Field Tours & Socials
Field Tours
All field tours will depart from and return to the University of Florida, C.W. Bill Young Hall (CWY). Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the listed start time of your tour. There is an additional $10 fee to attend any of the field trips. A to-go breakfast is included.
Florida Aquarium | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
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 | 8:15 am 10:30 am or 10:45 am - 1:00 pm
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
4G Wetlands | 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
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 | 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
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 | 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
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
6) 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!
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There is a $6 entrance fee payable on-site.
Picture source: Visit Tampa Bay
Socials
Social Dinner at Columbia Cafe - Tampa Bay History Center | June 6th (6:00-9:00pm)
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!
(Optional) Celebration at Coppertail Brewery | June 7th (6:00-9:00pm)
Come and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the HT Odum Center for Wetlands at the Coppertail Brewery!
This event is not covered by conference fees and transportation is not provided.
(2601 E 2nd Ave, Tampa, FL 33605)