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The Secret Science Of Water In South Florida

Kate Stein
/
WLRN
Tom James, the lead environmental scientist at the South Florida Water Management District, describes his research on phosphorous absorption in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.

Scientists at the South Florida Water Management District are offering a behind-the-scenes look at their work on water control and protection.

They’re having a poster exhibit at the district’s West Palm Beach headquarters. The 24 posters on display cover everything from phosphorous removal to restoration of tree islands… and yes, a lot of research that’s way more complex than that.

Tom James, lead environmental scientist at the South Florida Water Management District, says one purpose of the exhibit is to help the district’s scientists see one another’s work and, hopefully, collaborate.

"A lot of them are working on their own little areas and they don’t know that others are doing fairly similar things in a different region of the water management district," James said.

But James is also excited that the exhibit gives the public a chance to see where their tax dollars are going: towards research that will shape the future of natural South Florida treasures like the Kissimmee River, Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades.

"That involves a lot of different areas in terms of measuring flows, measuring nutrients, measuring loads," James said. "I'm hoping [visitors] understand science is important to the district and they will continue to support the district in [its] science endeavors."

The posters will be on display through Aug. 12. Visitors can see them Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

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