The Partnership and JERFSA
The Partnership for Environmental Education is a charitable 501(c)(3) Tax ID:65-0599576
The all volunteer organization Partnership for Environmental Education plays a major role in the field studies portion of the JERFSA experience. The Partnership brings students, educators, scientists, businesses and other concerned citizens together to promote a sustainable environment for our region. Partnership for Environmental Education is the primary funder of this exceptional program and we rely on contributions from individuals, local businesses, corporations and foundations to make a positive impact for the future of our community. Your gift will ensure that our children will have a strong foundation in environmental stewardship, while preserving the historical and natural beauty that is the Treasure Coast.
JERFSA
The Jupiter Environmental Research and Field Studies Academy (JERFSA) at Jupiter Community High School is an educational program that is dedicated to giving high school students the knowledge and understanding for leadership roles in the new environmentally responsible era. The program focuses on intensive academic and field skills that will create future opportunities in the ever-growing field of environmental work and careers.
Program Activities
Program activities include; a core selection of courses for each grade level. Environmental service projects with area agencies, instruction in field study skills, data collection technique training, environmental outreach through recycling and children's literature projects, college classes, research project development and implementation, teamwork and leadership training and career information seminars.
The frequencies of activities, other than traditional class sessions, varies by grade level. The Academy currently provides over 75 field activities per year that include cooperative field work with a variety of agencies for the four grade levels, including at least one overnight field trip.
Community Service
Academy students contribute over 200 person-hours of environmental community service as part of their academic learning. Since inception of JERFSA in 1993, it's students have contributed over 250,000 hours of community service. Each year the Academy seeks financial assistance so students can continue learning by hands-on activities, while making a lasting impact in their community. Get in touch with us today and see how you can be a part of this program.
The Enviroservice Program
The Enviroservice was a program developed at Jupiter High School and is participated in by the Sophomore class of the Academy. Students are placed in teams and on a monthly basis each team go to a different location to work alongside professionals from various agencies. Just one day of Enviroservice totals 140 volunteer hours to our environment. Our community partners in the Enviroservice program provide technical assistance and equipment. The jobs performed by Academy students include exotic plant removal, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, fish population surveys, native nursery upkeep, plant surveys and the always, much needed litter removal and general maintenance of our local natural areas.
Our Amazing Community Partners
These agencies not only provide personnel that work with our students, they provide up-to-date equipment that our students learn to use by doing real-world projects and research for these agencies. Our amazing community partners are,
Palm Beach County Environmental Resource Management, Loxahatchee River Water Control District, Nature Conservancy at Blowing Rocks Preserve, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, JILONA, South Florida Water Management District, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Loggerhead Marine life Center, FAU Center for Environmental Studies, Palm Beach Sate College, Montana State University, J.D. MacArthur State Park, Pine Jog Environmental Center, Grassy Waters Preserve and Nature Center, Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Palm Beach County Extension Service, Riverbend Park, Town of Jupiter, TARAS Oceanographic Institute, Jupiter Tequesta Garden Club, Florida Power and Light/Nextera, Friends of the Loxahatchee River, PBC Solid Waste Authority, Perry J. Cohen Foundation, R3 Foundation, Surfrider Foundation