The Dragonfly Mercury Project

MAY 23 - BIG BUCK CAMPSITE (SIGN UP HERE)

JUNE 1 - KATIE’S LANDING (DRIVE IN, NO SIGN UP NECESSARY!)

JUNE 6 - WEKIVA SPRINGS RUN (SIGN UP HERE)

JUNE 27 - LAKE PREVATT (SIGN UP HERE)

Join us for the 2024 Dragonfly Mercury Project Sample, where volunteers play a vital role in preserving the health of our waterways. As part of this initiative, we explore four key sites around the Wekiva River System, collecting juvenile dragonflies to be assessed for mercury levels. These dragonfly larvae, acting as biomonitoring tools, offer insights into mercury pollution, originating primarily from distant sources like coal-burning power plants. Through citizen science, we empower individuals to contribute to meaningful research while fostering a deeper connection between people and parks. By studying mercury in dragonfly larvae, we can better understand its impact on ecosystems and work towards effective conservation strategies.

If you're passionate about environmental conservation and eager to make a difference, sign up today to volunteer for the 2024 Dragonfly Mercury Project Sample. Together, let's protect our precious waterways and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.

Wekiwa Springs Watch -

The 3rd Thursday of each month

Time: 8:30 AM- approx. 11:30

Location: Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Dr., Longwood, FL

Thank you, Wekiva Island, for donating canoes for this activity!

BECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST AND HELP MONITOR OUR SPRINGS! SpringsWatch is a citizen science program that provides volunteers with hands-on training in the field. That “field” is Florida’s beautiful springs! Volunteers learn all aspects of water quality monitoring and get to know the wildlife and plants that depend on springs systems. This fun and educational day on the water also contributes to our springs knowledge database as well as that of other environmental agencies across the state.

Currently, the Florida Springs Institute has 11 active SpringsWatch groups across Florida, including Wekiwa Springs. During SpringsWatch sessions, volunteers collect data on water temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, vertical light attenuation, aquatic vegetation, wildlife, and human uses.

SpringsWatch is a great way to get out to the springs, learn, and help generate data that supports them. Email michelle@friendsofwekiva.org if you’d like to join!