Sunday, August 29, 2010

Welcome to the Wetlands Club

The Wetlands Club is excited about the 2010-2011 academic year! We are looking forward to getting involved with some fun activities this year, and excited to meet new members.

The officers for the 2010-2011 year are :

Luke Gommerman, President luke04@ufl.edu
Lisa Gardner, Vice President lisagardner@ufl.edu
Julia Maki, Treasurer, jmaki@ufl.edu
Rupesh Bhomia, Secretary, rbhomia@ufl.edu

Please feel free to contact us with any questions!

The Wetlands Club at the University of Florida was created in 1995 by students and staff who share an understanding of wetlands and their values. The Club, an official UF student organization under the Benton Engineering Council, is open to all students and staff regardless of their majors.

Field Trip and Social Events
Because learning about wetlands is an important part of being a member, the Wetlands Club sponsors field trips every semester to natural areas. Recreational opportunities include canoeing, hiking, birding, swimming, and camping.

Service Projects
Club members educate the public through public service projects.Since the summer of 1995 members have restored wetlands in Paynes Prairie State Preserve, planted trees in stormwater retention ponds at a Gainesville elementary school, picked up litter in the Hogtown Creek in Gainesville, and taught about wetlands through a three-day wetlands lecture series. The Club also made interpretive signs for a boardwalk in Paynes Prairie, Stromwater Enhancement and Educational Project (SEEP).

Research Opportunities
The Wetlands Club provides a clearinghouse for members who need help on research projects. Members volunteer to assist others in the field and often provide new ideas for research efforts.