Gainesville community explores the wonder of wetlands with H.T. Odum Center for Wetlands at Depot Park

A group of six people standing outdoors behind tables with various items. One table has a green cloth and the other has a University of Florida sign, a blue water bottle, and brochures. People are casually dressed, with a mixture of t-shirts and long sleeves. A sunny park setting with scattered trees and people in the background. — (L to R): Volunteers Xavier Sanchez, Cristel Cedeño, Megan Sam, Britney Hay, Alexis Jackson and Luke Ho-Shue explain how wetlands filter water, the roles different organisms play, and the plants that make up these ecosystems.

The UF Howard T. Odum Center for Wetlands (CFW) joined the Gainesville community at Depot Park on February 15 to celebrate this year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The event highlighted the vital role wetlands play in protecting both people and nature, while encouraging the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards. Through hands-on activities and interactive conversations, children and families learned how wetlands improve water quality, provide habitat for diverse wildlife and strengthen resilience across our landscapes.

“I love inspiring young children to be interested in the world around them, especially in wetlands,” Alexis Jackson, a graduate student advised by CFW Director David Kaplan, Ph.D., said.

Thank you to the UF Department of Physics for hosting and the UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for co-sponsoring this community event, and to our volunteers: Xaiver Sanchez, Cristel Cedeño, Megan Sam, Britney Hay, Alexis Jackson and Luke Ho-Shue.

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