Ecological Restoration workshop at Nature Preserve Jan. 22

Rangers from Everglades and Biscayne National Parks will be on-hand for the day-long event.

Everyone’s invited to the Nature Preserve’s “Ecological Restoration” workshop Saturday, Jan. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. An invasive plant removal crew from the National Park Service will be on hand to help clean the preserve as well as educate attendees on a variety of topics, including South Florida ecology, invasive plant management, identifying native plants and wildlife, and more. Rangers from Everglades and Biscayne National Parks will be on site to provide information about local park service opportunities.

“When students choose to study biology or the natural sciences at FIU, they come to study the Everglades,” said Ryan Vogel, manager of the Nature Preserve. “Our Nature Preserve is one of the last protected areas of Everglades east of Krome Avenue. We must keep it pristine.”

Vogel, a dual-degree student studying park management and environmental studies, said students can fulfill community-service hours at Saturday’s event as well as throughout the semester.

Attendees are invited to bring a lunch. There will be plenty of water on hand, so please bring a reusable water bottle.