Post Type: 2025 Lecture Archive

Join us at Manatee Lagoon (if you dare!) this October for a spine-tingling journey into the mysterious depths of our oceans! Dr. Jon A. Moore, Professor of Biology at FAU, will present “Oh Goodness, it’s hideous!” – a captivating exploration of the North Atlantic and Gulf waters that blends scientific discovery with seasonal spooky intrigue. …

October Lecture 2025 “Oh Goodness, It’s Hideous!” Read More »

Join us for a special expanded lecture series as we celebrate the return of manatees to our warm waters! In place of our traditional Sunday lecture this month, on Saturday November 15 we’re offering multiple engaging 15–30 minute presentations throughout the day from local experts. 11:30 AM – Manatee Photo ID and Rescue Presenter: Amber …

November Lecture 2025 “Mini-Lecture Series: Celebrating Manatee Migration” Read More »

Visit Manatee Lagoon to learn how seagrass is a fundamental part of our marine environment. This speaker panel will include short presentations from local experts who will share insights into the ecological significance of seagrasses and discuss ongoing conservation efforts aimed at preserving these vital ecosystems. Featured Speakers Dr. Rachel Brewton, PhDAssistant Research Professor, Florida …

September Lecture 2025 “Understanding the importance of healthy seagrass habitat for our coastal ecosystems” Read More »

Join us at Manatee Lagoon for a compelling afternoon dedicated to understanding the pressing issue of plastic pollution and exploring solutions. This insightful event will feature expert speakers, including Halaina Hahn from FAU Coastal Studies Lab, Chelsea Odum from Resource Depot, and Jill Zerkowski from Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Each will provide short presentations, illuminating their …

July 2025 Lecture “Plastic Free Afternoon: Understanding the Environmental Impacts of Plastic Pollution and Empowering Solutions” Read More »

Join us for our June Lecture at the Lagoon, where Keith Rossin will lead an inspiring conversation on the critical role mangroves play in protecting our coasts and communities. With years of hands-on restoration experience, Keith will share how these unique ecosystems safeguard shorelines, support marine biodiversity, and act as natural allies in coastal resilience. …

June 2025 Lecture “Why Mangroves Matter: Ecosystems, Communities & Stewardship” Read More »

Speaker: CJ McCartney, Environmental Steward, Florida Wildflower Foundation Join us for our May Lecture at the Lagoon! This talk explores how to create thriving landscapes with native plants that bring in pollinators and butterflies. Different types of sustainable gardens will be discussed, such as creating a wildflower-filled meadow, adding groundcovers to create lively lawns full of …

May 2025 Lecture “Creating Vibrant, Sustainable Landscapes with Native Wildflowers, Grasses and Groundcovers” Read More »

Speaker: Zeke Tuszynski Florida Atlantic University Master’s student, ElasmoLab Manatee Master at Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center Each year, massive congregations of blacktip sharks gather off the coast of South Florida for the winter before embarking on a remarkable northward migration up the U.S. East Coast, reaching as far as north as Long …

August 2024 Lecture “Exploring Our Shark-Infested Waters: The Annual Migrations of Blacktip Sharks” Read More »

Speaker: Stephanie Brinez, Endangered Species Intervention Specialist, Bat Conservation International Stephanie Brinez is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a profound dedication to conservation. Through her role at Bat Conservation International, she helps to protect bat populations through education. This talk will dispel various misconceptions regarding bats, explore the different bat species present in Florida, …

November 2024 Lecture “Learn to Love Bats!” Read More »

Speaker: Amber Howell, Southeast Field Station Lead, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Manatee Program Amber Howell is the Southeast field station lead for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Manatee program covering from Ft. Pierce to Key West. She started with FWC in 2009 and has 15 years of experience working with manatees throughout Florida. …

December 2024 Lecture “A Day in the Life of a Manatee Biologist” Read More »