The proposed project, living shorelines, living classrooms, supports the bureau of land managements (BLM) habitat conservation and public engagement goals by evaluating the ecological success of…

The Bureau of Land Management awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $206,259 to Inwater Research Group, Inc. on October 1, 2025, to conduct ecological monitoring and community education at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area in Palm Beach County, Florida, under the Aquatics Resources Management program (CFDA 15.244).

The project, titled Living Shorelines, Living Classrooms, evaluates the ecological success of shoreline restoration through biological monitoring, sea turtle health assessments, and science-based education. Juvenile green sea turtles serve as sentinel species, tracked via visual surveys, health evaluations, and acoustic telemetry to measure restoration success. The project will passively collect data on recreationally important sportfish, including snook and tarpon, to inform future BLM fisheries management and restoration planning.

The education component reaches more than 13,000 students, 200 educators, and 50 families through place-based learning experiences that mirror the field monitoring and health assessments occurring at the site, creating pathways for public engagement with BLM-managed coastal ecosystems.

The period of performance runs through September 30, 2030. Loggerhead Marinelife Center Inc. is a sub-recipient conducting sea turtle health assessments and laboratory analyses.

The proposed project, living shorelines, living classrooms, supports the bureau of land managements (BLM) habitat conservation and public engagement goals by evaluating the ecological success of shoreline restoration at the jupiter inlet lighthouse outstanding natural area (jilona) in palm beach county, florida. Through a combination of biological monitoring, sea turtle health assessments, and immersive, science-based education, the project will assess how living shorelines influence wildlife use, habitat quality, and overall ecosystem resilience. Juvenile green sea turtles will serve as sentinel species for restoration success, tracked through visual surveys, health evaluations, and acoustic telemetry. The project will also passively collect data on recreationally important sportfish, such as snook and tarpon, which will be shared with BLM to support future fisheries management and restoration planning.a central strength of this project is its ability to directly connect ecological research to community education. Real-time field science will form the foundation of engaging, place-based learning experiences designed to help citizensespecially youth, educators, and familiesbetter understand the science of conservation and restoration. More than 13,000 students, 200 educators, and 50 families will participate in programs that mirror the monitoring and health assessments taking place at jilona, creating clear and meaningful pathways for the public to engage with and care for BLM-managed coastal ecosystems. By integrating rigorous research with accessible education, this project provides a replicable model for fostering informed stewardship that benefits wildlife, supports sustainable fisheries, and strengthens the publics relationship with americas public lands.