St. Lucie Florida Waters Stewardship Program- 2026
About this Event
Working With Water, Working With People
To make a difference concerning the issues surrounding water quality and quantity in our communities, we must understand the various ways in which we interact with water. As Floridians, we are connected to our oceans and bays by our faucets and laundries, to our neighborhood ponds and lakes by our yards and streets, and to our regional and statewide neighbors by our surface and groundwater supplies.
This program will use expert presentations, online explorations, experiential learning, field experience in watershed science, and communication skills training to foster a greater understanding of these interactions and provide the tools necessary to become stewards of our water resources.
During this seven-session course, participants will travel to locations across St. Lucie County to explore the natural beauty, learn about emerging water issues, and meet with local experts.
Participants will also plan and implement an individual (or group) stewardship project that makes a difference in the community, attend a relevant stakeholder meeting and explore online resources to learn more about water between class sessions.
Each class session will be three hours long and include time for discussions, guest speaker presentations highlighting local water resources, and a field tour.
This course has limited seating/availability. Register early to reserve your spot. Youth (under 18) are eligible to register as long as an accompanying adult is also registered for the program. A minimum of 10 participants must be registered one week prior to the course or the course will be rescheduled. A full refund will be issued if this is the case.
Before You Register
Please review course requirements should you wish to receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program:
- Attend at least five of the seven sessions, two of which MUST be the first and last ones (Session #1 and Session #7)
- Attend and briefly describe a stakeholder gathering
- Complete online mini-sessions
- Participate in the online discussions
- Submit a summary of your individual or group stewardship project
Please direct any and all questions to St. Lucie County Natural Resources Extension Agent Bridget Gerovac at [email protected]
*Locations and speakers are subject to change.
Agenda
🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Session 1- Thursday, August 27
Info: Watershed Basics and Stewardship @ St. Lucie County Extension with guest speaker Dr. Lisa Krimsky, Water Resources Regional Specialized Agent from the University of Florida
🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Session 2- Thursday, September 10
Info: Changing Waterscapes and Flow @ Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens with guest speaker Caleta Scott from the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program & a member of the UF/IFAS St. Lucie County Urban Horticulture Program
🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Session 3- Thursday, September 24
Info: Water Laws @ Oxbow Eco-Center with guest speakers from the Oxbow Eco-Center
🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Session 4- Thursday, October 8
Info: Future Water Supply and Emerging Issues with guest speaker Jenny Tomes, Environmental Education and Outreach Manager for St. Lucie County Utilities
🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Session 5- Thursday, October 22
Info: Panel Discussion @ St. Lucie County Extension
🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Session 6- Thursday, November 5
Info: Speaking for Water @ Savannas Preserve State Park with guest speakers from the State Park
🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Session 7- Thursday, November 19
Info: Reflection & Graduation @ St. Lucie County Regional History Center
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 116.49
