The Water School at FGCU

🦴 Fun with Fossils at the Local Library 📚

Dr. Harry Maisch gave an all-ages presentation about fossils at the South County Regional Library in Estero, FL. As part of Lee County’s summer reading program "Unearth a Story," Dr. Maisch gave a talk entitled Fun with Fossils: Fossils and Fossil Preservation.

Community outreach like this reflects The Water School at FGCU's commitment to sharing knowledge beyond the classroom, connecting science with the community, and inspiring curiosity in learners of all ages.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an afternoon of discovery!

☀️🌊 Summer Camp Adventures at Vester Field Station!

Our Vester Marine Science Summer Camp campers had an unforgettable experience exploring the wonders of Southwest Florida's coastal ecosystems! From the classroom to the field, every day was filled with discovery, hands-on learning, and plenty of fun.

📸 Swipe through to see some of our favorite moments from camp

🌊 Student Spotlight: Joey Evangelista

This summer, Joey Evangelista turned classroom knowledge into real-world conservation through Dr. Matt Ware's Sea Turtle Nesting Internship.

Working on Cayo Costa and Don Pedro Island State Parks, Joey conducted early-morning sea turtle nesting surveys, helping monitor and protect some of Florida's most iconic marine species. One of the biggest highlights of the summer was documenting the first leatherback sea turtle nesting activity on Cayo Costa in six years! 🐢

"Finding leatherback nests was incredible," Joey shared. "Leatherbacks are the largest sea turtles in the world."

In addition to monitoring sea turtles, Joey has gained hands-on experience in invasive species removal, coastal resource management, and conservation research, building the skills and professional

👏 Congratulations, Joey, on an incredible summer!

🌊🌱 Can clams help restore seagrass in Estero Bay? The Water School is helping find out!

Faculty researchers Dr.James Douglass and Dr. Melissa May are part of a new project investigating how clams and seagrass may work together to improve water quality and strengthen coastal ecosystems in Estero Bay.

📰 Read the full story: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/estero-bay-clam-seagrass-species-water-research-fgcu/71463019

🚤🌊 Exploring Research in Action at Vester Field Station!

Recently, The Water School employees from main campus visited FGCU Vester Field Station to learn more about the important research, monitoring, and community engagement happening along Southwest Florida’s coast.

During the visit, the group got an inside look at the work being conducted at Vester and even headed out on the water to visit sampling sites firsthand. From water quality monitoring to coastal ecosystem research, the experience highlighted how Vester serves as a living laboratory for students, faculty, and researchers. 🌱🔬

🎓 Congratulations TWS Graduates! 💚💙

We want to celebrate the hard work, resilience, and accomplishments of our newest graduates from The Water School at FGCU!

From field research and internships to community engagement and hands-on learning experiences, these students have dedicated themselves to understanding and protecting the water, ecosystems, and communities that make Southwest Florida so unique. 🌎💧

We are proud of everything you’ve achieved and excited to see the impact you will make. Congratulations, Class of 2026! ✨

🎙️ New episodes of Your University: The FGCU Podcast are highlighting the incredible stories, research, and creativity happening at The Water School!

In one episode, Dr. Win Everham, Professor and Program Coordinator for Ecology & Environmental Studies, shares how sound is being used to track ecosystem recovery in Southwest Florida. The conversation explores citizen science, environmental stewardship, and the important role our community plays in restoration efforts.

🎧 Listen here: https://www.fgcu.edu/your-university/podcast/episode-1-win-everham

Another episode features Macy Noll, a dual-degree Art and Biology student and The Water School team member, who shares her journey from a ceramics class to installing clay sculptures on Kimberly’s Reef and conducting two years of underwater research. The episode highlights the intersection of art and science, and the power of creativity in environmental education. 🎨🌎

🎧 Listen here: https://www.fgcu.edu/your-university/podcast/episode-5-macy-noll

Take a listen and discover the people and ideas shaping the future of environmental research, education, and community engagement at FGCU. 💚💙

🌊 Only a few spots left for Vester Summer Camp 2026! ✨

Give your child a hands-on marine science experience they’ll never forget at the Vester Marine Science Summer Camp!

Campers will explore Southwest Florida’s coastal environment through:
🔬 Classroom, lab & field learning
🚤 Daily boat outings & beach trips
🦀 Biology, chemistry, geology & ecology activities
🎓 Mentorship from FGCU students

📅 Session 1: June 8–12
📅 Session 2: June 22–26

👥 Open to incoming 6th–8th graders
💲 Cost: $300

🔗 Register here: https://www.fgcu.edu/thewaterschool/student-research-opportunities/marine-science-summer-camp

🌊 Exploring Marine Science in Action

Students from The Water School recently visited Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for an immersive, hands-on learning experience!

During their visit, students explored cutting-edge marine research, observed aquatic life up close, and even got a behind-the-scenes look at the work happening beyond the exhibits.

Experiences like this help bridge the gap between the classroom and career pathways, giving students a deeper understanding of the work being done to protect our oceans and coastal ecosystems. 🌎💙

🌎💚 The Water School in the Community

The Water School always enjoys connecting with our Southwest Florida community and share our passion for protecting our environment.

In February, we joined the 24th Annual Burrowing Owl Festival at Rotary Park in Cape Coral 🦉

In March, we continued the outreach at Bonita Bay Nature Day in Bonita Springs 🌿

Events like these help us inspire curiosity, offer hands-on activities and converse about our region’s unique ecosystems. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn with us!