOOL

Students enjoyed a spring break adventure at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka, Florida. This trip offered participants the chance to enjoy camping, paddling at Kelly Rock Springs, hiking, and exploring local ecosystems. They engaged with environmental professionals, learning about conservation efforts and gaining hands-on experience.  

The adventure focused on Florida's freshwater ecosystems, while providing engaging lessons on Nature and Health, Natural Resource Management, and Career Exploration. The event provided an immersive experience, fostering a deeper connection with Florida's natural environments.  

The Campus Sustainability Tour focused on hyper-local sustainability efforts at UNF, led by the new Assistant Director of Sustainability. Participants engaged in discussions about the campus's energy initiatives and explored ways to expand sustainable practices. Additionally, they had the opportunity to hear inspiring career stories from environmental professionals. 

Students from all walks of environmental involvement came together to restore campus by planting a threatened native wildflower. This hands-on experience gave students the chance to connect, share ideas, and contribute to local conservation efforts while building a strong campus community.

Participants joined IERE for an exciting hike around UNF's Sawmill Slough, led by Rhodes Robinson—wildlife biologist, Certified Environmental Professional, and Professional Wetland Scientist. The on-campus event provided an informative and engaging experience, allowing students to learn about the hyper local ecosystem and conservation efforts in UNF’s Nature Preserve firsthand.

Participants on the Sawmill Slough Exploration trip enjoyed kayaking and exploring Lake Oneida, located on the beautiful UNF campus, through partnership with Eco Adventure. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for new exploration and experience, along with connecting students to the natural space around them on campus. 

Students took a much-needed break with IERE on the Nature Prescription Beach Brain Break trip to Jacksonville Beach. Participants enjoyed activities such as art, reading, swimming, and playing games like Frisbee and football. The event provided a relaxing and enjoyable experience before Spring semester exams. 

Students experienced a one-day field trip adventure to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge maximizing the opportunity to meet with researchers and professionals to examine relevant environmental issues. A panel discussion provided in depth conversation regarding different career paths and opportunities with a boat tour providing the history of the refuge.

2022 Spring Break Field School trip focused on Florida’s newest aquatic preserve, the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. Participants traveled as a group to various sites along the nature coasts exploring upland habitats, rivers, springs and estuaries. During the trip we met a range of scientists and professionals from FWC, US Fish and Wildlife, UF/IFAS, FDEP and more learning about the many career opportunities connected to the environment. 

This Field Friday focused on forestry and prescribed fire. Many Florida ecosystems are fire dependent, yet for many years there was an exclusive focus on fire suppression. Florida is now one of the leaders in the nation when it comes to prescribed fires.  During this Field Friday, we met with staff from the Florida Forest Service (FFS) and learn why fires are important and what benefits they provide to ecosystems and humans. After a hike in the state forest looking at the benefits from prescribed burns, we learned about potential careers in FFS and other related agencies.