Estuarine education

Volusia County Environmental Management established educational partnerships with eight Volusia County schools.  Each of the schools was given a combination of red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) and black mangroves (Avicennia germinans).  The students will be growing and maintaining these plants throughout the school year.  This process includes creating a saline environment which mimics the estuary, as well as stepping up plants, to larger plots as they grow.

This partnership is providing an excellent opportunity for students of all ages to learn about the diversity of estuarine ecology and the importance of mangroves in the preservation of our shoreline habitat.  In the spring, students will have the opportunity to participate in a mangrove planting project, where they will see the plants they have been taking care of all year replanted back in their natural habitats.

By having school involvement the Estuarine Habitat Restoration Program is increasing awareness by sharing knowledge of estuarine ecology by providing hands on experience to younger generations.

The participating schools are:

• Atlantic High School 
• DeLand High School
• DeLand Middle School
• Hinson Middle School
• New Smyrna Beach High School
• New Smyrna Beach Middle School
• Pathways Elementary School
• Pine Ridge High School