Welcome
History of ORCA & IRC Conservation Lands
Hammock Loop Stroll

Dr. Walter Tabachnick, Director, FMEL
Dr. Richard Baker, President, Pelican Island Audubon Society (PIAS)
Janice Broda, Class Coordinator, FMEL

Hammock, Wetland, or Scrub?
Dike Hike to ORCA Observation Tower

Janice Broda, Class Coordinator, FMEL
Doug Carlson, Director, Indian River Mosquito Control District

Ospreys & their “Friends”
Magical Mangroves: Awesome Adaptation

Bob Montanaro. Office Manager, PIAS
Janice Broda, Class Coordinator, FMEL

Reptiles & Amphibians at ORCA

Dr. Jon Moore, Florida Atlantic University

Life in the Pits & Treetops 

Dr. George O’Meara, Professor Emeritus, FMEL

Beginning Birding by Sight & Sound
Woodpecker, Eagle & Owl Walk

• Classes are conducted on Saturday afternoons from 1:30 to 4:30pm.
• Each class begins in the Boathouse of the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida,
  200 - 9th Street SE (Oslo Road), Vero Beach.
• Contact Janice Broda, Class Coordinator, with any questions: jcbroda@comcast.net - 772-778-7200 x173

Indian River County has purchased more than 9,000 acres of land for conservation and public enjoyment since 1991.  These properties are part of a long legacy of land preservation and stewardship that began in 1903 with the creation of our first national wildlife refuge, the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, in concert with the Pelican Island Audubon Society, will offer its sixteenth volunteer stewardship course beginning on Saturday, January 28, from 1:30 to 4:30pm.  This free, six-week class includes classroom presentations as well as field activities at the adjacent Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area, a 440-acre nature preserve located in southern Indian River County on Oslo Road east of U.S. Highway 1.

Learn about the human and natural history of the Indian River Lagoon, the ecology of our local ecosystems, zoology, ornithology, entomology, and botany from experts from the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, the Pelican Island Audubon Society, the Florida Atlantic University, and the Indian River Mosquito Control District.  You will gain a broad foundation for a better understanding and future study of our local natural resources.

This class offers a unique opportunity to experience natural Florida.  The unpaved and mostly unimproved  nature trails at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area provide convenient access to a representative array of diverse plant communities including oak hammock, scrubby pine flatwoods, sand pine scrub, mangrove forest, submerged seagrass meadows, and freshwater wetlands.  The ability to walk comfortably on uneven surfaces, a curiosity about  our local natural resources, and a willingness to share what you learn are the class prerequisites.

Volunteers are asked to share their knowledge with the community at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area or at another natural area or nature center.  Classroom teachers, home schoolers, girl and boy scout leaders, and other educators are welcome to participate and share their knowledge in their work.  Volunteers at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area lead nature walks, perform trail maintenance, or work to control invasive pest plants.

Volunteers also gain the opportunity to enjoy special educational workshops and guided field trips to other natural areas led by inspiring guest instructors, land managers, and leading researchers.  Past workshops have focused on wading birds, bobcats, snakes, spiders, ferns, lichens, butterflies, and plant propagation.  Field trip venues have included Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Captain Forster Preserve, Cypress Bend Community Preserve, and other spectacular sanctuaries.

Class size is limited so pre-registration is requested.  Please contact Janice Broda by email at jcbroda@comcast.net to register or for more information.