At the end of this month, I will be taking 30 homeschoolers seining in the Indian River Lagoon. This is an experience every child should indulge in once in their lifetime.

What it is is we use nets attached to polls and we carefully sift through the sea grass that is nearby. Most kids are okay with the experience, there are however some kids who are a little spooked out by the grass in between their toes and of course the unknown below them. Sometimes you can see whats there, sometimes you can't.

Last Summer we took the River Kidz seining, it was a HUGE success. We promise to offer the same experience this year as well. We were able to find, different kinds of fish, seahorses, puffer fish, baby barracuda, jellyfish (usually the ones that don't sting you), hermits are also seen, different kinds of shrimp and this is the name a few. You just never know what you may find.

To me, its important to introduce our children to this kind of experience. It gives them an in-depth look into what exactly their fighting hard for.

One thing we want to stress, we are aware of the fragile condition our lagoon is in. Outside of our families safety, the well being of the fish we find is another major priority. All fish are tenderly handled by the adults and safely and gently returned back to there habitat once we are finished. Most fish are out of their habitats for 10 minutes tops. Its a wonderfully educational activity we're blessed to be able to offer.

It brings us such joy to watch the kids faces light up from the sight of the different fish. They are guaranteed to always witness something new that will have them in awe. I still witness new things and I have done it tons of time. Its an excellent activity for parents too.

I am currently looking for volunteers to help with this fun activity. If you are interested in helping out, please send us an email to RiverKidzSLC@gmail.com. It will be taking place at Jaycee Park in Ft. Pierce from 10am to noon. We also are excited to share that we will have some special visitors present that day.

Following our fun day of exploration, we will be diving into the wonderful workbooks the Martin County River Kidz have created.

Be sure to click the link above "River Kidz seining" to take a look at our last seining trip.

If you would like to sign your River Kid up in St. Lucie County, simply submit an email to RiverKidzSLC@gmail.com and state your interest. We'll get you on our email. We work strictly via email and Facebook. We hope you find this blog interesting and engaging. Be sure to follow our emails with exciting new events coming up.

The 19th Annual Naturefest is this weekend!

At the Manatee Center from 10am to 3pm

For 19 years Manatee Center has engaged local families in fun and captivated their interest in the environment with tons of hands on activities and organizations, scientist and experts on hand to answer any questions our community may have.

This year is no different, in fact, there is tons of fun stuff planned. With over 20 exhibits, a Kids Mural, Face painting, games with prizes, food and drinks, Eco tours and exhibits, Wildlife exhibits and special presentations for the entire family, your entire family is guaranteed to have a wonderful time.

The River Kidz booth will be one of the exhibits. We're going to be playing with MUCK....we also will be working on a Video Collage for Florida Oceanographic in Martin County. We're going to ask each child and adult who stops by our booth to snap a quick picture with their MUCKtache on and to create a special message to different state entities to encourage change for the lagoon and animals.

River Kidz SLC are taking to the airwaves

Fundraiser for the Riverkeeper 3/1/2015 4pm-9pm 

It was about this time last year when the adultz and children rallied in tally. With hundreds of us present, we demanded clean water. We demanded Amendment 1 be passed. We educated passer-byers. The energy then was clear and strong. Sadly, everyone there had one thing in common, they were fighting for their major natural resource, clean water.

Tomorrow we're doing it again, we're heading back up, and out in the cold where we hope to remind those legislatures present in the building behind us (the capitol building) hear us loud and clear.

Among the speakers this year, much like last year will be another tiny River Kid with a very BIG voice. We listened to Aidan (10 years old) last year. This year his sister will be taking to the crowd AND she's not alone. She will be standing with many other River Kidz who have or will be taking the long trek to and from Tallahassee. Some in cars and some on buses. They also will be handing out "kidz-made" Solidarity arm bands for the crowd to wear.

Many of the River Kidz will also be talking to the politicians. They will meet and talk to some of the Representatives and Senators in private meetings. We hope their day offers a buffet of knowledge and education. The capital building is such a unique place, we're very excited to share it with these Kidz.

Tomorrow is sure to be a another awe-inspiring event just like last year.

Both River Kidz pages will have updates, pictures and videos to share with all you familiez at home.

Stay tuned......

Updates:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/River-Kidz/237123116309196
https://www.facebook.com/riverkidzslc
https://twitter.com/_thurlow

The River Kidz were super busy this weekend (to say the least)

Saturday was Party in the Park and was it a fabulous Party in the park too.
The River Kidz painted Solidarity fish armbands for themselves and 100 of them to take to Tallahassee to the Clean Water Rally set for Feb. 18th. We also sold lemonade with the proceeds going to the Conservation Alliance of St. Lucie County. We were able to raise $50 for the conservation. River Kidz of all ages were present at our booth. Party in the park is always a wonderful event. Many of the River Momz and Dadz will bring their Kidz and let them run exploring the many wonderful booths that may be present.

It was a huge success, we signed up many new families to the River Kidz which is always exciting.

Sunday was our monthly River Kidz meeting. We had lots of young ones this go around present. This months meeting revolved around the exciting new projects the Kidz were asked to participate in, not one but TWO community gardens. One of them will be in Port St. Lucie and the other in Ft. Pierce.  We knew it was only appropriate to invite Master Naturalist Eva Ries and Master Gardener Jeanne Reid. We talked about everything from recyclable pots, native plants, pet worms and the benefits to our gardens and more importantly the importance of alternative solutions to harmful chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizer. We closed the meeting out with a show and tell of different native plants that can be found at the Manatee Center and a fun seed swap.

Your River Kid(z) is invited to Tallahassee

2nd Annual "We Want Clean Water" rally

Last year, many groups embarked to Tallahassee to stand united with the Sierra Club to demand clean water once and for all. We were joined by environmental leaders, politicians, Kidz, and many concerned citizens. We stood on the steps of the old Capital Building in downtown Tallahassee.

One of the River Kidz took to the podium to tell his story. Take a look at the video from last year when 10 year old Aidan Lewey spoke loud and clear for all to hear, his feelings on the polluted water:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=739303516082757&set=vb.100000093450186&type=3&theater

We are seeking additional River Kidz to join us in Tallahassee once again. We understand the importance of school and while this falling on a school day can be difficult, this is a perfect learning experience for our children to be a part of.

Here are the details:

WHO: Floridians' Clean Water Declaration and Amendment 1 activists from all across the state!
WHAT: Floridians for Clean Water & Amendment 1 Rally
WHEN: Wednesday, February 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: On the front steps of the Old Capitol, 400 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 [Map]

Please let me know if your River Kid is interested in joining us this year and to stand with many of River Kidz to demand clean water.

-Katy Lewey
Founder of the River Kidz of St. Lucie County