Last week, former and current Advanced Placement Environmental Science (APES) students joined several of Ms. Cornais’s 10th-grade Environmental Science students at the KnightCampus to participate in a submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) restoration project. With guidance and mentorship from The Public Trust for Conservation, students helped establish two test plots, measuring water quality and planting several native aquatic plant species.

The project is designed to identify which native species have the greatest potential for successful restoration in the lower St. Johns River. Submerged aquatic vegetation plays an important role in aquatic ecosystems, providing habitat for wildlife and contributing to overall water quality.

The planting was just the beginning. Students have continued monitoring the test plots and collecting water quality data to better understand how the plants are responding to their environment.

During a recent monitoring visit, students observed that some Ruppia maritima had survived, while the other planted species were not showing the same success. Rather than viewing this as a setback, the results are providing valuable information for the next phase of the project.

Students are investigating several possible factors that could be affecting plant survival, including sedimentation, predation and limited light infiltration. By tracking water quality and observing changes over time, they are working to understand what may be contributing to the results and which species may be worth replanting.

As the pilot project continues, students will build on their observations and data to help inform future submerged aquatic vegetation restoration efforts in the lower St. Johns River.

Through this partnership, Episcopal students are experiencing environmental science beyond the classroom, participating in real-world research and contributing to a better understanding of the local ecosystems in their own community.