Women/dog moms appeared more curious and willing to ask about the survey table.
Men/dog dads seemed less open to engaging in person or taking the survey
Some visitors viewed dog waste as less serious compared to other pollution sources, such as construction sites and septic tanks.
Some community members may understand pollution as a general issue but may not clearly recognize dog waste as a source of nonpoint-source pollution.
Biodiversity of the Lagoon
I learned more about the number of fish and the different species that depend on the Indian River Lagoon for survival.
Brackish Water
A key insight was that the lagoon contains brackish water, a mixture of saltwater and freshwater.
Stormwater as a Freshwater Source
I also learned that stormwater and precipitation are important sources of freshwater for the lagoon. This was a great reminder that what happens on land can directly affect the lagoon’s salinity, water quality, and ecosystem health.
Recreation and Family Connection
I observed people relaxing, camping, fishing, and spending time with family along the inlet. It showed how the lagoon and inlet are not only ecological spaces but also important social spaces where people connect, rest, and enjoy nature.
Sense of Safety and Enjoyment
The area also felt safe and well-managed, which helped create a welcoming environment for families, campers, and visitors.
One important lesson I learned is that behavior change can begin early. As my supervisors often say, adults may be more resistant to changing their behavior, but children can be more open to learning, reflecting, and adopting new habits when they hear about, feel, and experience nature directly.
Through the camp activities, the campers were able to see, touch, observe, and enjoy the services that nature provides. They learned not only what the Indian River Lagoon offers today, but also how it supported transportation, trade, food systems, tourism, and community life centuries before their time. These experiences helped them understand that the lagoon is not just a body of water, but a living system with historical, ecological, and social value.
The scenic places they visited, the birds they observed, the water they tested, and the natural spaces they enjoyed can leave lasting impressions. When children find something in nature that makes them happy or becomes their favorite memory, they are more likely to develop a positive attitude toward protecting it.
This reminded me that environmental education is not only about giving information. It is also about helping young people build personal connections with nature so that they can grow with the awareness, responsibility, and attitude needed to protect the lagoon and the many forms of life that depend on it.