Kate Rose will discuss the Eyes on Seagrass initiative, a citizen science project monitoring seagrass health to mitigate nutrient runoff, heat stress, and algal blooms. Learn how you can participate in this vital program to protect Florida’s seagrass ecosystems.

The objective is to bring the community together to learn about local conservation efforts and engage with experts in conservation.

Florida is not immune to global trends of seagrass loss. High nutrient and sediment inputs from land run off, heat stress, and algal blooms are driving declines in coverages statewide. Eyes on Seagrass is a participatory seagrass monitoring program that relies on volunteers to monitor seagrass status and foster a sense of stewardship in participants. Since the program originated in Charlotte County in 2019, it has expanded statewide to include the east and west coasts as well as the Panhandle.

Learn More About Kate: Katherine “Kate” Rose has served as the UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent for Charlotte County since January of 2022. Although she grew up in New Jersey, Kate has been connected to Florida all her life. Kate completed her first open water dive in Key Largo and is a double gator, earning both her bachelor’s and her master’s from the University of Florida. She has experience with sponge restoraHon, disease ecology, finfish aquaculture and crustacean fisheries, but her present role focuses on scienHfic outreach and communication. Kate’s established programs currently include the Florida Master Naturalist Program, Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch and Eyes on Seagrass, which she will be speaking on at this event.

The University of Florida Sea Grant Program: Florida Sea Grant is a university-based program that supports research, education and extension to conserve coastal resources To learn more about the Sea Grant Program Click Here. 

SUP Englewood is passionate about fostering a connection between the local community and the ecosystems that make Englewood special. Organized by SUP Englewood and supported by The Dearborn Coffeehouse & Bakery, the Coffee & Conservation series aims to educate and inspire locals to take part in conservation efforts. Each month, a different speaker will present on topics related to the preservation of our local waterways and wildlife.