Adopt-A-Wetland

Visual Monitoring
Visual monitoring represents the first level of activity in Coastal Florida’s Adopt-A-Wetland citizen science
monitoring program. The activities are basic, but are also very important. As you become the “Wetland
Watcher,” it is through your eyes that we can see problems that may occur in our valuable coastal wetlands.
Visual surveys are usually performed multiple times per year in a healthy wetland. However, when
monitoring an impaired or dead wetland site, we encourage you to perform the survey monthly. Remember
to always conduct the visual survey at the same stage of the tidal cycle each time if possible.
Monitoring Protocol
This protocol provides directions on performing a visual survey. Use the worksheet on pages 35-36 to
record important information about vegetation, soils and hydrology in your wetland.
Water Appearance
Fill a clean, clear container with water from your adopted wetland site. Hold the container up to the sun and
determine the color. Odor should also be easy to detect from the container, but sometimes you will not
notice an odor at all.
Photo Documentation
When monitoring a healthy wetland you should take a photograph of your site every visit. However, since
changes may occur rapidly, please include a photo each month when monitoring a marsh that appears
stressed. Please try to take the photo at the same spot and in the same direction each time. If possible also
take the photograph at the same tidal cycle (i.e. low or high tide).
33 DRAFT AUGUST 2015