Legacy Volunteer Spotlight: Anna Bergalis
27 Years of Persistence, Purpose and a Love for Seagrass
For more than 27 years, one Florida Oceanographic Society volunteer has found purpose, friendship and a deep connection to Florida’s coastal waters through service. What began as a desire to get out of the house and reconnect with others has grown into a remarkable journey of stewardship, learning and hands-on conservation. From the coal banks of Pennsylvania to the waters of the Indian River Lagoon, her story is a reminder that volunteering can change not only the places we serve, but also our own lives. Whether she’s combing through seagrass, sharing a laugh with a feathered “coworker,” or continuing to learn about the ecosystems she helps protect, she brings curiosity, persistence and determination to everything she does. We’re grateful to have her as part of the Florida Oceanographic family. Here, she reflects on 27 years of volunteering, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why protecting Florida’s waterways remains so important to her.
How did you first become involved with Florida Oceanographic Society?
I lived just across the Indian River Lagoon, and the proximity to the Coastal Center was actually one of the reasons I bought my home. Previously, I was a nurse working in Public Health for over 41 years. After some personal experiences, I found myself dealing with sadness and knew I needed to get out of the house. Volunteering felt like a meaningful way to meet others, reconnect with purpose, and be part of something positive.
What has kept you volunteering with us for more than 27 years?
It’s important to me to do good work every day and to continually expand my knowledge. While I’m at Florida Oceanographic, I’m always learning something new. Coming from the coal banks of Pennsylvania, the transition to the coastal beauty of Florida was profound. Volunteering has also had a positive impact on my health — my cardiologist encouraged me to lift objects heavier than five pounds, and I certainly do that while combing through the seagrass.
We’ve all heard that Ponce de León traveled to Florida in search of the Fountain of Youth and its magical healing powers. I think the waters in our lagoon have that same effect on me.
What's one volunteer memory you'll never forget?
While combing through the seagrass, I used a floating device — and one day, a black heron decided to join me. She perched on the float, waiting to snatch bits of material rising from the seagrass beds. She would squawk at me, maybe telling me to work faster, and I’d talk back to her. It felt like I was working at the “McDonald’s of seagrass.”
When you reflect on your years as a volunteer, what makes you most proud?
I love being in the water, working with seagrass, surrounded by the life it supports. I’m not sure many people think about seagrass, but one of the first things I learned from Mark Perry was that each little blade is perpetually growing and is vital to the health of our waterways and marine life.
I’m also proud to carry forward one of my late husband’s mottos: “Persistence and Determination.” Through my involvement with Florida Oceanographic’s programs, I can be a steward who helps others strive to live in harmony with the grasses, sea life, and clean water that sustain our environment.
What gives you hope for the future of our waterways?
I continue to learn from people like Mark and Nancy Perry, who — along with so many others at Florida Oceanographic — have successfully educated our community about the importance of our waterways. Their work has helped people understand the impact on Stuart’s rivers, the Everglades, and the health of our beautiful state as a whole.
Is there anything you'd like to share with our newer volunteers?
How lucky we are to work in a place that surrounds us with quiet and beauty every day. We get to work side by side with like‑minded people who share a positive mindset and a commitment to “restoring, not destroying.”
Also, it would be beneficial for them to take the time to read articles from other organizations such as Defenders of Wildlife, Friends of the Everglades, Captains for Clean Waters, 1000 friends of Florida to understand the importance of our mission of inspiring conservation of Florida's coastal ecosystems through education, research and advocacy.
