OCTOBER 2018
Dear Friends,

 While Florida managed to stay out of Florence’s path, other national parks were not so lucky. Cape Hatteras, Cape Lookout and Ft. Sumter, our thoughts are with you. We are still not off the hook yet, remember hurricane season last until Nov. 30. And while we did not see the winds and rain from Florence, we did struggle with hazardous surf conditions and loss of sea turtle nests. 

Thanks to all who came out for the International Coastal Cleanup, Canaveral had over 100 volunteers to pitch in and pitch out debris and trash found on the beach. Great Job!
 Stay Safe & See you at the beach!

See You at the Seashore,
Laura Henning,
Chief of Interpretation & Visitors Services
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A Message From Our President
Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Our Lagoon System in Peril

Canaveral National Seashore enjoys the serenity and fullness (comprising 2/3rds of the area within the boundaries of the national seashore) of Mosquito Lagoon, the northernmost body of water in the Indian River Lagoon system. This lagoon is one of the most species-rich and diverse estuaries in North America. Thousands of years ago, the Timucuan people lived along the lagoon, thriving on abundant fish and shellfish. In the 1500-1700s, Spanish, French and other European settlers endured the harsh life and made their homes along the shoreline. They drained the wetlands and grew crops, creating discharge canals that provides freshwater to the lagoon. In the 1800s, thanks to Flagler and the railroad, tourists came to the area and the population boomed. Today, the population along our little portion of IRL continues to grow, increasing waste and stormwater runoff leading to nutrient pollution that causes algae and phytoplankton blooms, making the lagoon unhealthy
The Marine Resources Council just released their report entitled Indian River Lagoon Health Update, so we now have 20 years of data collected to judge if human efforts to “clean up” the lagoon are working. The scientists determined that our lagoon’s health indicators include seagrass, nitrogen, phosphorus, chlorophyll-a and turbidity. Utilizing these indicators, they developed a health grade system, score of 90 and above is very good; 80 to 89 is good; 70-79 fair; 60 to 69 poor; 50 to 59 very poor; and less than 50 extremely poor.  Using the five indicators of health, the scientists determined that for 2016 the habitat and water quality of North Lagoon (which includes Mosquito Lagoon) is Fair to Extremely Poor depending on the location.

What can you do to help restore the health of Mosquito Lagoon? Plant natives that do not need fertilizer. Keep storm drains clear. Get your septic tank inspected. Limit use of outdoor chemicals. Volunteer to plant seagrass, mangroves and oysters.  Remember, everything you do on land washes down to the lagoon!

See you in the park.

Terry Bledsoe, President
Friends of Canaveral
2nd Annual Turtle Derby - Mark your calendars!
Find us at the Coastal Christmas Market
Canal Street, New Smyrna Beach
Saturday, November 24th from 9am-5pm
Tickets, T-Shirts, Totes & more
SUNDAY, DEC. 9, 2018

2nd Annual Turtle Derby
during the Eldora Holiday Open House

Tickets will be available soon. Watch for details!

Prizes - $500 - $300 - $150 - $50

THINGS TO DO - OCTOBER 2018

From a beach treasure hunt in Apollo to Manatee viewing in Playalinda. There is something for every nature lover!
DID YOU KNOW?
Together we can reduce single-use plastics and
make a lasting impact. (National Geographic)

TAKE THE PLASTIC PLEDGE
Planet or Plastic?
The plastic pollution problem is in plain sight. It affects us all.
A trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year. (Always bring a reusable bag when you shop.)
Nearly a million plastic beverage bottles are sold every minute . (Go refillable! Carry your own reusable bottle.)
Americans toss millions of plastic straws every day. (Skip the straw. In most cases, you don't need a straw. Tell your server, "no straw please" when you order a drink.)
9 million tons of plastic waste ends up in the ocean every year. (End littering. Properly dispose of your own trash and pick up litter when you can.)