Learn About Tampa Bay Wildlife During Estuary Program

By
Published: October 13, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG --

Slip out of that city suit and into some shorts and aqua socks for a wild paddle past fishes in ditches, and shorebirds sauntering in the sand.

The Tampa Bay Estuary Program is hosting its annual Estuary Academy on Nov. 8 in hopes of transforming a few urbanites into citizen scientists.

"This is targeting, primarily, adults, who can raise their environmental literacy," said estuary program spokeswoman Nanette O'Hara. "We want to turn them on to some of the wild and wonderful critters that live in, on and around Tampa Bay."

Participants will learn about the research projects being conducted in the Tampa Bay Watershed, from frog-listening to bird studies, the benefits bats bring and the need to protect creatures such as the diamondback terrapin.

Only 100 adults can register. Children 12 or older accompanied by a parent can also participate. The cost is $10, register at www.tbep.org/ estuaryacademy.html.