The Best Conservation science in Winter Park, Florida

The Nature Conservancy Blowing Rocks Preserve, located at 574 South Beach Road in Hobe Sound, Florida, is a park and tourist attraction that showcases the beauty of Florida's native coastal habitats. This peaceful sanctuary is home to endangered plants and animals, including loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles. The preserve features the largest rocky Anastasia limestone shoreline on the Atlantic coast, where waves crashing against the rocks create plumes of saltwater up to 50 feet high during high tide. Visitors to Blowing Rocks Preserve can enjoy swimming and snorkeling, although there is no lifeguard on duty. The preserve also offers opportunities for citizen science through the iNaturalist app, where visitors can submit photos of plants and wildlife observed during their visit. The beach and ocean conditions at the preserve are always changing, with calm waters in the summer months and rough seas in the winter months causing the famous "blowing rocks" phenomenon.

Located at 1000 Holt Avenue in Winter Park, Florida, the Bush Science Center is a cutting-edge school dedicated to fostering inclusivity and diversity in the sciences. Biology professor Brendaliz Santiago Narvaez has been recognized for her contributions to STEM, showcasing the institution's commitment to supporting underrepresented groups in the field. The center recently received an Inclusive Excellence in STEM Grant, furthering its mission to create a welcoming environment for all students and faculty. With a state-of-the-art rooftop greenhouse boasting over 800 plant species, the center provides ample opportunities for hands-on research and learning. Despite social distancing measures, the institution offers numerous outdoor spaces for students to safely study and collaborate. The center is a testament to innovation and collaboration, with the community coming together to bring this technological masterpiece to life. Construction workers, faculty, staff, and students have worked tirelessly to ensure the Bush Science Center is ready for classes starting on August 26.

Located at 505 Guana River Road in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve is a vibrant and ever-changing park that is teeming with life. As one of the 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves in the country, this institution protects a diverse range of plants and animals across various interconnected habitats, from the ocean to the forests. People have played a significant role in shaping and preserving this ecosystem, and they continue to be a crucial part of its future. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy, share, and protect this reserve, as it offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and importance of coastal ecosystems. The reserve relies on the support of volunteers, donors, and members of the community to continue its conservation efforts.

The Guana River Dam, located at 505 Guana River Road in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, is part of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve). This dynamic and ever-changing reserve is home to a variety of interconnected habitats, from the ocean to the forests, teeming with diverse plant and animal life. As one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves in the country, the GTM Research Reserve is dedicated to protecting and preserving this unique ecosystem for future generations. Visitors to the Guana River Dam can explore the reserve's resources, volunteer, or donate to support its conservation efforts. The reserve offers a range of activities and educational opportunities for all ages, including guided tours, wildlife viewing, and research opportunities. The Friends of the GTM Reserve, a nonprofit organization, helps to maintain and support the reserve's mission of conservation and education.