Meet Marc Teplitz

Marc Teplitz and his family moved to Stuart in 1996 from California. His son and daughter grew up involved with environmental issues and spent years as campers and then as counselors at the Environmental Studies Center.  “They taught me about our local sea life and sparked my interest in snorkeling and exploring our local waters,” says Marc.

His children’s passion for the environment is what sparked his own growing concern about local water quality, leading Marc to become a volunteer at Florida Oceanographic Society.  “We live on the water in Stuart.  It surrounds us; it’s part of our environment, our economy, and our health.”

Since joining the Volunteer Team in 2006, Marc has donated over 800 hours focusing on improving our area’s environment. Last year, Marc volunteered his dock to be part of Florida Oceanographic’s Living Docks and Oyster Gardening programs. A commitment that required weekly chores, including water quality testing, cleaning cages, and observing growth. The process helps to promote the growth of filter-feeding organisms which, in turn, improves local water quality.  He has also been involved with weekly water testing in the St. Lucie River.  Marc says the most enjoyable part of his volunteer work is being surrounded by nature. “Going down to the river every week and just looking at it, seeing the water, the birds, and fish.  Thinking and hoping that my actions can help the river’s health.”

In his spare time, Marc enjoys hanging around the house doing chores, yard work, and inefficient house repairs.  He enjoys cooking, and his kids think he makes a decent pizza. “I’m still working on the crust,” he says.  Put on some good old rock and roll — Dylan or Springsteen — and he’s a happy man.