Events

SFAEP Events


Full Moon Bike Ride at Shark Valley Slough


@ Shark Valley Visitor Center

Everglades National Park

26000 SW 8th Street

Miami, FL 33030


Saturday, February 24, 2024

Arrive by 5:30 pm

Ride starts @ 6:00 pm


FREE! 


Join the SFAEP and friends for a full moon bike ride at Shark Valley Slough to experience the beauty and mysteries of the Everglades National Park (lit by moonlight through the sweeping ‘Rivers of Grass’)!  Attendees must bring their own bikes/gear as the park is open 24/7 but the bike rental facility will be closed.


Please come prepared with adequate drinking water, insect repellent, weather-appropriate attire/footwear; and a headlamp/flashlight (alligators are often seen/encountered during warmer temperatures). The ride to the whimsical observation tower loop (pictured) is an approximately 15-mile (24 km) biking distance round trip (2 to 3 hours).


Questions/RSVP to Matt at mwhite@res.us or 954-484-8500.

Quarterly Cleanup of Sandspur Island


@ Oleta River State Park

2400 NE 163rd Street North Miami Beach, FL 33160


Saturday, July 29, 2023 : 8:30 am - noonish



Park entrance fee waived!  Join us after the event at the nearby Historic Blue Marlin Fish House for a lunch and networking social hour.


Immerse yourself in a morning filled with adventure, environmental stewardship, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.  Join SFAEP for an exciting kayaking experience as we come together to make a positive impact on our environment. 


In April 2015, SFAEP proudly adopted Sandspur and Little Sandspur Islands, situated just south of Oleta River State Park, as part of our ongoing commitment to community service. This event is one of our highly anticipated quarterly cleanups, where we gather to preserve and enhance these beautiful islands.


Everyone is welcome to join this event, regardless of age, as we believe in fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among people of all generations - however, for the safety and well-being of minors, a parent or legal guardian must accompany them throughout the activity. Please note that while we strive to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, SFAEP assumes no liability risk associated with this activity and all participants must sign a liability waiver before participating in the event.

Please RSVP to rsvp@sfaep.org with the number of adult and minor attendees to reserve your kayak.  For additional information, contact Greg Sitomer at gregory.sitomer@miamidade.gov.


Seagrass Identification and In-Water Survey Workshop


@ Historic Virginia Key Beach Park - Orange Pavillion

4020 Virginia Beach Drive

Virginia Key, FL 33149


Saturday, July 8, 2023 : 9:00 am - 1:00 pm


Park Entrance Fees:

$5/vehicle (carpooling recommended!)


Free for FAEP Members, Students, and Government Employees! 


To become a member, visit https://www.faep-fl.org and sign up for the South Chapter – only $55 per year.  Visit our membership page for more details.

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Clear your calendars!  This popular and informative workshop being offered by the SFAEP will train participants to identify local species and familiarize with seagrass survey methodologies.  The workshop will include an informal presentation and in-water field training experience.  Participants will have the opportunity to conduct a mock seagrass survey in the shallow water at Bear Cut.


This is an introductory course where we will review seagrass survey protocols and recommendations, including the National Marine Fisheries Service for Johnson's seagrass, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Miami-Dade County DERM. 


This is an outdoor event.  Please bring sun protection, water, lunch, snorkel gear, and towel and be prepared to enter the shallow waters! 


Please RSVP  to rsvp@sfaep.org   


We will meet at the Orange Pavilion, which is past the pink park office building down the dirt road. There are bathrooms conveniently located by the orange pavilion. Please park in the

field. The in-water training will include a mock seagrass survey in shallow waters. General survey methodologies (i.e., line intercept, quadrat) will be discussed. Please bring a plastic clipboard if you

have one for this practice.


Agenda:

9:30-10:00AM - Registration

10:00-10:30 AM - Seagrass and Common Algae Presentation

10:30-11:15 AM - Seagrass Survey Methods Presentation

11:15-11:30 AM - Break

11:30-12:30 PM - In-water Mock Survey and Training

12:30-1:30 PM - Open Discussion/Question & Answers during Brown Bag Lunch


For additional informaiton, contact Jen Savaro at 610-304-2165 or via email at jsavaro@res.us

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Standard Operating Procedures for Water Sampling and Field Testing


@ Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center

3205 College Ave., Davie FL 33314

Wednesday, April 26, 2023 : 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (one-hour lunch)

Thursday, April 27, 20231 : 9:00 am - 12:00 pm


Free for SFAEP members! 

If you are not already a member, visit our membership page or click below and sign up now to take advantage of this great training opportunity and other upcoming SFAEP activities and events.

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This is an introductory course to help you navigate and use the FDEP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for collecting surface water, wastewater and groundwater samples, and for conducting field-testing in compliance with the Florida Administrative Code.  This training will also include 'hands-on' instruction and demonstrations for surface water sampling techniques and calibration and verification of field-testing equipment.  Be prepared to participate during the outdoor portion of the training.


Please wear appropriate field clothes and shoes which provide protection from the sun and weather.  Water, sunscreen, and bug spray.  Waders and/or/wading boots are recommended.  Also, if your organization is willing and able to provide field-testing equipment we would appreciate if you could bring the following: multi-meter which measures pH, conductivity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen; and calibration standards for pH and conductivity, as we have limited supplies.


There is limited capacity for this event, please RSVP reserve your seat by emailing Gus Rios at Gus.rios2022@outlook.com.   


Click to Join SFAEP Today!

SFAEP Event - FDEP and SEAFAN Coral Species ID and BleachWatch Stress ID Training


NEW LOCATION


@ Port Everglades Administration Building

First Floor Auditorium


Wednesday, February 22, 2023

5:30 pm - 6:00 pm Nursery Tour

6:00pm - 9:00 pm Training


Join the South Florida Association of Environmental Professionals (SFAEP) for this free Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) & Southeast Florida Action Network (SEAFAN) training event (Coral Volunteers Needed!).

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Coral species and stress identification classroom instruction training and nursery tour.  Come join us and ask the training instructors (Erik Neugaard, MS, CEP, SFP, CWB, PWS, Port Everglades Environmental Program Manger & Stacy Brown, SFAEP and Urban Farming Institute) about future opportunities to complete the optional in-water training by others (snorkeling and S.C.U.B.A. diving). 


For more information, please visit https://floridadep.gov/rcp/coral/content/bleachwatch


There is limited capacity for this event (first 50 participants), so please RSVP to Eneugaard@broward.org.


The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Its Water Quality Monitoring Program


@ The Key Largo Library Community Room

Friday, January 20, 2023

1:30 pm - 5:30 pm


Join the SFAEP and FKNMS for two seminar presentations on the Sanctuary Water Quality Monitoring Program! 

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1) Learn about the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), its Water Quality Protection Program, and other ongoing efforts – Karen Bohnsack, Associate Director, Water Quality and Ecosystem Restoration, FKNMS.

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  2)Update on the Water Quality Monitoring Program for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary – Dr. Henry Briceño, Institute of Environment, Florida International University.

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This seminar is free and open to both SFAEP members and the general public. If you are not already a member, you may join now (click below) to take advantage of this and other upcoming SFAEP activities and events.


There is limited capacity for this event, so please RSVP as soon as possible to reserve your spot by emailing Gus Rios at Gus.rios2022@outlook.com.   


Click to Join SFAEP Today!

South Florida Association of Environmental Professionals Annual Holiday Social


@ The Reef Discovery Center

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

7:00pm


This year the SFAEP Holiday Social ❄️will be hosted by the Reef Discovery Center (which is under construction and is the location of the future SFAEP onshore coral nursery).  We will see the project while it is in the process of being built. 🚧 For those that may be interested, this is a great opportunity to learn more about how to become involved in the construction and operation of the onshore coral nursery 🪸 and other SFAEP projects. The Associstion will provide a buffet dinner. 🍽 This event will be very casual – come as you are!


The event is FREE for SFAEP members + 1 Guest💃🏼🕺🏻 Bring your holiday cheer  and a canned good or other non-perishable item for donation!


 FWC Training on “Identifying Distressed Manatees”

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

11:00am - 12:00pm

@Port Everglades

Administration Building Auditorium


In-Person Webinar with Possible Manatee Viewing

FREE!


Join the SFAEP, FWC, and Port Everglades for this fun and informative manatee training!  The FWC responds to reports of distressed manatees by investigating reports from the public and implementing rescues for those animals in need of intervention. If intervention is needed, biologists work to assist the manatee and either release it on site or safely capture and transport the manatee to one of the four critical care facilities for treatment. The ultimate goal is to work within a collaborative network of partnering agencies and organizations to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick or injured manatees.



No requirement to RSVP.  If you have questions contact

eneugaard@broward.org


Phone: +1 754-900-8519

Phone Conference ID: 189 516 74#

Please "Mute" to limit background noise.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZGI0NzU3MTEtNTk0Ni00NmI2LWEwNWItNDE0NDg2NTQ3NzU4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%229483ae6c-808a-4f02-98a1-8154c0b35bfd%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a9c14a9d-0942-4295-a2ab-ae62b9e21b6f%22%7d.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Environmental Resource Permits and Permitting Challenges Caused by Sea Level Rising

Thursday, November 17, 2022

1:30 PM- 4:30PM

@ Greynolds Park, Mess Hall


Optional social hour after the seminar at the Blue Marlin Fish House Restaurant: https://oletariveroutdoors.com/blue-marlin-fish-house/


We are excited to be co-hosting this event with the FDEP & TYLin!


  SEMINAR PRESENTATIONS:  

   

1.     Learn about FDEP Environmental Resource Permits and State 404 Program authorizations for construction projects on wetlands and submerged lands – FDEP Southeast District Staff

2.    Will Regulatory Programs Keep Pace with Rising Tides? – Jeffry Marcus, PhD, Environmental Sciences Group Leader, TYLin


This seminar is free for SFAEP members! If you are not already a member, sign up now at www.sfaep.org to take advantage of this seminar and other SFAEP activities and events.


There is limited capacity for this event, and you must RSVP as soon as possible to reserve your spot by emailing Gus Rios at Gus.rios2022@outlook.com

 Cleanup of Sandspur Islands

Saturday, October 29, 2022

Arrive by 8:00 am.

Typically done around 12 noon


 Join us for a morning of kayaking, environmental stewardship, and networking! SFAEP adopted Sandspur and Little Sandspur Islands (located immediately south of Oleta River State Park) in April 2015 to provide a community service. This is one of our quarterly cleanups. This event is open to the public of all ages, but a parent or legal guardian must accompany minors. SFAEP assumes no liability risk for the activity, and all participants are required to sign a liability waiver.


RSVP to our group by sending an email to RSVP@sfaep.org


FREE! Park entrance fee is waived when you tell the gatehouse you are volunteering for the SFAEP Adopt-an-Island cleanup. 


*SFAEP cannot provide transportation to the islands, but BG Oleta River Outdoors will provide a limited number of free kayak rentals.


SOCIAL HOUR:

We will be meeting at The Historic Blue Marlin Fish House - Oleta River Outdoor Center for a Social Hour after the event. The place is 100% laid-back, and we can meet wet and filthy from an island cleanup!


 Invasive/Nonnative Species Presentatio

Friday, October 14th, 2022

5:30PM – 6:30PM

@ LauderAle Brewery


Please join us for a presentation and happy hour with Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) Senior Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Taylor Apter. She completed her Master’s degree at Nova Southeastern University studying trophic dynamics and has four years of conservation ecology experience. During this presentation she will be discussing the issue of nonnative and invasive species found here in Florida, and what YOU can do to help protect our amazing Florida ecosystems. Please join us to learn all about Burmese pythons, tegus, green iguanas, and the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program!


There is limited capacity for this event and you must RSVP as soon as possible to reserve your seat by emailing Francesca Fourney at ffourney@cumminscederberg.com

Community Greening Transforming Urban Green Spaces

SFAEP & TCC Joint Event

August 25, 2022

Event begins at 5:30pm

@ Barrel of Monks Brewing


We are excited to be co-hosting this event with our neighbor - the Treasure Coast Chapter (TCC) of the Florida Association of Environmental Professionals (FAEP).  Please join us for a fun evening with Community Greening (CG), an urban forestry non-profit with a focus to improve the environment and community by planting trees and transforming urban green spaces!  Since their founding in 2016, CG has planted over 9,500 trees with more than 5,000 volunteers of all ages, via tree giveaways and plantings in public parks, schoolyards, residential yards, and urban orchards from West Palm Beach to Deerfield Beach. 


For more information on Community Greening, visit https://communitygreening.org/


Members: FREE!

Non-Members: $10

One (1) drink ticket & pizza included


RSVP to tcc.faep@gmail.com by August 23rd

Phase I ESA Training

Hosted by the FAEP & SFAEP

August 18, 2022

8:00 am - 4:30 pm @ NOVA Southeastern University (Oceanographic Center)


Special guest Julie Kilgore, a national expert in Phase I ESAs and who has had a leading role in the current revision to ASTM E1527, will be joining the FAEP & SFAEP to instruct a Phase I ESA training.  This focused course covers the ASTM Environmental Site Assessment Standard Practices for the Phase I Site Assessment Process (E1527). This is a great opportunity for members and non-members alike!  By attending, you will gain an understanding of how to use the standard and how the standards affect the industry.


Learning Objectives:

-Recall why the ASTM Environmental Site Assessment Standard Practices for the Phase I Site Assessment(E1527-21) was developed

-Describe how the standard is used

-Interpret how standards affect the way you do business

-Discuss changes to E1527


Limited seating so register early!

$450/FAEP member

$525/Non-member

Sign-up & Register!

College Tuition Grant-in-Aid Program

Submit applications to info@sfaep.org on or before August 15, 2022



Great news for SFAEP members with recent tuition costs!  For the third year in a row, SFAEP would like to help our emerging professionals with offsetting your college costs and SFAEP annual dues!  Awards range from $250 - $1,000 depending on the number of applicants, merits of your application, and discretion of the SFAEP BOD.  Eligibility requirements: (1) applicant must be a current member of SFAEP and have been a member since at least January 1, 2022, (2) applicant must provide proof of incurred or paid higher education costs in the past 5 years, and (3) applicant must provide a <200 word essay that includes a brief bio and description of how you have contributed to SFAEP's mission to promote technical excellence, ethical practice, or community awareness of environmental issues.

Good Luck!

For more information, contact John at John.Abbott@wginc.com

Danie Beach Pier Clean-Up

(Earth Day)

Saturday, April 30, 2022

9:00 am - 11:00 am

(Divers sign in: 8:00 am - 8:30 am)



Sign-up now to assist the SFAEP and our local sponsrs with cleaning up the Dania Beach Pier and reefs in reconition of Earth Day!  Above and below water volunteers are welcome.  There will be educational opportunities, games, and raffle prizes avaialble for the whole family.


RSVP to Events@UFI.us.org


*The SFAEP assumes no liability risk for the activity, and all participants are required to sign a liability waiver and verify diving certifications in advance.


Key Largo Environmental Restoration & Native Flora Field Trip

(Members Only Event)

Saturday, March 12, 2022

10:30 am until approx. 4:00 pm

The SFAEP Board of Director is excited to offer this event to our members which will feature a special field trip in the Florida Keys!  The trip consists of a guide tour lead by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, to explore Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, a tropical hardwood hammock.  Once slated as a condominium development, this area is now home to 84 protected species of plants and animals and is one of the largest tracks of tropical hardwood hammocks in the U.S.  The tour will focus on the environmental restoration efforts that occurred to transform this Florida treasure. 


Following a networking lunch and a nearby local restaurant, we will head to John Pennekamp for a presentation about three coastal wetland restoration projects with a guided walking tour of the native flora.


RSVP to Gus Rios at Guis.rios2022@outlook.com no later than Tuesday, March 8.  This field trip is limited to the first 20 members to RSVP. 


BONUS - Park Entrance Fees Waived!


Florida Pulic Archaeology Network's Heritage Awareness Diving Seminar - Shipwreck Archaeology Presentation

Monday, February 28, 2022

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

SFAEP is excited to announce this FREE two-hour virtual webinar and shipwreck archaeology presentation to learn about proactively protecting shipwrecks, artificial reefs, and other underwater cultural sites.  'Dive' in to this 2-hour webinar to learn more about the relevance and history of underwater archaeological resources, policies, and ocean treasures!


RSVP to Erik Neugaard at neugaard@yahoo.com A certificate of completion is available upon request.

Quarterly Cleanup of Sandspur Island

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Arrive by 8:30 am until approx. 12:00 pm

Join the SFAEP team for a morning of kayaking, environmental stewardship, and networking!  The SFAEP adopted Sandspur and Little Sandspur Islands (located immediately south of Oleta River State Park) in April 2015 as a community service commitment. This is one of our quarterly island cleanup paddle events. This event is open to the public of all ages, but a parent or legal guardian must accompany minors*. 


BONUS SOCIAL WEEKEND!


To show our member appreciation the SFAEP rented all of the cabins at the park for a weekend get-away (minimum two-night stay) at no cost to our members!  The Chapter will also be providing a catered dinner Saturday night to dine and socialize around the fire pit. 


RSVP to Brian Voelker at

bvoelker@esciencesinc.com (space limited).


FREE!  Park Entrance Fees Waived - Oleta to provide kayaks (cabin overnight optional).


*The SFAEP assumes no liability risk for the activity, and all participants are required to sign a liability waiver.


FAEP 2021 Conference Networking Reception 9/23 @ South Florida Science Center

Thursday, September 23

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm


The Treasure Coast Chapter, in partnership with FAEP, is hosting the FAEP 2021 Annual Conference themed “Living on the Edge,” which will feature an in-person Networking Reception following the virtual conference presentationson Thursday, Sept 23 @ 6-9 pm at the South Florida Science Center.


This event will be a great opportunity to connect with other professionals in the South Florida area and those associated with the state conference and conference sponsors. Appetizers and beverages will be provided at this outdoor venue.


This event is free for conference attendees and $20 for non-attendees.  Invite your friends and colleagues; all are welcome!


RSVP to faepconference2021@gmail.com.


Quarterly Cleanup of Sandspur Islands

Saturday, September 11, 2021

Arrive by 8:30am until approx. 12:00 pm

Join the SFAEP team for a morning of kayaking, environmental stewardship, and networking!  The SFAEP adopted Sandspur and Little Sandspur Islands (located immediately south of Oleta River State Park) in April 2015 as a community service commitment. This is one of our quarterly island cleanup paddle events. This event is open to the public of all ages, but a parent or legal guardian must accompany minors*. 


FREE!  Park Entrance Fees Waived - Oleta to provide kayaks.


RSVP to Brian Voelker at bvoelker@esciencesinc.com .


*The SFAEP assumes no liability risk for the activity, and all participants are required to sign a liability waiver.


Ranger-guided Tour of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

(Free for Members)

Saturday, August 21, 2021

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Dust off your (comfortable) walking shoes and join SFAEP on a ~1.5 hour trail walkthrough of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park guided by a state park ranger!  Participants will receive a historical overview of the park and learn about the various natural communities it offers.


Afterwards, unwind and socialize/network with other SFAEP members and environmental professionals at Park & Ocean (food and drinks available for purchase).


Member Cost: FREE!

Non-members Cost: $10 (cash only)

Other costs: Park Entrance Fee


Please RSVP to Danielle Sattelberger at dcsattelberger@gmail.com.  Limited to first 20 participants to RSVP.


Please park in the Beach Hammock Parking Lot and meet at the ranger station by 10:25am.  Bring outdoor walking shoes, water, bug spray, and any other protective gear dependent on the weather.


Full Moon Bike Ride at Shark Valley Slough

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Arrive by 7:00pm

Ride starts at 7:30 pm and takes approx. 2 hours (16-miles)

SFAEP is excited to announce this FREE event which consists of a full moon bike ride at Shark Valley Slough!  Attendees must bring their own bikes as the park is open 24/7 but bike the rental facility closes at 5:00 pm.


Please RSVP to Brian Voelker at bvoelker@esciencesinc.com.  We recommend that participants pack water, bug repellent, a flashlight, and a helmet


SFAEP and SWFAEP to provide snacks!

Remote Sensing/Using Drones to Collect Data Flyer

Thursday, February 25, 2021

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

SFAEP is pleased to provide the opportunity to attend a FREE virtual webinar!  The Florida Everglades ecosystem is experiencing increasing threats from anthropogenic modification of water flow, the spread of invasive species, sea-level rise, and more frequent/or intense storm activity.  Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) show great potential to support ongoing restoration initiatives for Florida’s wetlands by filling the gap between extensive field surveys and coarser-resolution image analysis with manned aircraft orspace-borne sensors. 


This presentation will examine several applications of UAS for wetland mapping and modeling including vegetation mapping, terrain modeling, and canopy height delineation.  An overview of the benefits of various sensor and platform configurations, considerations for flight planning, post-processing procedures to enhance data quality, and recommendations for establishing UAS surveying in monitoring programs will be provided through this informational presentation.


Dial in by phone:

United States: +1 (872) 240-3212

Access Code: 393-499-549


Meeting link:

https://global.gotomeeting.

com/install/393499549

Annual Meeting and Virtual Happy Hour via ZOOM

January 22, 2021

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

SFAEP invites you to attend our annual meeting to listen in to the voting for the 2021 Board of Directors and a virtual happy hour to follow.  Unwind and network with the BOD and environmental professionals during this virtual happy hour.   Creative and fun Zoom backgrounds encouraged!


Please join us for our Annual Meeting and Virtual Happy Hour via zoom:  https://wginc.zoom.us/j98090684799.

Engineering Plans Review

Thursday December 10, 2020

5:00 pm - 5:45 pm

This virtual presentation being offered on behalf of the SFAEP aims to aid professionals of all backgrounds in developing the skills necessary to interpret a set of engineering plans, provide the steppingstones of basic plan reading/interpretation, and a brief discussion on how engineering plan reviews relates to environmental impacts.


GoToMeeting - Join from your computer, tablet, or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/921091957


You can also dial in using your phone:

United States: +1 (571) 317-3122.

Access Code: 921 091 957

Access Code: 921-091-957

SFAEP Webinar on Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

SFAEP is excited to host Ana Zangroniz, Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent, Miami-Dade County, for a virtual presentation on the "Overview of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease and How to Get Involved."  The presentation will cover information about the spatial and temporal extent of the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) outbreak and some of the response efforts that have come from a multitude of partnerships.


The SCTLD Citizen Observer Program will be highlighted.


GoToMeeting - Join from your computer, tablet, or smartphone: https://lnkd.in/eDFviRy


You can also dial in using your phone:

(872) 240-3412. Access Code: 518-974-085

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