THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

It’s official. The summer rainy season is here. Which, for Floridians, is the perfect time to say goodbye to fertilizer and hello to your very own bay-friendly backyard sanctuary. Going “Florida-friendly” is easier than you think. Learn more and get started.
NEWS
Bay Mini-Grant:
2019 & 2020 Golden Mangrove Winners
TBEP’s “Golden Mangrove” award is given to Bay Mini-Grant recipients who complete projects that exemplify the value of community participation in the restoration of Tampa Bay. This year we caught up on recognizing two grantees for the 2019 & 2020 award season. 
  • 2019 Winner: The Stewards of Our Urban Lakes for their work focused on marsh restoration.
  • 2020 Winner: The Gulfport Sustainability Committee for their creation and maintenance of a rain garden at the Gulfport Recreation Center. 
Learn about the Bay Mini-Grant program and consider applying for the 2022 season later this summer.
Adopt-A-Drain Pilot Program
Adopt-A-Drain partners with residents in Pinellas County to increase the functionality of area storm drains to ensure they are free of litter and debris and marked with storm drain markers. Residents of this program will also help by reporting illicit discharges (putting anything other than water down the drain), and ultimately helping to improve water quality.
Crosthwait Memorial Fishing Tournament
Donates 25k to TBEP
For the second year in a row, the Crosthwait Fishing community has stepped up to support the protection of Tampa Bay’s fisheries. These funds will go towards a habitat restoration project in Lower Tampa Bay that will enhance breeding and feeding grounds for prized inshore and offshore fish species. 
Hustle and flow:
USF studies how water moves in Tampa Bay
Where do the pollutants that enter the bay during episodic events like Piney Point end up and for how long? That’s the question USF researchers have been hoping to answer through their study of circulation patterns in Tampa Bay. This work spotlights our region’s continued effort to study the impacts of Piney Point and better understand the consequences of wastewater discharges to the bay.
EVENTS
Pinellas County is looking for volunteers to help fill oyster bags to be used for the Phillippe park living shoreline project. There are multiple dates available between June 4th and July 2nd. Participants should be 14+ and come prepared with closed-toed shoes. More Info

This program will introduce the fascinating world of turtles. Did you know that the sex of some species is determined at a pivotal point during egg incubation, or that turtles are among the most endangered group of animals on earth? How about the fact that turtles can ‘talk’ and are more social than we realized? Learn about their diversity and conservation, as well as the latest research findings. This webinar is recommended for ages 16+. Zoom registration page | Facebook event page

Join Clearwater Audubon and the Suncoast Sierra Club for an evening of Birds and Beverages to Benefit the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary. Registration page

A perfect event for canoe, kayak or paddleboard owners looking to get a few hours in on the water while helping us remove debris from the environment. Meet at Bishop Harbor Boat and Kayak Launch. Lunch provided. Registration is required. Registration page

Many beachgoers are unaware that many shorebird and seabird species in Florida nest directly on the soft sand of our beaches. Some of these birds may even look to gravel rooftops as a safe place to nest away from big beach crowds. By becoming a bird steward, you can play an important role in the conservation of these threatened species. Registration page

Join the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources for a workday at Robinson Preserve. Help plant native grasses and groundcovers in the Robinson Expansion area. Students can earn 3 community service hours at this event. Free lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Registration is required. Registration page


GRANTS
Click the title links for more information

Fred Held Scholarship recognizes the achievements of high school seniors who have taken leadership roles to prevent litter, reduce waste, conserve resources, and beautify our communities. Any high school senior planning to attend a college, university or junior college next year and currently attending a Pinellas County high school is eligible for the scholarship award. The application deadline is Friday, June 17, 2022. More Info
Save the Date!
Bay Mini-Grants applications are being accepted starting July 15th, but it is never too early to start developing your proposal. This year we will be prioritizing projects that help prevent and/or remove invasive species in Tampa and its watershed (IS-2).

Do you have a project idea but need help transforming it into a competitive proposal? Reach out to Sheila Scolaro at sscolaro@tbep.org or (727) 893-2765 for help. 
Learn more about the application process at tbep.org  
OTHER STUFF
Pathfinder Outdoor Education is offering two weeks of camp this summer that will allow your child to partake in a variety of active, engaging, challenging experiences with other kids their age. Campers must be at least 7 years old and no older than 12 years old. The first session is from June 6-10. The second session is from July 11-15.
This FREE online course is for both new anglers and experienced fishermen looking to educate themselves on fisheries management and up their fishing game by learning skills and practices that help ensure fishing opportunities for the future.
The mission of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program is to build partnerships to restore and protect Tampa Bay through implementation of a scientifically sound, community-based management plan. 

TBEP is a partnership of Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas counties; the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater; the Southwest Florida Water Management District; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.