My Public Lands

Jupiter Environmental Research and Field Studies Academy (JERFSA), BLM Jupiter Inlet Outstanding Natural Area, Florida

Students from Jupiter High School’s Environmental Research and Field Studies Academy (JERFSA) have contributed more than 10,000 hours of volunteer service over the past 10 years at the BLM’s Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA). By providing special training in ecology, earth sciences, marine biology, and water resources, the academy equips high school students with the knowledge for environmental leadership and with academic and field skills that will open doors to environmental careers.

Since 2004, JERFSA students have assisted in massive exotic plant removals, general tract clean-ups, the reintroduction of native plant species, an ongoing tidal wetlands construction project, tortoise burrow monitoring, and planting of over 10,000 mangrove seedlings. Recently, the ONA was designated as a formal outdoor classroom for the academy. Students have since established long-term monitoring plots in prescribed burn areas and in the new wetlands, where they use custom-designed nets to sample fish species that use the area.

Many restoration projects have been completed and BLM management goals reached since these high school students began to volunteer at Jupiter Inlet; without them, the ONA would not be the place it is today. The academy is making a difference in the lives of local high school students and they, in turn, are making a difference in their community.

Learn more about the Making a Difference Volunteer Awards.