Life as an Alligator Biologist

Please join us for our in-town, indoor lecture series!

American Alligators are keystone species, providing an essential habitat and water source for many animals during the dry season. Join Rick Bauer, the Science Supervisor and Land Manager for the Gulf Coast Region of the South Florida Water Management District as we dive into the ecology and biology of American alligators, and different research topics and techniques that have been used over his career to study these amazing reptiles.

Rick Bauer has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Davidson College and a Master of Science in Conservation Ecology and Sustainable Development from the University of Georgia. Rick’s research experience with crocodilians ranges from attaching GPS loggers to mature crocodiles in Costa Rica to surveying alligator nests in the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia. Prior to that he pursued his alligator research work on Jekyll Island at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. After graduate school, Rick was hired as a Land Stewardship Coordinator for Lee County’s Conservation 20/20 program, where he ultimately ended up as the Senior Supervisor for the Conservation 20/20 program. Rick has been the Science Supervisor and Land Manager for the Gulf Coast Region of the South Florida Water Management District since June 2025.

Light refreshments start at 10:30 am, Lecture will be 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher CREW Land & Water Trust