What an amazing week. Starting last Tuesday I went to the EPSS in Marco Island. I’ve gone every year but two (2011-2012) since 1998 and have taught a class in 23 of those years. It really is the highlight of the year for Florida Environmental professionals where attorneys, scientists, managers, engineeers, planners, regulators, resource agency personnel, policy makers, construction companies, restoration practitioners, mitigation banking specialists, and students all get together to discuss the latest in science and regulations. For my family, it’s been our annual summer pilgrimage. Great friends, great colleagues, great memories. The secreat sauce is the way the meeting is designed by the people at the Florida Environmental Network. There is a place for everyone at the table - and with the exception of the sessions - it is a family (kid) friendly event. Each year the meeting grows and each year it gets better.
This year was also special as my middle daughter Chandler had her own booth at the meeting for the Sustainability Science Program at Columbia University in NYC where she is one of the Directors.
I went straight from the EPSS to Belize, C.A. Where I am helping some friends and colleagues on a NSF grant they have been awarded looking at reefs and resiliency. I am writing this post from the town of Placentia - for me this is a very special place. It’s where I did my graduate research when I was at RSMAS and I spent a good part of the summer of 1990 here with my late dad. I am overwhelmed with emotions walking the street through downtown and running into old friends. Again, it’s been a special week. #FloridaEnvirnomentalNetwork
#EPSS
#MarcoIsland
