Scientists from the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center first sampled four islands in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park, in April 2014 to collect cores to study sea level rise and storm history in the region. In September 2017, Hurricane Irma (a category 4 storm at landfall in the Florida Keys) passed just to the west of our field sites. The western-mo
G. Lynn Wingard, Ph.D.
Lynn Wingard’s research focus is on the application of paleoecologic techniques to the interpretation of Holocene marine and estuarine ecosystems. Current emphasis is on deriving baseline environmental data for Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration resource managers and on examining the interaction of climate and sea level on south Florida’s coastline in the Holocene.
Professional Experience
1991-Present Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey
Lynn Wingard has been a Research Geologist with the USGS since 1991. She has conducted biostratigraphic and paleoecologic research on Mesozoic and Cenozoic Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain sediments throughout her career. Her early research focused on molluscan taxonomy and evolution across the Cretaceous Tertiary boundary and she examined the role of taxonomic assignments in calculations of extinction at the boundary. Investigations into the subsurface geology and paleoenvironments in Florida led to a reclassification of the subsurface Oligocene units and she assisted the Florida State Geologic Survey in their state map efforts.
Beginning in 1994, Lynn has served as Principal Investigator on projects related to the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration as part of the USGS Priority Ecosystem Science Program and she has served in a number of advisory roles related to this research. Her work has helped define salinity targets for Florida’s southern estuaries and has contributed to estimating historic freshwater flow through the wetlands. Her collaboration with Everglades resource managers has demonstrated the importance of paleoecology and the emerging field of conservation paleobiology in providing valuable scientific information to guide restoration efforts. Recent work has focused on sea level rise and storm history and how these driving factors have shaped the south Florida coastline over the last 5,000 years and what this tells us in terms of future projections of coastal change.
Science Leadership and Advisory Roles
- 1993: helped draft Program Implementation Plan for USGS South Florida Ecosystem Initiative
- 2001-Present: member of 6 CERP - Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan - Teams; currently serving on Southern Coastal Systems Sub-Team and Biscayne Bay Southeast Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Eco-subteam
- 2002: helped draft DOI and USGS Science Plans in Support of Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration
Science and Products
Determining Target Salinity Values for Restoration of the Estuaries of the Greater Everglades
The Greater Everglades Ecosystem, which includes Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park, experienced significant alterations in the 20th century with the construction of canals to divert water, water management practices, growth of agriculture, and the rapidly expanding urban population of Miami and south Florida. In the 1990s a federal, state, and local effort to restore the Greater...
Sea Level Rise and Climate: Impacts on the Greater Everglades Ecosystem and Restoration
The Greater Everglades Ecosystem covers much of south Florida, and the highest areas are only a few meters above sea level. Predictions of sea level rise and changes in storm intensity for the 21st century are particularly concerning to the urban population of Miami and the east coast, but also represent a challenge to Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park resource managers. The...
Impacts to island in Florida Bay following Hurricane Irma, 2017
Scientists from the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center first sampled four islands in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park, in April 2014 to collect cores to study sea level rise and storm history in the region. In September 2017, Hurricane Irma (a category 4 storm at landfall in the Florida Keys) passed just to the west of our field sites. The western-mo
Berm at Jim Foot Key, Florida (2019)
In Photo: Berm of Jim Foot Key about 1.5 years after Hurricane Irma. The red circle indicates the same position as shown in the April 2014 photo. The mature mangrove trees have not recovered from the storm.
In Photo: Berm of Jim Foot Key about 1.5 years after Hurricane Irma. The red circle indicates the same position as shown in the April 2014 photo. The mature mangrove trees have not recovered from the storm.
Breach in Eastern Berm of Jim Foot Key, Florida
In Photo: Eastern berm of Jim Foot Key, April 2019. This photo taken from Florida Bay, looking in toward the center of the island (now covered in water). The arrow points toward a breach in the berm, first noted in 2014, but the cut has deepened significantly after Hurricane Irma, and the island interior
In Photo: Eastern berm of Jim Foot Key, April 2019. This photo taken from Florida Bay, looking in toward the center of the island (now covered in water). The arrow points toward a breach in the berm, first noted in 2014, but the cut has deepened significantly after Hurricane Irma, and the island interior
Fieldwork on Florida Bay Islands
A USGS researcher conducts fieldwork on Buttonwood Key, an island in Florida Bay, to determine the impacts of Hurricane Irma. The storm left thick deposits of mud on the island, which are being measured, sampled and photographed. Many of the islands in Florida Bay have open mudflats in the center, surrounded by mangroves on the perimeter.
A USGS researcher conducts fieldwork on Buttonwood Key, an island in Florida Bay, to determine the impacts of Hurricane Irma. The storm left thick deposits of mud on the island, which are being measured, sampled and photographed. Many of the islands in Florida Bay have open mudflats in the center, surrounded by mangroves on the perimeter.
Berm at Jim Foot Key, Florida (2018)
In Photo: The red circle indicates the same position as shown in the April 2014 photo. The mangroves have lost all their leaves and the berm is significantly thinner following the storm.
In Photo: The red circle indicates the same position as shown in the April 2014 photo. The mangroves have lost all their leaves and the berm is significantly thinner following the storm.
Berm at Jim Foot Key, Florida (2014)
In Photo: View south/southeast along eastern shoreline in April 2014 shows a dense berm of mangrove trees. The bay is not visible.
In Photo: View south/southeast along eastern shoreline in April 2014 shows a dense berm of mangrove trees. The bay is not visible.
Mangrove forest, Shark River Slough, Everglades National Park
Tangled web of prop roots from red mangrove trees, intermixed with black mangroves and white mangroves farther back in the forest. Mangrove forests cover much of the southwestern coastal region of Everglades National Park. The red mangroves are the most salinity tolerant and grow with their prop roots in the water or within the range of high tide.
Tangled web of prop roots from red mangrove trees, intermixed with black mangroves and white mangroves farther back in the forest. Mangrove forests cover much of the southwestern coastal region of Everglades National Park. The red mangroves are the most salinity tolerant and grow with their prop roots in the water or within the range of high tide.
Alligator Resting in Afternoon Sun
Alligators are very abundant in the freshwater wetlands of Everglades National Park and can usually be seen along the Anhinga trail in the park, especially when water levels are low. This ~5-foot gator is resting on exposed limestone bedrock alongside the trail.
Alligators are very abundant in the freshwater wetlands of Everglades National Park and can usually be seen along the Anhinga trail in the park, especially when water levels are low. This ~5-foot gator is resting on exposed limestone bedrock alongside the trail.
American Alligator Close Up
An American Alligator in Everglades National Park. The species was once listed as Endangered, but was removed in 1987 after a successful recovery.
An American Alligator in Everglades National Park. The species was once listed as Endangered, but was removed in 1987 after a successful recovery.
American Crocodile
American crocodiles are restricted in their range within the USA to southern Florida. Decisions on restoration of the Everglades must incorporate protection for this threatened species.
American crocodiles are restricted in their range within the USA to southern Florida. Decisions on restoration of the Everglades must incorporate protection for this threatened species.
Anhinga Drying Its Feathers
Anhingas are considered primitive birds because they do not produce oils like ducks and other water fowl. They must dry their feathers periodically in order to fly or even remain buoyant, so they remain perched for significant periods of time with wings outstretched.
Anhingas are considered primitive birds because they do not produce oils like ducks and other water fowl. They must dry their feathers periodically in order to fly or even remain buoyant, so they remain perched for significant periods of time with wings outstretched.
Alligator Resting on Limestone Bedrock in Taylor Slough
Water levels are critical to the life cycle of alligators. Part of the Everglades restoration plan is to determine what historical water levels and flow rates supported healthy alligator populations.
Water levels are critical to the life cycle of alligators. Part of the Everglades restoration plan is to determine what historical water levels and flow rates supported healthy alligator populations.
Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Herons are found throughout much of North America, but are always associated with water. Because they fish by sight, they need relatively shallow water. Release of too much water through the canals north of the Everglades can interfere with their ability to find food.
Great Blue Herons are found throughout much of North America, but are always associated with water. Because they fish by sight, they need relatively shallow water. Release of too much water through the canals north of the Everglades can interfere with their ability to find food.
Science and Products
- Science
Determining Target Salinity Values for Restoration of the Estuaries of the Greater Everglades
The Greater Everglades Ecosystem, which includes Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park, experienced significant alterations in the 20th century with the construction of canals to divert water, water management practices, growth of agriculture, and the rapidly expanding urban population of Miami and south Florida. In the 1990s a federal, state, and local effort to restore the Greater...Sea Level Rise and Climate: Impacts on the Greater Everglades Ecosystem and Restoration
The Greater Everglades Ecosystem covers much of south Florida, and the highest areas are only a few meters above sea level. Predictions of sea level rise and changes in storm intensity for the 21st century are particularly concerning to the urban population of Miami and the east coast, but also represent a challenge to Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park resource managers. The... - Multimedia
Impacts to island in Florida Bay following Hurricane Irma, 2017
Scientists from the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center first sampled four islands in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park, in April 2014 to collect cores to study sea level rise and storm history in the region. In September 2017, Hurricane Irma (a category 4 storm at landfall in the Florida Keys) passed just to the west of our field sites. The western-mo
Scientists from the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center first sampled four islands in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park, in April 2014 to collect cores to study sea level rise and storm history in the region. In September 2017, Hurricane Irma (a category 4 storm at landfall in the Florida Keys) passed just to the west of our field sites. The western-mo
Berm at Jim Foot Key, Florida (2019)In Photo: Berm of Jim Foot Key about 1.5 years after Hurricane Irma. The red circle indicates the same position as shown in the April 2014 photo. The mature mangrove trees have not recovered from the storm.
In Photo: Berm of Jim Foot Key about 1.5 years after Hurricane Irma. The red circle indicates the same position as shown in the April 2014 photo. The mature mangrove trees have not recovered from the storm.
Breach in Eastern Berm of Jim Foot Key, FloridaIn Photo: Eastern berm of Jim Foot Key, April 2019. This photo taken from Florida Bay, looking in toward the center of the island (now covered in water). The arrow points toward a breach in the berm, first noted in 2014, but the cut has deepened significantly after Hurricane Irma, and the island interior
In Photo: Eastern berm of Jim Foot Key, April 2019. This photo taken from Florida Bay, looking in toward the center of the island (now covered in water). The arrow points toward a breach in the berm, first noted in 2014, but the cut has deepened significantly after Hurricane Irma, and the island interior
Fieldwork on Florida Bay IslandsA USGS researcher conducts fieldwork on Buttonwood Key, an island in Florida Bay, to determine the impacts of Hurricane Irma. The storm left thick deposits of mud on the island, which are being measured, sampled and photographed. Many of the islands in Florida Bay have open mudflats in the center, surrounded by mangroves on the perimeter.
A USGS researcher conducts fieldwork on Buttonwood Key, an island in Florida Bay, to determine the impacts of Hurricane Irma. The storm left thick deposits of mud on the island, which are being measured, sampled and photographed. Many of the islands in Florida Bay have open mudflats in the center, surrounded by mangroves on the perimeter.
Berm at Jim Foot Key, Florida (2018)In Photo: The red circle indicates the same position as shown in the April 2014 photo. The mangroves have lost all their leaves and the berm is significantly thinner following the storm.
In Photo: The red circle indicates the same position as shown in the April 2014 photo. The mangroves have lost all their leaves and the berm is significantly thinner following the storm.
Berm at Jim Foot Key, Florida (2014)In Photo: View south/southeast along eastern shoreline in April 2014 shows a dense berm of mangrove trees. The bay is not visible.
In Photo: View south/southeast along eastern shoreline in April 2014 shows a dense berm of mangrove trees. The bay is not visible.
Mangrove forest, Shark River Slough, Everglades National ParkTangled web of prop roots from red mangrove trees, intermixed with black mangroves and white mangroves farther back in the forest. Mangrove forests cover much of the southwestern coastal region of Everglades National Park. The red mangroves are the most salinity tolerant and grow with their prop roots in the water or within the range of high tide.
Tangled web of prop roots from red mangrove trees, intermixed with black mangroves and white mangroves farther back in the forest. Mangrove forests cover much of the southwestern coastal region of Everglades National Park. The red mangroves are the most salinity tolerant and grow with their prop roots in the water or within the range of high tide.
Alligator Resting in Afternoon SunAlligators are very abundant in the freshwater wetlands of Everglades National Park and can usually be seen along the Anhinga trail in the park, especially when water levels are low. This ~5-foot gator is resting on exposed limestone bedrock alongside the trail.
Alligators are very abundant in the freshwater wetlands of Everglades National Park and can usually be seen along the Anhinga trail in the park, especially when water levels are low. This ~5-foot gator is resting on exposed limestone bedrock alongside the trail.
American Alligator Close UpAn American Alligator in Everglades National Park. The species was once listed as Endangered, but was removed in 1987 after a successful recovery.
An American Alligator in Everglades National Park. The species was once listed as Endangered, but was removed in 1987 after a successful recovery.
American CrocodileAmerican crocodiles are restricted in their range within the USA to southern Florida. Decisions on restoration of the Everglades must incorporate protection for this threatened species.
American crocodiles are restricted in their range within the USA to southern Florida. Decisions on restoration of the Everglades must incorporate protection for this threatened species.
Anhinga Drying Its FeathersAnhingas are considered primitive birds because they do not produce oils like ducks and other water fowl. They must dry their feathers periodically in order to fly or even remain buoyant, so they remain perched for significant periods of time with wings outstretched.
Anhingas are considered primitive birds because they do not produce oils like ducks and other water fowl. They must dry their feathers periodically in order to fly or even remain buoyant, so they remain perched for significant periods of time with wings outstretched.
Alligator Resting on Limestone Bedrock in Taylor SloughWater levels are critical to the life cycle of alligators. Part of the Everglades restoration plan is to determine what historical water levels and flow rates supported healthy alligator populations.
Water levels are critical to the life cycle of alligators. Part of the Everglades restoration plan is to determine what historical water levels and flow rates supported healthy alligator populations.
Great Blue HeronGreat Blue Herons are found throughout much of North America, but are always associated with water. Because they fish by sight, they need relatively shallow water. Release of too much water through the canals north of the Everglades can interfere with their ability to find food.
Great Blue Herons are found throughout much of North America, but are always associated with water. Because they fish by sight, they need relatively shallow water. Release of too much water through the canals north of the Everglades can interfere with their ability to find food.
- Publications