Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch is a popular citizen science program where trained volunteers survey, measure, tag, and release horseshoe crabs on Florida’s beaches. Learn more about why we need to monitor our horseshoe crab populations in this post. The program has been around since 2015, and is constantly expanding into new areas. But it all started right here in Cedar Key!
The training workshop on March 12th, 2020 from 11 am – 5 pm is for people who want to get involved with this super cool program!
Training Opportunity
In this hands-on training workshop, volunteers will learn about basic horseshoe crab biology, how to sample breeding populations of horseshoe crabs, and procedures for measuring and tagging horseshoe crabs. Volunteers will learn sampling procedures and understand how the data they collect is used by the FWC and other agencies.
Volunteers who complete the workshop will be eligible to volunteer for the Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch citizen science program, but are not required to do so. Youth are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian.
Agenda
- 10:30 AM Check-in begins
- 11:00 AM-12:30 PM: Orientation to Horseshoe Crab Biology and Ecological Importance and Horseshoe Crab Management
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch Break – on your own, please plan to pack a lunch. We will provide coffee and light refreshments/snacks.
- 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Orientation to the Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch Program
- 2:00-4:00 PM: Training Videos, Skill Practice Stations, and Q&A
- 4:00-4:15 PM: Break to prepare and depart for field session
- 4:15-5:15 PM: Field Session – High Tide at 4:34 PM – beach sampling and tagging live horseshoe crabs (conditions permitting).
Register for free here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/florida-horseshoe-crab-watch-training-workshop-spring-2020-tickets-91185611619
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