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.

Program Ticket

Bringing Back the Bivalves: Mussel Propagation and RecoveryLake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, DeLeon Spring, FLCost: Free (limited to 24 participants) Freshwater mussels, often called the "hidden gems" of aquatic ecosystems, play a critical role in maintaining water quality and biodiversity. Florida is home to a diverse array of native freshwater mussels, which are vital to aquatic ecosystems as filter feeders and indicators of water quality. Tony Brady, Acting Project Leader at the US FWS Welaka National Fish Hatchery and co-author of Freshwater Mussel Propagation for Restoration, will share challenges facing freshwater mussel populations and efforts being taken restore these vital organisms to their natural habitats. This program will delve into the fascinating biology and ecology of freshwater mussels. Whether you’re a conservation professional, a student, or simply a nature enthusiast, this program offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of freshwater mussels and enhance your appreciation for their importance.  Following the classroom program, the group will be invited to join a hike on the Refuge. The trail for the hike will be chosen based on weather conditions.  Logistics:What to bring: Refillable water bottle, sun protection, and insect repellent. Long pants and closed toed shoes are recommended for the Field Trip portion of the program. What’s provided: professional instruction, water refill station, snacks, and door prizes. Logistics/Accessibility: Please meet at the classroom location (this is not the address Google/Apple Maps will take you to. It is a special access gate to park directly in front of the classroom). Classroom address: 4490 Grand Ave. DeLeon Springs FL 32130. Please park in the limestone loop off to the right just past the building, along the roadway (without blocking traffic), or in the staff parking area (just past the loop on the left-hand side). There is a handicap parking spot available in the classroom building. The classroom portion of the program is handicap accessible.  The Field Trip portion of the program will be on natural trails with roots and uneven surfaces. Restrooms are located inside the classroom and at the Nature Center/HQ building. There is a pit toilet near the trailhead. Depending on sightings the walking distance will vary (approximately .75 to 1.5 miles). The Nature Center will be open for workshop attendees to explore after the program. The Nature Center is located at: Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, 2045 Mud Lake Road, DeLeon Spring, FL 32130  Please email Rochelle, Executive Director of the MIWA Friends Group, at <a href="mailto:miwascrubjay@gmail.com" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit">miwascrubjay@gmail.com</a> if you have any questions.

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 Freshwater Mussels program. The classroom address: 4490 Grand Ave. DeLeon Springs FL 32130. What to bring: Refillable water bottle, sun protection, and insect repellent. Long pants and closed toed shoes are recommended for the Field Trip portion of the program. What’s provided: professional instruction, water refill station, snacks, and door prizes. The Field Trip portion of the program will be on natural trails with roots and uneven surfaces. Restrooms are located inside the classroom and at the Nature Center/HQ building. The Nature Center will be open for workshop attendees to explore after the program. The Nature Center is located at: Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, 2045 Mud Lake Road, DeLeon Spring, FL 32130  Bring  your curiosity and eagerness to learn.  Rochelle A. HoodExecutive Director Merritt 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/v1736928917/ye9ypg6go3slwbyqt6ly.png" style="width:130px;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" />

Bringing Back the Bivalves: Mussel Propagation and RecoveryLake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, DeLeon Spring, FLCost: Free (limited to 24 participants) Freshwater mussels, often called the "hidden gems" of aquatic ecosystems, play a critical role in maintaining water quality and biodiversity. Florida is home to a diverse array of native freshwater mussels, which are vital to aquatic ecosystems as filter feeders and indicators of water quality. Tony Brady, Acting Project Leader at the US FWS Welaka National Fish Hatchery and co-author of Freshwater Mussel Propagation for Restoration, will share challenges facing freshwater mussel populations and efforts being taken restore these vital organisms to their natural habitats. This program will delve into the fascinating biology and ecology of freshwater mussels. Whether you’re a conservation professional, a student, or simply a nature enthusiast, this program offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of freshwater mussels and enhance your appreciation for their importance.  Following the classroom program, the group will be invited to join a hike on the Refuge. The trail for the hike will be chosen based on weather conditions.  Logistics:What to bring: Refillable water bottle, sun protection, and insect repellent. Long pants and closed toed shoes are recommended for the Field Trip portion of the program. What’s provided: professional instruction, water refill station, snacks, and door prizes. Logistics/Accessibility: Please meet at the classroom location (this is not the address Google/Apple Maps will take you to. It is a special access gate to park directly in front of the classroom). Classroom address: 4490 Grand Ave. DeLeon Springs FL 32130. Please park in the limestone loop off to the right just past the building, along the roadway (without blocking traffic), or in the staff parking area (just past the loop on the left-hand side). There is a handicap parking spot available in the classroom building. The classroom portion of the program is handicap accessible.  The Field Trip portion of the program will be on natural trails with roots and uneven surfaces. Restrooms are located inside the classroom and at the Nature Center/HQ building. There is a pit toilet near the trailhead. Depending on sightings the walking distance will vary (approximately .75 to 1.5 miles). The Nature Center will be open for workshop attendees to explore after the program. The Nature Center is located at: Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, 2045 Mud Lake Road, DeLeon Spring, FL 32130  Please email Rochelle, Executive Director of the MIWA Friends Group, at <a href="mailto:miwascrubjay@gmail.com">miwascrubjay@gmail.com</a> if you have any questions.

Merritt Island Wildlife Association

Fascinating Freshwater Mussels

4490 Grand Ave. DeLeon Springs FL 32130

Program Ticket

Free