Several of our EAI employees have recently been volunteering in our community and we’d like to acknowledge their contributions.

On November 7, 2019, EAI Senior Scientist Rachel King provided an in-depth presentation to Audubon of Martin County. In the presentation, Rachel covered the life history and legal status of the majestic crested caracara and shared associated adventures she’s had in the field with these winged beauties. Rachel covered current survey techniques employed by EAI in the field and enjoyed a robust question and answer session after the presentation. Rachel also donated some artwork by local artist Sarah Funck to raffle off during the presentation.

On January 4, 2020, EAI’s Jimmy Sellers, Kyle Evans, Cat Trimble, and some other hearty volunteers erected an osprey nest platform on spoil island SL-6 in northern St. Lucie County. The materials for the platform were provided by the non-profit Friends of the Spoil Islands and the location for installation was coordinated with Florida Department of Environmental Protection Aquatic Preserve staff. Transport and construction of the platform were provided by Jimmy and his associated volunteers. The final product is approximately 25-ft tall and has two perches with (presumably) wonderful views of the Indian River Lagoon.  We hope this platform provides a good home to osprey families for years to come.

On January 8, 2020, EAI Senior Scientist Jennifer Smith presented to high school students from Sagano High School in Kyoto, Japan at Jupiter High School. Jennifer taught the students about EAI and how scientists are hired to help local governments and other clients protect the environment during the course of their projects. During the students’ trip, they visited many sites including Manatee Lagoon, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, and Everglades National Park. They also attended several classes at Jupiter High School with the Jupiter Environmental Research and Field Studies Academy magnet program. They will take what they have learned back to their classes and write essays on similarities and differences of habitats, wildlife, and environmental protection regulations of the U.S. and Japan.

We thank Rachel, Jimmy, Kyle, Cat, and Jennifer for getting out in the community and making a difference!