Surveys for Swamp Safety

Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science has received a five-year, $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study dry-season prey concentrations in the Florida Everglades. Led by Michelle L. Petersen, Ph.D., the project will collect and analyze data on aquatic prey and habitat conditions, helping scientists understand the key factors that drive wading bird nesting success.

The research will fill a critical gap in knowledge by showing where and when prey concentrate during the dry season, information that is essential for guiding ecosystem restoration under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. By linking water conditions, prey availability and bird nesting, the project will support more effective management strategies and help protect the Everglades’ iconic wildlife for the future.

“We anticipate this project will greatly improve our understanding of the links between hydrology, prey availability and wading bird nesting, providing crucial insight into how restoration efforts can most effectively achieve the goals of CERP,” Michelle L. Petersen, Ph.D., director of the Environmental Science Program in the School of Environmental, Coastal and Ocean Sustainability at FAU said. “By combining long-term monitoring with innovative analysis, this work marks an important step forward in both the science and management of one of the world’s most iconic wetland ecosystems.”

Read the press release.