Merritt Island Wildlife Association

### Context Profile for Merritt Island Wildlife Association

1. **Organization Mission & Cause**:
   - The Merritt Island Wildlife Association (MIWA) is dedicated to inspiring community stewardship through advocacy for wildlife, promoting conservation education, and expanding outreach efforts that support the Merritt Island and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuges. Their mission emphasizes the importance of preserving natural habitats and fostering a connection between the community and the environment.

2. **Type of Activities**:
   - MIWA engages in a variety of activities including:
     - **Fundraising Events**: Such as the "Fall Into Conservation Fundraiser," which features keynote speakers, silent auctions, and community engagement.
     - **Educational Programs**: They conduct programs aimed at raising awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship.
     - **Community Outreach**: Efforts to connect with the community and promote conservation initiatives.
     - **Volunteer Opportunities**: Encouraging local residents to participate in conservation efforts and educational activities.

3. **Tone of Voice**:
   - The tone of communication is friendly, inviting, and informative. The language used is accessible and aims to engage the community in a positive manner. The content often includes inspiring calls to action, encouraging individuals to participate in conservation efforts and community events.

4. **Emoji Usage**:
   - The website and email communications do not prominently feature emojis. The tone remains professional and focused on the mission without the casualness that emojis typically convey.

5. **Key Facts**:
   - **Founding Info**: Specific founding details are not provided on the website, but MIWA operates within the context of the Merritt Island and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuges.
   - **Scale**: The organization has a total of 69 forms and has conducted 63 email campaigns, indicating an active engagement with their audience.
   - **Impact Metrics**: While specific metrics are not detailed, the focus on community outreach and education suggests an emphasis on measurable community engagement and awareness.
   - **Volunteer Info**: The organization encourages volunteer participation, although specific details on volunteer programs are not extensively covered on the website.

6. **Writing Guidelines**:
   - **Style**: Use clear, concise language that is accessible to a broad audience. Avoid jargon unless necessary, and provide explanations when using technical terms related to wildlife and conservation.
   - **Engagement**: Incorporate calls to action that invite community members to participate in events, volunteer, or support fundraising efforts.
   - **Inspiration**: Aim to inspire readers by highlighting the beauty of nature and the importance of conservation efforts. Use stories or testimonials from community members when possible to create a personal connection.
   - **Structure**: Use headings and bullet points for easy readability, especially in emails and event descriptions. Maintain a consistent format across communications to establish a recognizable brand voice.

This context profile serves as a guide for creating tailored content that resonates with the Merritt Island Wildlife Association's mission and engages their community effectively.

Free Admission

Delicate Details: Up Close and Personal With InsectsInsect BioBlitz and Pinning WorkshopSaturday, March 1st 10:00am to 12:30pmLimited to 20 participants Location: IRLAP Titusville Field Station, 5332 Riveredge Drive, Titusville FL 32780   Join us to explore the fascinating world of insects through hands-on experiences. This engaging event features two components: an insect pinning workshop, where nature enthusiasts will learn the art and science behind preparing specimens for scientific collections, and a live insect bioblitz in a native plant garden. Participants will observe and document local insect species in their natural habitat. No prior knowledge is needed, making this a perfect opportunity for curious minds to gain insight into entomology. Attendees can construct their own pinning board or help with the education display being created for the Field Station.  Designed for ages 16 and older, this event promises an immersive look at the tiny yet intricate creatures that shape our ecosystems. All supplies will be provided. The program will also include time for some special appreciation for the volunteers who conduct monthly bee and butterfly surveys at the native plant garden.  Logistics: The parking area next to the garden enables attendees with mobility devices to participate. The classroom is accessible. A restroom is located onsite.  Pinning specimens will be provided by the instructor using insects who have ‘donated themselves to science’ (no live capture for pinning purposes is necessary by the participants).  About the Instructors:Robin P. Marquez (he/him/his)Robin Marquez is an entomologist and insect ecologist with the University of Central Florida specializing in Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, ants, and sawflies). In addition to serving as Assistant Curator of the university's Collection of Arthropods, he studies the biodiversity and ecology of micro-parasitoid wasps. He has received additional entomology training from the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution and has conducted research in a variety of habitats including tropical, agricultural, and suburban landscapes. Through his work, Robin has seen hobbyist entomology used as a tool to advance real-world science, and is eager to support new insect enthusiasts in their collection journeys! Emily Surmont (she/her/hers)Emily Surmont is a coastal ecologist with the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves, where she has worked for the last 5 years on a variety of research, conservation, restoration, and outreach projects. She received her BS in Environmental Science from Broward College and is currently working towards her MS in Fisheries and Aquatic Science at the University of Florida in the Coastal Ecosystems and Watersheds Lab. Emily is a Pollinator Partnership Certified Pollinator Steward and has been leading the FDEP Titusville Native Plant Pollinator Garden project since September 2021, recently expanding the project to encourage pollinator monitoring collaboration throughout the IRL.

Hi <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;display:inline-block;margin:0px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">First name , Thank you for registering for Delicate Details: Up Close and Personal With Insects.  The workshop and BioBlitz will be held at the IRLAP Titusville Field Station, 5332 Riveredge Drive, Titusville FL 32780 (across the street from New York, New York Restaurant) from 10am to 12:30pm.  Follow signs from the parking lot to the classroom building. All workshop supplies will be provided. Please bring a refillable water bottle and sun protection. Long sleeved shirts, closed toed shoes, and long socks are recommended for the BioBlitz portion of the program. Participants are welcome to bring binoculars, cameras, and field guides, however they are not required. Rochelle A. HoodExecutive DirectorMerritt Island Wildlife Association<a href="mailto:miwascrubjay@gmail.com" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit">miwascrubjay@gmail.com</a> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1736930523/cnvr3iz6eln14zm6tsvw.png" style="width:120px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto 5px 0px;text-align:left;position:relative;max-width:100%;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit" />

Delicate Details: Up Close and Personal With InsectsInsect BioBlitz and Pinning WorkshopSaturday, March 1st 10:00am to 12:30pmLimited to 20 participants Location: IRLAP Titusville Field Station, 5332 Riveredge Drive, Titusville FL 32780   Join us to explore the fascinating world of insects through hands-on experiences. This engaging event features two components: an insect pinning workshop, where nature enthusiasts will learn the art and science behind preparing specimens for scientific collections, and a live insect bioblitz in a native plant garden. Participants will observe and document local insect species in their natural habitat. No prior knowledge is needed, making this a perfect opportunity for curious minds to gain insight into entomology. Attendees can construct their own pinning board or help with the education display being created for the Field Station.  Designed for ages 16 and older, this event promises an immersive look at the tiny yet intricate creatures that shape our ecosystems. All supplies will be provided. The program will also include time for some special appreciation for the volunteers who conduct monthly bee and butterfly surveys at the native plant garden.  Logistics: The parking area next to the garden enables attendees with mobility devices to participate. The classroom is accessible. A restroom is located onsite.  Pinning specimens will be provided by the instructor using insects who have ‘donated themselves to science’ (no live capture for pinning purposes is necessary by the participants).  About the Instructors:Robin P. Marquez (he/him/his)Robin Marquez is an entomologist and insect ecologist with the University of Central Florida specializing in Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, ants, and sawflies). In addition to serving as Assistant Curator of the university's Collection of Arthropods, he studies the biodiversity and ecology of micro-parasitoid wasps. He has received additional entomology training from the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution and has conducted research in a variety of habitats including tropical, agricultural, and suburban landscapes. Through his work, Robin has seen hobbyist entomology used as a tool to advance real-world science, and is eager to support new insect enthusiasts in their collection journeys! Emily Surmont (she/her/hers)Emily Surmont is a coastal ecologist with the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves, where she has worked for the last 5 years on a variety of research, conservation, restoration, and outreach projects. She received her BS in Environmental Science from Broward College and is currently working towards her MS in Fisheries and Aquatic Science at the University of Florida in the Coastal Ecosystems and Watersheds Lab. Emily is a Pollinator Partnership Certified Pollinator Steward and has been leading the FDEP Titusville Native Plant Pollinator Garden project since September 2021, recently expanding the project to encourage pollinator monitoring collaboration throughout the IRL.