FGCU's Vester Field Station back to normal operations after Ian

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. —

Florida Gulf Coast University's Vester Field Station in Bonita Springs has reopened at full capacity for the first time since Hurricane Ian, allowing scientists to resume their studies on local water quality, algal blooms and marine life.

"We can bring samples back, bring fish back, bring seagrasses back and things like that to do the work on them there," said Mike Parsons, director of the Vester Field Station.

A $150,000 grant from the Collier Community Foundation helped bring the station back to full operation.

"Knowing the research and the work that's done here, it just all lined up into a fact that we really wanted to support getting this back up and running," said Eileen Connolly-Keesler, president and CEO of the Collier Community Foundation.

Greg Tolley, dean of FGCU's Water School, expressed his satisfaction with the reopening.

"It was hard to see the students who impacted them directly. And so it's great to see some of those same students here today. Now, they're employees of the university, in many cases, seeing them with smiles on their faces and patting each other on the back for a job well done," Tolley said.

The field station was rebuilt stronger with future storms in mind. Staff members have developed new ways to protect equipment and bounce back faster than before to keep vital work going. Jenna Knutson, a student research assistant, noted the resilience of the staff.

"The staff here is just really resilient, and I'm really thankful to have such resilient people surrounding me," she said. "Our number one goal here is to keep the waterways clean and safe. For all types of species, from the smallest phytoplankton to manatees, dolphins and even humans."

FGCU's Water School is back to having full-time classes this semester at the now fully operating Vester Field Station.

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