First up: “Saving Seagrass to Save the World.” Dr. Jim Fourqurean, Distinguished University Professor and Associate Director at Florida International University’s Institute of Environment, will lead the session. He’s spent his career exploring the powerful role seagrass meadows play in keeping our planet healthy. 

People call seagrasses the “lungs of the seas” for good reason. They don’t just support marine life; they lock away carbon and help fight climate change. But these underwater forests face serious threats.

Dr. Fourqurean will break down what’s happening to Florida’s seagrass beds and, more importantly, how we can step up and protect them for the future.

Lemon Bay Conservancy works every day to safeguard wildlife, preserve natural habitats, and improve water quality in Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound, and their watersheds. Through land preservation, restoration, environmental education, and advocacy, they fight for a sustainable future.

Come join Lemon Bay Conservancy for this free seminar. They’ll have refreshments at 5:30 p.m., and the presentation starts at 6:00. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and maybe a friend or two.

February 5th | 5:30–8:00 p.m. 
Cape Haze Community Center 
180 Spyglass Aly, Placida, FL 33946
Learn more at lemonbayconservancy.org

The post Save Seagrass, Save the World: Join Lemon Bay’s Coastal Seminar Series appeared first on Englewood Review.

Participants will use simple hand tools called dibble bars to plant each seedling and receive brief instruction in planting technique. Volunteers may register for one or more two-hour shifts (7am–9am or 9am–11am) on any of the planting days. To sign up, call 941-830-8922 or email lbconservancy@comcast.net. Contact information is required to receive specific meeting location details.

The pine planting marks the next step in the preserve’s extensive ecological makeover, which has already included recontouring wetlands and planting thousands of native species across estuarine, freshwater, and upland zones. These include smooth cordgrass, salt meadow grass, alligator flag, pickerelweed, saw palmetto, firebush, red cedar, and South Florida slash pine.

Once complete, the project will help foster biodiversity, improve water quality, and expand critical wildlife habitat across the preserve’s 80 acres. Volunteers of all experience levels are welcome to be part of this transformative effort. For more details about Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve and the restoration project, visit lemonbayconservancy.org.

The post Rooted in Restoration: 1,000 Seedlings Project at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve appeared first on Englewood Review.