amyKrasker
PUBLIC RELATIONS
DATE:
June 2014
DEPARTMENT:
Public Information
Press Releases:
River Center Announces Inaugural Jr. Angler Fishing Tournament
- drafted press release
- placed on tcpalm.com and distributed to local community newspapers
- posted on all local on-line calendars and District website
- secured placements
Friends June 6 Meeting Offers Lionfish Lecture & Tasting for Adults, Lionfish Games &
Craft for Kids
- drafted press release
- placed on tcpalm.com and distributed to local community newspapers
- posted on all local on-line calendars and District website
- secured placements
Fishing for Something to Do? Come to the River Center’s Kids Fishing Clinic June 28
- drafted press release
- placed on tcpalm.com and distributed to local community newspapers
- posted on all local on-line calendars and District website
- secured placements
Sunday Fundays at the River Center Starting June 8
- drafted press release
- placed on tcpalm.com and distributed to local community newspapers
- posted on all local on-line calendars and District website
- secured placements
Celebrate Father’s Day with Guy Harvey and Help Support the River Center
- drafted press release
- placed on tcpalm.com and distributed to local community newspapers
- secured placements
Pitched local media to run a feature on the Jr. Angler Tournament. Secured a weekly ongoing
photo feature in the Jupiter Courier for the duration of the tournament. Placed a feature in Palm
Beach Post’s Neighbors section. Also, contacted broadcast media for possible feature stories.
Secured a feature with WPTV Channel 5 weather anchor James Weiland to film sometime in
June. In addition, pitched news broadcast App editors to run weekly photo submissions. Met
with Jupiter Courier advertising and editorial representative to talk about maximizing exposure.
Pitched and placed story on student who conducted lionfish research at the River Center and had
data published in a national science journal.
300 Valencia Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, Tel: 561-832-6268 Email: [email protected]
River Center Announces Inaugural Jr. Angler Fishing Tournament
Jupiter, Florida -- The River Center announces a first-ever Jr. Angler Fishing Tournament this
summer. Running from May 15, 2014 to July 27, 2014, this unique fishing contest encourages
junior anglers to explore the diversity of local fisheries and learn more about the area’s unique
aquatic habitats, all while honing their fishing skills.
Participants between the ages of 5 and 17 should register online at http://tinyurl.com/ky9rdl7 or
at the River Center where registration packets are available. Beginning May 15, participants can
submit photos throughout the summer of their fresh water and salt water catches from Palm
Beach and Martin Counties. Points accumulate with each submission and are awarded based on
the quantity and variety of species caught. There is a registration fee of $25 per angler, which
includes a t-shirt and an invitation to the “End of Summer” Fish Fry on Saturday, August 2, 2014
at the River Center where awards and prizes will be given.
Sponsors of the River Center’s Jr. Angler Fishing Tournament include Cisek Capital, Fishing
Headquarters, Fish Rules App, Loxahatchee River District, Shimano, Native Fishing Charters,
Florida Sportsman Magazine, West Palm Beach Fishing Club, Charlie's Worms, Gulfstream
Lures, DOA Lures, Shakespeare, and Berkley.
In addition to the Jr. Angler Fishing Tournament, the River Center is offering a number of
exciting activities this summer for all ages, including weekly camps, half-day sessions, fishing
clinics, story time, and fish feedings. There is even a “Family Fishing Clinic,” which is a great
way for parents and kids to learn the basics of fishing methods together. Participants learn about
knots, lures and baits, along with fish identification, regulations, casting, fishing safety, and an
overview of different fishing equipment.
The River Center, which is located in Jupiter at Burt Reynolds Park, is a unique environmental
center presenting some of the largest aquatic exhibits in the area with an interactive exploration
of the river, its diverse wildlife and majestic environmental value.
For information about the Jr. Angler Fishing Tournament, along with a calendar of activities,
please visit www.loxahatcheeriver.org/rivercenter or call (561) 743-7123.
###
Friends June 6 Meeting Offers Lionfish Lecture & Tasting for Adults,
Lionfish Games & Craft for Kids
Jupiter, Florida – Lionfish have recently been the subject of much local conversation, from their
effects on the ecosystem to their growing popularity as an edible delicacy, this invasive species
has many Floridians asking lots of questions about them. To answer all these questions and
more, the River Center is pleased to announce a special Friends of the Loxahatchee River
meeting focused entirely on the lionfish! Bring the whole family to the River Center on June 6
for this free program, featuring an intriguing adult program that will take place while children
play and learn in their own fun activities.
For the adults, Dr. Zack Jud will present the latest scientific discoveries about the lionfish, and
what they are teaching us about our local aquatic habitats. Dr. Jud is a noted marine biologist
currently studying the effects of Florida's lionfish and is credited with the first discovery of an
estuarine lionfish invasion in the Western Hemisphere. Following the lecture, attendees will have
the opportunity to sample the fish at a specially prepared lionfish tasting.
Meanwhile, River Center educators will be both entertaining and educating attending children
about this invasive species. The children’s program includes exciting lionfish games, fun arts and
crafts, and outdoor nature exploration, weather permitting.
These special coinciding programs will take place at 12:00 p.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. The River
Center is located at 805 N. US Highway 1 in Jupiter at Burt Reynolds Park. Although there is
no charge for this event, seating is limited, so please RSVP by calling 561-743-7123 or emailing
[email protected].
The event is part of a monthly series hosted by the River Center and Friends of the Loxahatchee
River featuring environmentally focused topics and speakers, and it is free and open to the
public. Regular River Center hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This
unique environmental center presents some of the largest aquatic exhibits in the area with an
interactive exploration of the river, diverse wildlife, and its majestic environmental value. In
addition, guests learn where their water comes from, how it is consumed, and then recycled back
into the community. There are multi-media and live aquatic exhibits, and a touch tank teeming
with aquatic life. For more information about the River Center, please call 561-743-7123 or visit
www.loxahatcheeriver.org/rivercenter.
###
Updated Jr. Angler Fishing Tournament Copy Block
The River Center is excited to announce the inaugural Jr. Angler Fishing Tournament beginning
this summer. Running from May 15th to July 27th, this unique contest highlights the diversity of
fish species in our local waters by awarding points to anglers based on the quantity and the
variety of species caught. It’s easy! Just take a photo of your fish and send it to the River Center
after you’ve registered online at http://tinyurl.com/ky9rdl7. Registration packets are also
available at the River Center. Points will accumulate throughout the summer as participants
submit photographs of their fresh and salt water catches from Martin and Palm Beach counties.
The more fish you catch and the more species you catch, the better your chances are to win!
Participants between the ages of 5 and 17 are invited to make submissions throughout the
duration of the tournament. A registration fee of $25 per angler includes a t-shirt and an
invitation to the “End of Summer” Fish Fry and award of prizes that will take place at the River
Center on Saturday, August 2nd at noon. The River Center’s Jr. Angler Fishing Tournament is
brought to you by Cisek Capital, Florida Family Wills, Fishing Headquarters, Fish Rules App,
Loxahatchee River District, Shimano, Native Fishing Charters, Florida Sportsman Magazine,
West Palm Beach Fishing Club, Charlie's Worms, Gulfstream Lures, DOA Lures, Shakespeare,
and Berkley. The River Center is located at 805 N. US Highway 1 in Jupiter. Call 561-743-7123
for more details.
Jr Angler Fishing Tournament Photo Submission:
Jr. Angler Riley Meserve (8) is holding up a Mangrove Snapper. The mangrove snapper (or gray
snapper) is native to the Atlantic Ocean and can be found in a variety of habitats, including
brackish and fresh waters. Its color is typically greyish red, but it can change color from bright
red to copper. It has a dark stripe running across its eye if observed from the top when it is under
water. This species can reach a length of 35 inches, though the average length is 16 inches. The
greatest recorded weight for a Mangrove Snapper is 44 lbs.
River Center Jr. Anglers and ambitious sister team, Lauren Arrington (13) and Ashley Arrington
(10) showcase just a few of their many catches. Lauren (LEFT) caught two lane snappers, a
common saltwater fish that can be identified by pale yellow fins and a large spot near the tail.
Ashley is proudly holding a white grunt, another common saltwater fish found near mangroves,
seagrass, and dock piling habitats. The Arrington sisters reeled in each of these catches in
Jupiter’s beautiful Loxahatchee River estuary.
River Center Jr. Angler Austin Lykins (7) grips an impressive largemouth bass at John Prince
Memorial Park in Lake Worth. Largemouth bass can easily be considered the most popular
freshwater game fish in North America. These top predators can extend their jaws far past their
eyes, allowing them to consume large prey. The River Center’s Jr. Angler Tournament runs all
summer, so register today by calling 561.743.7123 or visit www.loxahatcheeriver.org
Frankie “Bo” Tardonia reeled in this jack crevalle in the Jupiter Inlet. As an aggressive hunter,
jack crevalles often chase smaller prey onto beaches or against seawalls before they go in for the
kill. Their high salinity tolerance allows for this fun catch to put up a fight in both fresh and
saltwater ecosystems. . The River Center’s Jr. Angler Tournament runs all summer, so register
today by calling 561.743.7123 or visit www.loxahatcheeriver.org
Fishing for Something to Do? Come to the River Center on June 28!
Jupiter, Florida – The River Center is reeling in junior anglers fishing for a special
kids fishing clinic on Saturday, June 28 from 9am to 12pm.
Participants will have an opportunity to learn special rod and reel techniques and
how to tie common fishing knots. The program will include a discussion about
fishing regulations, a lesson on fish identification, and a review of commonly used
tackle. Participants will then have the opportunity to practice various methods of
fishing.
The cost is $10 per child, and all necessary equipment is provided. Space is
limited. Participants must pre-register by calling the River Center at 561-743-7123.
The River Center, which is located at 805 North US Highway One in Jupiter at
Burt Reynolds Park. It is a unique environmental center presenting some of the
largest aquatic exhibits in the area with an interactive exploration of the river, its
diverse wildlife and majestic environmental value.
For more information, please call (561) 743-7123 or visit
www.loxahatcheeriver.org/rivercenter.
###
Sunday Fundays at the River Center Starting June 8
Jupiter, Florida -- This summer, the River Center kicks off Sunday Fundays!
Beginning Sunday, June 8 from 12pm to 4pm, there will be arts and crafts and a
special activity led by River Center environmental educators.
Each week features a different and engaging theme about the local environment.
The entire family is invited to participate and can enjoy all the River Center has to
offer, from some of the largest aquatic exhibits in the area to an exciting
experience with the River Center’s touch tank teeming with aquatic critters.
Sunday Fundays are free and open to the public. For more information, please call
561-743-7123.
Regular River Center hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This unique environmental center presents some of the largest aquatic exhibits in
the area with an interactive exploration of the river, diverse wildlife, and its
majestic environmental value. In addition, guests learn where their water comes
from, how it is consumed, and then recycled back into the community. There are
multi-media and live aquatic exhibits, and a touch tank teeming with aquatic life.
For more information about the River Center, please call 561-743-7123 or visit
www.loxahatcheeriver.org/rivercenter.
###
6th Grade Student’s Scientific Findings Spur Vital Scientific Research
“I thought my project could help people understand lion fish not only are affecting
ocean ecosystems but also estuaries, which are important because they serve as
nurseries for many fish species.” Lauren Arrington
West Palm Beach, Florida -- With her 6th grade science project, Lauren Arrington,
a student at The King’s Academy, spurred important scientific research of invasive
lionfish. Dr. Craig Layman, Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Fellow at North
Carolina State University said that Lauren’s research “was one of the most
influential sixth grade science projects ever conducted, demonstrating something
that scientists should have done years before. It was the final push that spurred us
to just do the study ourselves. The findings have important implications about the
potential scope of the lionfish invasion, that is, that estuaries throughout the
Caribbean may soon be impacted by the invasion.”
Lauren’s science fair project, “Understanding the Limitations of Lionfish
Invasions,” focused on understanding the salinity limit lionfish can tolerate and
was recently referenced in the peer-reviewed scientific publication Environmental
Biology of Fishes. Lionfish are invasive (non-native) predatory fish that have a big
impact on native fish, because they eat large quantities of juvenile native fish.
Research has clearly demonstrated the detrimental effect of lionfish on Florida’s
reefs, but little was known about how prevalent lionfish are in estuaries such as the
Loxahatchee River. Lauren, now a seventh-grader at The King’s Academy,
conducted preliminary laboratory experiments during research for her 6th grade
science fair project.
Dr. Layman and his graduate students from Florida International University were
researching lionfish in the Loxahatchee River, and they found lionfish further up
river than anyone expected. Lauren was familiar with Dr. Layman’s research and
wanted to figure out exactly how far up river lionfish could survive; she did a
controlled experiment at The River Center in Jupiter, FL. Based on insight
provided by Dr. Layman, Lauren set up 8 aquaria with a single lionfish in each
tank. Lauren monitored the lionfish daily as she slowly lowered the salinity in the
aquaria. To everyone’s absolute surprise, Lauren’s lionfish survived with no
adverse impacts in nearly freshwater (salinity of 6 parts per thousand, which was
very low for a fish that typically lives in the ocean).
After making such an exciting find, Lauren shared her results with Dr. Layman.
Then Dr. Layman and Zachary Jud (one of Dr. Layman’s graduate students)
decided to take Lauren’s study to the next level. That additional research was
printed in the Environmental Biology of Fishes. Visit Dr. Layman’s research blog
to read his posts about Lauren’s project:
http://absci.fiu.edu/2013/02/interview-with-ayoung-lionfish-scientist/
http://absci.fiu.edu/2013/01/best-science-fair-project-ever-lionfish-salinitytolerance/
The River Center, which served as an ideal resource for Lauren’s experiment, has
played a significant role in creating public awareness about the invasive lionfish
through scientific lectures for adults, special activities for students, kids programs
and family events. It continues to be valued environmental education resource for
the entire community. In additional to monthly lectures, river experiences and
special events, the River Center supports and encourages environmental
stewardship, from working with Girl Scouts earning community badges to hosting
elementary school children to offering internships and scholarships for high school
students.
###
Contact: Nicole Sciandra
Phone: (561) 743-7123, ext. 709
Email: [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2014
Celebrate Father’s Day with Guy Harvey and Help Support the River Center
JUPITER, FL - Renowned marine wildlife artist, conservationist and scientist, Dr. Guy Harvey
is scheduled for a personal appearance on June 13th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bealls store
located at 59 N. US Highway in Jupiter. Bealls will be selling Guy Harvey products and Guy
Harvey fans can personally meet the artist and get his autograph. A portion of the sales proceeds
will benefit the environmental education programs of the River Center.
The River Center is a unique environmental center presenting some of the largest aquatic
exhibits in the area with an interactive exploration of the river, diverse wildlife, and its
majestic environmental value. In addition, guests learn where their water comes from, how it
is consumed, and then recycled back into the community. There are multi-media and live
aquatic exhibits, and a touch tank teeming with aquatic life. Hours of operation are Tuesday
through Saturday 9am-4pm, and Sunday 12pm-4pm. For more information about the River
Center, please call 561-743-7123 or visit www.loxahatcheeriver.org/rivercenter.
Guy Harvey is a marine wildlife artist and conservationist who earned a Ph.D. in Fisheries
Biology. His depictions of marine life, especially of sportfish such as marlin, are very popular
with sport fishermen and have been reproduced in prints, posters, t-shirts, jewelry, clothing,
and other consumer items. Harvey is also a very vocal and active advocate for marine
conservation, having established the Guy Harvey Research Institute at Nova Southeastern
University of Fort Lauderdale, Florida as well as the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, an
organization that funds marine conservation research and educational initiatives.
www.guyharvey.com
###
805 N US Highway 1
Jupiter, Florida 33477
Posted: 12:00 a.m. Thursday, June 5, 2014
Tournament aims to hook junior anglers
View Larger
River Center junior angler Austin Lykins, 7, grips a largemouth bass at John Prince Park in Lake
Worth. Largemouth bass, one of the most popular freshwater game fish in North America, can
extend their jaws far past their eyes, allowing them to consume large prey.
View Larger
Junior angler Riley Meserve, 8, is holding a mangrove snapper. The mangrove snapper (or gray
snapper) is native to the Atlantic Ocean and can be found in a variety of habitats, including
brackish and fresh waters. Its color is typically greyish red, but it can change color from bright
red to copper. It has a dark stripe running across its eye if observed from the top when it is under
water.
View Larger
Junior anglers Lauren, 13, (left) and Ashley Arrington, 10, showcase their catch. Lauren caught
two lane snappers, a common saltwater fish that can be identified by pale yellow fins and a large
spot near the tail; while Ashley is holding a white grunt, another common saltwater fish found
near mangroves, seagrass, and dock piling habitats. The sisters reeled in their fish at the
Loxahatchee River estuary.
By Dianna Smith
Special to The Palm Beach Post
For the first time this summer, kids in Palm Beach and Martin counties can be rewarded for their
fishing skills.
Whether it’s a bass or even a catfish, the Loxahatchee River Environmental Center, aka the River
Center, in Jupiter will count each exciting catch for its first Junior Angler Fishing Tournament,
which started in mid-May and ends July 27.
The River Center, which is an extension of the Loxahatchee River District, focuses on educating
the public about the habitats the district protects. The center’s aquarium showcases all of them,
including cypress trees and coral reef. It also gives visitors an idea of the different species in
these waters by offering live aquatic tanks and a touch tank as well.
And this summer, the river center’s goal is to encourage children ages 5 to 17 to spend time
outside and learn how to fish so they can see for themselves the vast diversity of fish species in
local waters.
The center already hosts fishing clinics that teach the basics of the sport, but this year community
outreach coordinator and tournament creator, Nicole Sciandra, said she wanted to hold a fishing
tournament as well because most of the local tournaments are only for children who can fish
offshore. Not everyone has access to a boat, she said.
In this tournament, contestants can fish in salt water and in fresh water.
“Our intent is just to get people out on the Loxahatchee and in Florida waters in general. I
wanted the kids who like to fish in their backyards to be able to participate just as much as the
kids who are fishing in deep waters,” Sciandra said.
Those who enter the contest must take a picture of each catch while wearing a River Center
sticker on their shirts and then mail the pictures to the center, where Sciandra records them into a
log.
Entering the contest costs $25 and the children can enter any time before July 27, which is great,
she said, for those who are going on vacation or who might be in school during parts of the
summer.
“If somebody wants to register the very last weekend of the tournament and they think they can
still win it, then they can do that,” she said.
The registration fee includes a fish fry on Aug. 2, where trophies and prizes will be awarded.
Sciandra said that every child will take home some kind of award.
Sciandra is relying on the honor system when it comes to whether the child really caught the fish
they have in their pictures, she said, also adding that catch-and-release is encouraged and there is
a cap on the amount of fish per species caught.
Contestants get two points for every species they catch and one point for every individual fish
they catch.
As of late May, 30 people had already signed up to take part and the fish caught so far include
bass, checkered puff fish and white grunts.
“For the competitive junior angler, they can go head to head with their peers and for the junior
who likes to fish as a pastime they can tally everything they catch,” Sciandra said. “I don’t think
there’s a better way to really enjoy the Loxahatchee River.”
The tournament wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the many sponsors, including Fishing
Headquarters, a bait and tackle shop in Jupiter, run by brothers Tommy and Pete Schulz.
The pair have been fishing since they were kids so when they heard that the River Center needed
help encouraging children to fish, they jumped at the chance to be a part of the tournament.
Fishing gives families a chance to do something fun together outdoors, rather than sit inside a
house watching television or playing on the computer, they said.
“We’ve gotten to the point where nobody does anything with their kids anymore,” Tommy
Schulz said.
Fishing is also an inexpensive sport, he added, and it boosts a child’s ego when he or she is able
to snag a fish. And when children learn how to fish, they are also learning about the ocean and
how to respect it.
“It’s going to make them a better person in the long run,” he said. “It’s really going to build their
character as they grow.”
For more information or to register for the tournament, call the River Center at 561-743-7123.
Page 1 of 2
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Posted: 12:00 a.m. Thursday, June 5, 2014
Tournament aims to hook junior anglers
Related
By Dianna Smith
Special to The Palm Beach Post
For the first time this summer, kids in Palm Beach and Martin counties can be rewarded for their fishing skills.
Whether it’s a bass or even a catfish, the Loxahatchee River Environmental Center, aka the River Center, in Jupiter will count each exciting catch for its first Junior Angler Fishing
Tournament, which started in mid-May and ends July 27.
The River Center, which is an extension of the Loxahatchee River District, focuses on educating the public about the habitats the district protects. The center’s aquarium showcases
all of them, including cypress trees and coral reef. It also gives visitors an idea of the different species in these waters by offering live aquatic tanks and a touch tank as well.
And this summer, the river center’s goal is to encourage children ages 5 to 17 to spend time outside and learn how to fish so they can see for themselves the vast diversity of fish
species in local waters.
The center already hosts fishing clinics that teach the basics of the sport, but this year community outreach coordinator and tournament creator, Nicole Sciandra, said she wanted to
hold a fishing tournament as well because most of the local tournaments are only for children who can fish offshore. Not everyone has access to a boat, she said.
In this tournament, contestants can fish in salt water and in fresh water.
“Our intent is just to get people out on the Loxahatchee and in Florida waters in general. I wanted the kids who like to fish in their backyards to be able to participate just as much as
the kids who are fishing in deep waters,” Sciandra said.
Those who enter the contest must take a picture of each catch while wearing a River Center sticker on their shirts and then mail the pictures to the center, where Sciandra records
them into a log.
Entering the contest costs $25 and the children can enter any time before July 27, which is great, she said, for those who are going on vacation or who might be in school during parts
of the summer.
“If somebody wants to register the very last weekend of the tournament and they think they can still win it, then they can do that,” she said.
The registration fee includes a fish fry on Aug. 2, where trophies and prizes will be awarded. Sciandra said that every child will take home some kind of award.
Sciandra is relying on the honor system when it comes to whether the child really caught the fish they have in their pictures, she said, also adding that catch-and-release is
encouraged and there is a cap on the amount of fish per species caught.
Contestants get two points for every species they catch and one point for every individual fish they catch.
As of late May, 30 people had already signed up to take part and the fish caught so far include bass, checkered puff fish and white grunts.
“For the competitive junior angler, they can go head to head with their peers and for the junior who likes to fish as a pastime they can tally everything they catch,” Sciandra said. “I
don’t think there’s a better way to really enjoy the Loxahatchee River.”
The tournament wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the many sponsors, including Fishing Headquarters, a bait and tackle shop in Jupiter, run by brothers Tommy and Pete Schulz.
The pair have been fishing since they were kids so when they heard that the River Center needed help encouraging children to fish, they jumped at the chance to be a part of the
tournament.
Fishing gives families a chance to do something fun together outdoors, rather than sit inside a house watching television or playing on the computer, they said.
“We’ve gotten to the point where nobody does anything with their kids anymore,” Tommy Schulz said.
Fishing is also an inexpensive sport, he added, and it boosts a child’s ego when he or she is able to snag a fish. And when children learn how to fish, they are also learning about the
ocean and how to respect it.
“It’s going to make them a better person in the long run,” he said. “It’s really going to build their character as they grow.”
For more information or to register for the tournament, call the River Center at 561-743-7123.
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