23rd Annual Meeting
June 6-9, 2023
University of South Florida - Tampa, FL
Hosted by the University of South Florida
Nature-Based Solutions for Resilient Communities
We are excited to host the 23rd annual American Ecological Engineering Society Meeting in Tampa, FL. This year’s meeting theme is “Nature-based Solutions for Resilient Communities." With this meeting, we hope to better contextualize the realm of Ecological Engineering while looking for the next generation to use these emerging practices to solve the world’s grand challenges. The interplay between students, industry professionals, and academia will be a key element of the meeting. We are encouraging industry professionals to attend the meeting as sponsors and mentors and provide insights to entering the field.
​
The American Ecological Engineering Society’s mission is to promote the development of sustainable ecosystems that integrate human society with its natural environment for the benefit of both by fostering education and outreach, extending professional development and associations, raising public awareness, and encouraging original research.
Meeting Agenda
Monday, June 20, 2022
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Optional Registration Packet Pick-Up
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Informal gathering at Five Iron Golf (responsible for own dinner/drinks, not included in registration fee)
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
IMET: Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology
8:30 am - 9:00 am: Registration Packet Pick-Up​
​
9:00 am - 10:45 am: Opening Keynote Presentation and Panel: Restoration in the Chesapeake Bay
10:45 am - 11:15 am: AM Snack Break in Sponsor Booth Area
11:15 am - 12:30 pm: Technical Sessions 1, 2, and 3
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: Lunch at IMET
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Technical Sessions 4, 5, and 6
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm: Kickoff of AEES's new Journal of Ecological Engineering Design
3:15 pm - 3:45 pm: PM Snack Break
3:45 pm - 5:15 pm: Technical Sessions 7, 8, and 9
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Social Dinner at Living Classrooms: 1417 Thames St. (dinner/drinks included in registration fee)
​
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
IMET: Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology
8:00 am - 8:45 am: ABET accreditation update for ecological engineering
9:00 am - 10:15 am: Technical Sessions 10, 11, and 12
10:15 am - 11:15 am: Poster Session
11:15 am - 12:15 pm: Technical Sessions 13, 14, and 15
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm: Student Design work session; Body of Knowledge Workshop
12:00 pm - Grab To-Go Lunch in Sponsor Booth Area
​
12:30 - 3:30 pm: Field Trips
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm: Orioles Baseball Game (Food and soda included with paid ticket)
​
​
Thursday, June 23, 2021
IMET: Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology
9:00 am - 10:00 am: Technical Sessions 16, 17, and 18
10:00 am - 10:30 am: AM Snack Break in Sponsor Booth Area
10:30 - 11:15 am: Technical Sessions 19, 20, and 21
11:15 am - 12:30 pm: Closing Keynotes: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Session
12:30 pm - 12:35 pm: 2022 Odum Award Presentation
12:35 pm - 2:30 pm: AEES Business Lunch
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm: Optional Post-Conference Guided Tour of the American Visionary Art Museum
Detailed Agenda with Technical Sessions
Field Trips
Florida Aquarium
​
Ranked one of the best aquariums in the U.S.! The Florida Aquarium provides habitat to a wide range of diverse aquatic and terrestrial animals and is focused on conservation and building awareness for these species. Picture source: The Florida Aquarium
Hillsborough River Kayaking Excursion
​
The Hillsborough River is one of the largest rivers in the Tampa Bay region and has been the site of many restoration projects. Enjoy viewing native wildlife while kayaking along the river. Picture source: USF Riverfront Park
Hart-Miller Island Ecological Restoration Boat Tour
​
The 4G Wetlands is the world's largest constructed groundwater recharge wetland. This 176-acre site contains 15 wetland cells which recharges the Upper Floridian aquifer and supports the Tampa Bay region. It serves as an example of how to more sustainably manage freshwater resources and is a 6x award-winning project. Picture source: Jacobs
Tampa Bay Watch Eco Tour Boating Excursion
​
Tampa Bay Watch is dedicated to improving the health of Tampa Bay through community-focused restoration projects, education, and outreach. The Coastal Oyster Restoration Enhancement (CORE) program is focused on restoring lost oyster habitat in Tampa Bay through oyster reef creation, vertical oyster gardens, and oyster population monitoring. Picture source: Tampa Bay Watch
Se7en Wetlands
​
The Se7en Wetlands is a 1,600-acre constructed wetland treatment system that provides tertiary treatment of the City of Lakeland's wastewater. Originally a phosphate mining site, the reclaimed Se7en Wetlands landscape is home to diverse plant and animal communities and has won 6 environmental water resources awards. Picture source: City of Lakeland
USF Botanical Garden
​
The USF Botanical Garden is a 16-acre plot of over 3,000 plants and natural habitats located on USF's campus. The botanical gardens support biological and environmental outreach and research and host several festivals every school year. The botanical gardens are the perfect spot for a fun and relaxing stroll through fruit trees from around the world, carnivorous plants, subtropical vegetation, native Floridian plant species, and more! Picture source: Visit Tampa Bay
​
Socials
Social Dinner at Columbia Cafe - Tampa Bay History Center | June 6th | 6:00-9:00 pm
Join us on Tuesday, 6/6 for an evening filled with all that Tampa has to offer to close Day 1 of the 2023 American Ecological Engineering Society Annual Meeting. Nestled next to the water in Tampa's downtown, the Columbia Cafe specializes in authentic Spanish-Cuban cuisine that celebrates Tampa's rich culture. Attendees are also able to view exhibits in the Tampa Bay History Center while enjoying delicious paella and sangria!
50th Anniversary Celebration at Coppertail Brewery | June 7th | 6:00-9:00 pm
Come and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the HT Odum Center for Wetlands at Coppertail Brewery!
2601 E 2nd Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
This event is not covered in conference fees and transportation is not provided.
23rd Annual Meeting Sponsors
