Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve Planting

18651 Gulf Blvd,Indian Shores FL 34635

13 July, 2022

Description

Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful and Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves for a rewarding day of work on the island habitat restoration project! Tampa Bay’s aquatic preserves contain nearly half a million acres of submerged lands, coastal habitat, and islands across three counties and feature a wide variety of recreational and nature-based opportunities such as kayaking and fishing. Managing these precious resources is a big task and the staff is always in need of caring and passionate volunteers to assist in keeping the aquatic preserves in their best condition! Volunteers will travel out to an island in Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve and replenish native plant species. We will also walk around the island to clean up any marine debris. Please join us for a rewarding morning of community improvement, engagement, and beautification! WHERE TO MEET: Park Boulevard Boat Ramp (18651 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL 33785) Once you park your vehicle, make your way to the boat ramp to meet the TBAP team. WHEN: Wednesday, July 13, 2022. 7:45 AM – 12:30 PM WHAT TO WEAR: Most of the time we are not able to anchor the boat right next to shore, so accessing the islands requires wading in the ocean a considerable distance. A second pair of shoes (and socks) is highly recommended so that you can change out of your wet wading shoes once ashore. Open-toed shoes (flip flops, chacos, etc.) may lead to serious injury on oyster reefs or other sharp objects in the ocean. Close-toed shoes (ex. an old pair of gym shoes) for both wading and island work ARE REQUIRED. It is expected to be very hot. Please wear lightweight clothing that will keep you cool and protected from the sun. A hat and sunglasses are recommended. In order to avoid the heat, we will aim to depart the boat ramp by 8 AM and have everyone returned to their vehicles by 12:20 PM. WHAT TO EXPECT: Volunteers will be provided with appropriate tools and protective gear (ex. gloves, shovels). Water, sunscreen, bug repellent, and first aid supplies will be provided. You are responsible for bringing a lunch, your own reusable water bottle, and any personal medication and hygiene products. Due to the nature of the work for this project, volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Any volunteers under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a chaperone for the duration of the day and will need to have waiver forms signed by a parent or guardian prior to going out into the field. Unlike more developed parks, preserves offer little in the way of amenities. There may be a bathroom at the boat ramp or marina where we meet in the morning, but once we are on the islands, assume there will be no facilities other than natural vegetation. TBAP provides toilet paper and hand sanitizer/soap. *** **Please note: There is no need to print a "ticket" to attend.** If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Heidi Brockhaus at [email protected] or Megan Jackson, Program Coordinator, at [email protected].