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Merrick Walder

@merrickwalder

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@surfrideruf
Wildlife & conservation storyteller
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“What’s creativity but a form of optimism that there is more that can be done?”- Wallace J. Nichols

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It’s a turtle rodeo!

Sea turtles are some of our most beloved neighbors in Lake Worth Lagoon, and juvenile green turtles use the lagoon’s seagrass patches to forage and shelter from predators.

@merrickwalder joined scientists from @inwaterresearch , who collect data and tag sea turtles throughout Florida to help track the health of local turtle populations.

While it may look dramatic, this is one of the safest ways for scientists to capture the turtles, collect important data, tag them and release them back into the lagoon.

🎥 Stay tuned for our next episode of FOML's Lagoon Lens to see what happens once the turtles are safely aboard - and don't forget the feature films will premiere at FOML's Soiree for Seagrass this fall! by @merrickwalder

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🦪 Welcome back to the Lagoon Lens - part 3!

At high tide, you can’t see them. At low tide, the reef comes alive.

Oyster reefs may be hidden beneath the surface, but they’re doing important work for Lake Worth Lagoon.

A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day, helping remove plankton, algae and sediment.

And with more than 850 miles of drainage canals funneling water into the lagoon, expanding oyster reefs could help strengthen the lagoon’s natural ability to filter and heal itself.

🎥 Stay tuned for our upcoming BTS films before the film series is unveiled at FOML's Soiree for Seagrass this fall (get your tickets now!!) by @merrickwalder

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2 months ago

Hope you enjoy these shots I got during a classic South Florida sunset last evening…

Pine flat woods and wet prairies are the perfect canvas for the rich colors of the sky. by @merrickwalder

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2 months ago

What can one water sample tell us about an entire ecosystem? 🌊

For the second installment of our behind-the-scenes look at the Lake Worth Lagoon conservation film series, we joined @pbcerm scientists and Schoolyard Films, Inc. as they collected the data that helps monitor the lagoon’s health.

From an unexpected spotted eagle ray sighting to underwater filming and water quality testing, we got a firsthand look at the science behind conservation.

Because healthy water means a healthy lagoon—for wildlife and people alike!

Save the date - these films will be debuted at our annual Soiree for Seagrass November 13! taken in Palm Beach, Florida by @merrickwalder

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2 months ago

One of Florida’s most important ecosystems is right in our own backyard… and most people drive past it every day without realizing what is happening beneath the surface!

This is Lake Worth Lagoon in The Palm Beaches, and over the next few months, @merrickwalder will be taking us behind the scenes of a conservation film series by @schoolyardfilms with @pbcerm sponsored by Friends of Manatee Lagoon documenting the science, wildlife, and people working to better understand and protect this incredible ecosystem.

Follow along with us! taken in Palm Beach, Florida by @merrickwalder

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3 months ago

Jupiter and its moon.

#moonphotography #jupiterlighthouse #oldflorida #floridaphotography #jupiterflorida by @merrickwalder

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3 months ago

This #earthmonth I wanted to highlight the historic drought that is currently occurring in Florida.

Over the last decade, Florida has endured significant environmental disaster —whether it’s hurricanes, red tide, or this drought —and time and time again, our wildlife proves just how tough they are!

I’ve seen the change this drought has caused first hand and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. So I knew I had to share it.

I had a lot of fun getting back in front of the camera for this one so get ready to see more of me!

Happy Earth month and hopefully we get some rain soon! by @merrickwalder

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5 months ago

Last month, I had the extraordinary opportunity to be a part of the Surfrider Foundation’s 2026 California Conference in Ventura, CA!

Surfrider has a way of attracting the absolute best people to its chapters, clubs, and causes. And it was incredible to meet so many of these people and learn about their stories and perspectives on ocean conservation.

Here are some of my favorite shots that I got from my trip to Ventura.

Huge thanks to the @surfriderclubnetwork for making this all possible!! taken in Ventura, California by @merrickwalder

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6 months ago

Officially retiring @mwalderwildife and making my main page the place where I’ll be posting my photos! Big things to come this year so get ready! by @merrickwalder

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7 months ago

#juplife taken in Jupiter, Florida by @merrickwalder

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7 years ago