Lunch and Learn: Lake Okeechobee Exploration with Dr. Paul Grey

Dr. Paul Gray, a Science Coordinator for Audubon Florida's Everglades Restoration Program, will lead this trip to explore the south end of Lake Okeechobee and delve into its plumbing system. With Dr. Gray's expertise, we will engage in discussions about lake management, ecology, human history, including the impact of hurricanes, agriculture, drainage systems, politics, and the captivating world of birds and fish.

We start at the largest drainage gates on the lake at the St Lucie Canal, drive south to the Pahokee Marina that had the massive algal blooms (that are cleaned up now), to Belle Glade that was over washed by the 1928 storm, see the S2 pump station on the Palm Beach Canal that goes through the Palm Beaches, stop at the S-3 pump station on the Miami Canal, look at dike repair work all along the way, and end up in Clewiston where we can eat lunch and continue learning at the Martin Marina Tiki Bar on the Industrial Canal.

Please note the following important details:

Carpooling Required

• We will caravan from the meeting location.
• During registration, you will select either Driver or Passenger. Please email RmllbGR0cmlwcyB8IGF1ZHVib25ldmVyZ2xhZGVzICEgb3Jn to request people in your carpool.
• Each vehicle must have 1 driver and 3 passengers (4 total).
• Parking is located at meet up location.
• This tour takes place on both paved and unpaved, dirt roads.
• Vehicle Requirements: High clearance, good tires, and a full tank of gas.

Limited Group Size: Participant size is limited for this special outing, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience.

Start and End Time: 9:00 AM start at the Port Mayaca Lock and Dam (north side), 12:00 PM end with lunch at Martin Marina Tiki Bar in Clewiston.

Logistics:

• Meet Up & Parking: Please meet at Structure (S) 308 parking lot by Lake Okeechobee at the intersection of SR 76 Kanner Hwy and Highway 441. The North side of the Port Mayaca lock.
• FEE: ~$35 for lunch (not included in the ticket)

Bring:

• Water
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Hat
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Smart phone

Good to Know:

• Registration is required. No walk-ins.
• Be on time so we can make the most of our time in the field.
• Rain or shine, unless there's a hurricane.
• Photos may be taken for social media. Let us know if you'd rather not be included.
• Please cancel if you can’t make it—someone else may be waiting.
• Under 18? Bring an adult.

Lunch: Roland & Mary Ann Martins Marina & Resort (Scotty's Tiki Bar) 920 E Del Monte Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440-2214

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events. For those who need an accommodation or have inquiries about accessibility, please contact Autumn at

Questions? Reach out:

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Learn More about your Field Guide:

Dr. Paul Gray is a Science Coordinator for Audubon Florida's Everglades Restoration Program. Paul is based out of Lorida, FL, near the Kissimmee River, and has been working in Florida for 35 years, with the last 28 for Audubon.

For Audubon, Paul works on water, land, and bird management issues primarily related to Lake Okeechobee, but works on state-wide issues too. This entails representing Audubon in public and private meetings, and helping develop Audubon oral and written comments on various policy and technical issues. He is a charter member of the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Working Group and former co-chair of the Snail Kite Coordinating Committee.

Paul’s educational background includes a BS from the University of Missouri, an MS from Texas Tech University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida.

Also check out other Meetups in Okeechobee, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Okeechobee.