CLEWISTON — The Clewiston Museum is happy to announce the next program in the 2023-2024 Speaker Series will be a free presentation featuring Mandy D’Andrea, biological technician for the Seminole Tribe of Florida. She will be returning to the museum to give an update on the threatened and endangered species in south Florida on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.

There are over 1,470 species of plants and animals listed as Threatened & Endangered on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services website. 131 Federally Listed Species were documented living in the state of Florida. Learn more about our local species of wildlife and how to identify the wildlife around you.

D’Andrea has over 20 years of experience working outdoors in the state of Florida and 13 years’ experience working in Big Cypress and Brighton for the Seminole Tribe of Florida. She has worked with biologists and science staff to create wildlife conservation plans, and to conduct wetland monitoring and maintenance programs.

In addition, D’Andrea has monitored federal and state-listed threatened and endangered species, has been on python patrol, and has surveyed the amphibian and reptile populations.

She has developed science programs and activities to conduct outreach and education programs in local schools and is also a mentor to students during the summer. She’s even a canoe and kayak instructor and tour guide!

The Clewiston Museum is a private not-for-profit that relies on donations, grants, the support of its members, and fundraising events to remain in operation. It is located at 109 Central Avenue in Clewiston and the hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday hours are by appointment only. Contact the museum at 863-983-2870 or via email at clewistonmuseum@embarqmail.com.