Fall 1997 Reunion On Saturday September 20, 1997, we held a reunion for the 1997 Oceanography Camp. In the morning we participated in a coastal cleanup sponsored by the Center for Marine Conservation. The cleanup is held in Florida and nationwide in an attempt to raise public awareness concerning the trash which is deposited yearly along our coastline.
Our designated area to clean was located near the Tierra Verde Bayway. We worked in conjunction with volunteers from the College of Marine Science, Department of Environmental Protection, the United States Geological Survey, and the local community. A total of 127 people participated at our site!
A total of over 3000 lbs. of trash was collected by the volunteers. Some of the strange trash items found by campers included men's underwear, bathing suits, and a crank for a Dr. Seuss Jack-in-the-box. The campers commented that the great amount of trash was depressing, but it was encouraging to see so many people from the community show up for the cleanup.
When asked about ideas for other reunions the campers suggested a clean up at Fort De Soto, Coffee Pot Bay/Beach, or some other body of water or a sea grass planting.
After the cleanup we returned to the University of South Florida'a St. Petersburg Campus for lunch, some pool and a game of volleyball. The campers then were able to browse the Camp website.
Participants in the cleanup were:
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Alaina Deanna Darla a/k/a Peaches Missy Breanna |
Roblyn Mary Lailana Tania Jessica |
Alea Kristina Jess Katie Jennifer |
Kara Angela Leah Jenny Matthew
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