In June 2003, the:
Florida Marine Research Institute
United States Geological Survey
South Florida Water Management District
Tampa Bay Estuary Program
joined to host WETMAAP workshops
in St. Petersburg, Florida. |
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These workshops used a geographic and ecological approach to familiarize educators with wetland values, functions, and threats to wetland existence. The workshop participants trained in the use of aerial photographs, topographic maps, satellite imagery, and wetland habitat maps.
The St. Petersburg workshops focused on Weedon Island. Expert ecologists provided classroom training and guided field studies at Weedon Island Preserve. Educators who attended the WETMAAP workshops left with a new appreciation for the value of wetland habitats, increased knowledge of societal wetland issues, reference materials for further learning, and tools to lead wetland studies with future students.
For more information on the valuable WETMAAP national program and to view materials specific to the Weedon Island workshops, visit the informative www.wetmaap.org web site. As part of this effort, the USGS Tampa Bay Study highlighted the Interactive Mapping System (IMS) and Digital Library as an online resource and tool. Teachers were given a users guide and a sample exercise developed for Weedon Island. Participants looked at historical and current aerial imagery, wetland data, documents, and other materials to answer complex wetland management issues.
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| Wetmaap workshop participants on a guided field trip at Weedon Island Preserve. |
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| Participants learn to use aerial photographs, topographic maps, satellite imagery, and wetland habitat maps. |
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