In addition, CIRL holds several regular events such as the biannual Ambassador Meeting. The Spanish Moss Project was developed in collaboration with Dr. Roy Odom and the Geochemistry Department, as part of this summer s Research Experiences for Teachers program. Current research points to the use of Spanish moss as an atmospheric indicator of heavy metal pollutants. To explore this topic, area students and RET teachers collected samples of Spanish moss for analysis and started statewide collection efforts. At this writing, over 300 classrooms around the State of Florida have participated.
Plans are to expand the project to include all southeastern states where Spanish moss proliferates.
Samples will be analyzed and a Web-based database of information set up for teachers and students to access in their classrooms.