Black History Month : February 2020

To observe Black History Month Dr. Ellen Lake's staff placed several posters in the main building, and on a table display with information about outstanding Black Americans. Along with the interesting information it was mentioned in a "Lunch and Learn" that Katherine Johnson, one of the NASA Mathematicians just died on February 24 this year. She was 101 years old. She received a Presidential Medal of Freedom Award from President Obama in 2015, and an Oscar Award for her true story "Hidden Figures" in 2017. In this movie it showed her experience, and two other "Black Computers" Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson working at NASA, and the accomplishments they attained. 

Besides these incredible people more information about Margaret Collins, a Black Entomologist graduating in 1950, who held faculty positions at Howard University and Federal City College.

Also, Journalist Gwen Ifill was mentioned. She worked for the Baltimore Evening Sun, The New York Times, and the Washington Post. This year she will be honored with the Black Heritage Forever Stamp of 2020.

Presentation at Lynn University: February 20, 2020

Dr. Aaron David presented the importance of controlling invasive plants by biological control to 20 students at Lynn University in Boca Raton Florida. He highlighted on the control of the invasive fern Lygodium microphyllum, which is his current research focus.

IPRL receives a Florida State Park Award and Recognition : February 22, 2020

The Florida State Parks Department administered an award to IPRL volunteer employees, Dr. Greg Wheeler, Dr. Aaron David, Scientific Technicians Andrea Carmona Cortes and Eileen Pokorny. The group also recruited two Master Gardeners Gerritt Stryker and Kerina Chang, along with family members.This award was for starting the monthly program, every third Saturday of the month, to remove invasive plants, plant native trees, and install benches and signs to their Nature Trail. The location of the Nature Trail was Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. This project started in June of 2019 until November 2019, which improved passages for park visitors to experience and enjoy native coastal plants, and view birding activities especially in the months during the migration period.

Outreach at Hockey Event : Florida Panthers -VS- Blackhawks with ECISMA partners: February 29, 2020

 IPRL partnered with ECISMA and created a awareness of invasive plants and animals at a local hockey game inside the BB&T Stadium. Many people visiting in the crowd were actually tourists from the north. They were not familiar with the local Everglades system, and the importance of preserving our natural areas from invasive plants and animals. Serving at the table was Broward County Parks, Miami Dade Parks, Florida Department of Agriculture, University of Florida and USGS. There is a strong partnership with these agencies and many efforts are attempted to work together on preserving our Natural Areas.