Meet Kar DeGeiso

Kar had long been an active volunteer back in Delaware, dedicating her time to firefighting and bird research. After settling into her new Florida home, she began looking for ways to get involved locally. Florida Oceanographic Society caught her eye, and she officially joined the volunteer team in…

Meet Karen Tine

As a retired boat captain, Karen has always been drawn to the water, but her previous work as a chemical technician helped her realize the role she could play as a volunteer for Florida Oceanographic.

Meet Lisa Peery

Lisa Peery and her husband, Steve, both grew up in Florida and loved living in Jupiter. But moving from Connecticut back to the Sunshine State after retirement, they wanted to find more of the ‘Old Florida’ feel. That decision led them to the Treasure Coast.

Meet Lois and John Timpanaro

“We have always been a fishing and boating family,” Lois says. “We are very much aware of protecting our waterways and surrounding areas.”

Meet Lucas DaSilva

Inspired by his older brother's role as a Teen Ambassador with Florida Oceanographic, Lucas began volunteering in 2021, amassing over 60 hours to date.

Meet Marc Teplitz

Marc Teplitz and his family moved to Stuart in 1996 from California. His son and daughter grew up concerned and involved with environmental issues and spent years as campers and then as counselors at the Environmental Study Center.  “They taught me about our local sea life and sparked my interest…

Meet Mary Alexander

Mary Alexander heard about Florida Oceanographic Society from a friend. After they both attended a volunteer information session in January 2021, they decided it was the place for them.

Meet Merit Wallace

In recent years, amidst the chaos of being a nurse practitioner, Merit Wallace found solace in the outdoors, a sanctuary amidst the pandemic. Realizing the importance of habitat preservation, she sought ways to give back.

Meet Michele & Gil McClurg

“The people here make volunteering fun and educational,” says Michele. “Everyone is friendly, supportive and truly appreciates whatever you do.” As a team the McClurgs have accumulated close to 400 volunteer hours.

Meet Mover and Shucker Katherine Ward

Katherine Ward moved to Stuart in 2013, and over the years, she has enjoyed bringing her family to the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. Her interest in preserving and protecting our beautiful south Florida waterways is what drew her to volunteer at Florida Oceanographic.

Meet Nell Brewer

In conversations with guests, Nell is continuously motivated by their enthusiasm and impressed by how much they know and care about the natural world. “It’s great to share fun-facts about the animals and the coastal habitats and have meaningful conversations with guests of all ages.”

Meet Our Ocean Protectors

Get an up-close view of the marine vessels and the people who protect our coastal community with members of FWC, NOAA and the Martin County Sheriff's Office.

Meet Rosanne Danner

Six years ago, Rosanne Danner embarked on a new chapter of her life, moving to the charming community of Jensen Beach, FL. A big change from her upbringing in the Bronx, NY, she was drawn to this area thanks to her brother's guidance and fell in love with its beauty.

Meet Sue Barnett

Sue participates in a variety of roles including research projects, oyster shell bagging, drilling and matting, seagrass matting, road/beach cleanups, seagrass nursery cleaning and most recently working on a seagrass research project, saying “I truly believe that volunteers can make a difference…

Meet Sue Mamalis

Sue wears many hats in her volunteer roles. She works with the Living Docks program, participates in oyster shell bagging, drilling, and matting, and helps with seagrass matting and maintaining the seagrass nursery.

Meet Summer Sea Turtle Scout Amy Isenhower

Sea turtles return to the same beaches year after year to lay their eggs, and for Amy Isenhower, that’s an exciting aspect of volunteering as a Summer Sea Turtle Scout for Florida Oceanographic Society’s Nighttime Sea Turtle Walks.

Meet the Team

Nathaniel Winn is a research associate interested in seagrass ecology, water quality, and nutrient cycling in marine ecosystems. Nathaniel received his B.S. at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL, where he studied tidal dynamics of porewater nutrients in subterranean estuaries. He…

Meet Thomas Buhr

Drawn to Stuart in the 70s for its pristine natural surroundings and strong conservation ethos, Thomas was particularly impressed by Martin County's leadership in environmental preservation.

Meet Volunteer Carol Westerfield

May Volunteer Spotlight

Meet Volunteer Joe Pisano

April Volunteer Spotlight

Meet Volunteer Lyda Denney, DVM

March Volunteer Spotlight 

Meet Volunteer Mark Kenworthy

Growing up in New Jersey Mark Kenworthy spent every summer at the Jersey shore. When he moved from Mendham, NJ to Stuart, getting involved with Florida Oceanographic Society seemed like a natural choice.

Meet Volunteer Starr Robeson

Meet Volunteer Starr Robeson