Category: Volunteering

Biology, Volunteering

Urban Ecological Restoration Project with SoUL

elauervose

This month I got to volunteer with SoUL (Stewards of our Urban Lakes) to plant native plants along the shore of my neighborhood lake. SoUL's mission is "to improve water quality and restore the natural habitat of urban lakes through the education and engagement of our communities." SoUL has partnered with the City of St. Petersburg to work on restoring the health of several lakes throughout the city. This month, they were working on the lake a few blocks from where I live so we all got to join in on the fun!

Biology, Coastal Wetlands, Volunteering

Horseshoe Crabs are amazing!

elauervose

I am constantly being surprised and delighted by horseshoe crabs! From their funny, bumper car-like walk and tiny, skittery feet to their ancient ancestry and their life-saving medical properties, these creatures are endlessly amazing.

Biology, Coastal Wetlands, Coral Reef Species & Ecology, Volunteering

Atlantic Guitarfish and Cownose Stingray interact

elauervose

One of my absolute favorite things I get to do as a volunteer at MOTE is watch the skate (atlantic guitarfish) and rays and talk to guests about them. Its difficult to avoid anthropomorphizing these adorable creatures. The skate seems particularly charismatic and spends most of his time swimming around the edge of the enclosure… Continue reading Atlantic Guitarfish and Cownose Stingray interact

Green Moray Eel
Biology, Coral Reef Species & Ecology, Volunteering

Symbiotic Cleaning Relationships

elauervose

Late January I wrote a post about cleaning stations and recently, at MOTE I got to see some cleaning behavior close up. It is utterly amazing to see these two species work together so well. The small blue fish is a Caribbean neon goby more commonly called a cleaner goby because of its cleaning behavior.… Continue reading Symbiotic Cleaning Relationships