FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF AQUATIC BIOLOGISTS SPRING 2023 TAXONOMIC WORKSHOP May 10-12, 2023
Taxonomy and Biology of the Water Mites of Florida
Presented by: Ray Fisher, PhD
University of Florida, Department of Entomology and Nematology 1881 Natural Area Drive, Bldg. 970
Gainesville, FL 32611
The 2023 Florida Association of Aquatic Biologists Spring Taxonomic Workshop will be held on May 10-12 at the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, which is being led by Ray Fisher. Ray is an entomologist at the Mississippi Entomological Museum, based in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
As a taxonomist/systematist, Ray researches arthropod diversity, evolution, and natural history. This year's workshop will focus on the Water Mites of FL and North America. Ray will be giving an overview of the biology and taxonomy of aquatic Water mites. There will be ample time for lab work to look at specimens and get verifications. At least one field trip to a local area is also planned. Be sure to make plans now to be a part of this great workshop. Due to the size of the teaching lab where we will be meeting, workshop attendance is limited to thirty (30) persons, so be sure to register today via the website. The workshop registration is $70.00 for FAB members; $125.00 for non-members and $45.00 for students. Please register at the FAB website: https://www.floridaaquaticbiologists.org/events.html
Dates/times: The workshop will begin at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, May 10, and conclude before lunchtime on Friday, May 12, 2023.
Location: As with many of our recent freshwater workshops, this one will be held at the excellent teaching laboratory of the University of Florida Department of Entomology and Nematology (Charles Steinmetz Hall) on the UF campus in Gainesville. The address is shown above. When attending the workshop, be sure to park to the right of the entrance drive, or behind the building. If you park to the left of the main entrance, you will be ticketed.
Workshop cost: $70 for FAB members, $125 for non-members, and $45 for students
Lodging: A block of 20 rooms has been reserved at the Hampton Inn at 4225 SW 40th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32608. SW 40th Blvd. is the first road to the right just off I-75 at Archer Road. Rooms are available with two queen beds or one king bed, all non-smoking. A full breakfast is included. The discounted price is $159 per night. There is a 14-day cancellation policy. The block of rooms will be held until April 25, but those making reservations after that point might be able to get the discounted FAB rate, pending availability. Making reservations as soon as possible is recommended. To make your reservations, please follow this link: Book Hotel here
There are several other hotels near Archer Road that are more budget friendly. In the past FAB has used Comfort Inn University at 3440 SW 40th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32608. Rooms are currently priced between $90-100/night. To make reservations please follow this link: Comfort Inn University
Other workshop information:
∙ Student-quality dissecting microscopes are available at the teaching lab. Participants may bring their own scopes, if desired. Be sure to bring specimens for identification or verification.
∙ There will be one or more field experiences offered as a part of the workshop, so be sure to bring any needed field clothes and gear, including sunscreen and insect repellent.
∙ Bring any Water Mite identification and ecology books you might use during the workshop.
∙ Snacks will be provided during the workshop and at breaks.
∙ Restaurants are abundant in the vicinity of Archer Road. A social at a local venue will probably be organized for one night, and announced at the workshop.
Questions??? Please feel free to contact Scott Duncan, FAB President at president@floridaaquaticbiologists.com or sduncan@rcid.org
Registration:
Please Register Online at: https://www.floridaaquaticbiologists.org/events.html
FAB Members: $ 70.00
Non-Members: $125.00
Students: $45.00
Please make checks payable to Florida Association of Aquatic Biologists.
Memo: Spring Workshop Registration
Please mail registration checks to:
FAB Treasurer
121 Palm Trail
East Palatka, FL 32131
(386) 329-4582
Registration payments will also be accepted at the workshop – but please register online ahead of time so we can get an accurate head count. Thank you.
Due to limited space, registrations are limited to 30. Please register early.