WHAT:

On Wednesday, March 12, REEF will host a community panel discussion to raise awareness about how volunteers contribute to scientific understanding of the environment. Rick Bonney of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York will lead the discussion. Florida Keys-based citizen science experts will present on local projects and ways for volunteers to get involved.

Topics include marine life surveying, exotic species removal and a volunteer weather observation program. A reception with the speakers will begin at 6:30, followed by presentations at 7 PM. This event is free and open to the public. For more information on REEF, visit www.REEF.org.

WHO:

Leda Cunningham, REEF

Rick Bonney, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology

Alison Higgins, The Nature Conservancy

Jonathan Rizzo, National Weather Service

Cory Walter, Mote Marine Laboratory

WHEN:

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

6:30-9:30 PM

WHERE:

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

33 East Quay Rd.

Key West, FL 33040