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John DeFazio is a wildlife biologist with a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Florida and a M.S. in Wildlife Management from the University of Florida.  Field experience includes working with alligators, endangered birds, black bears, fisheries, and upland and wetland habitats.  For nearly 30 years, he has taught numerous courses and lectured throughout the United States on wildlife, wetlands and natural resources.  He is a published author and has written scientific papers for several wildlife and ecology journals.  In addition, he authored a chapter entitled “Backyard Wildlife and Habitat” in a book on Fish and Wildlife Management.  

Mr. DeFazio lectures on cruise ships throughout the world about wildlife and local ecosystems such as marine mammals, pelagic seabirds, land mammals, terrestrial birds, local flora, and ecosystems – Africa, Alaska, Canary Islands, Europe, Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom, and South America.  He has also narrated from the bridge of cruise ships describing the geology, formations, scenery, and other natural features of fiords, glaciers, and icebergs.  

Mr. DeFazio also served as Chair of the Mississippi Envirothon Steering Committee from 2014 to 2018 and participated in several international competitions.  Envirothon is an international environmental and natural resource competition for high school students (grades 9-12). Envirothon encourages students to expand their knowledge and explore environmental education and natural resource conservation through the study of Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils and Land Use, Wildlife, and Current Environmental Issues.  Students learn to solve problems through hands-on learning and outdoor field experiences. 

Mr. DeFazio teaches about Aquatic Ecology and Wildlife. Aquatic Ecology – He teaches adults and  students about watersheds, stream water quality, how to conduct water quality testing, and how to identify aquatic macroinvertebrates important for stream quality and habitats. Wildlife – He teaches adults and students about wildlife and fisheries habitat and management. In addition, he uses his extensive collection of specimens to teach how to identify various wildlife species through pelts, skulls, tracks and scats, and he explains the function of teeth in relation to herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores. 

Mr. DeFazio’s expertise in wildlife ecology and our natural environment, and extensive teaching experience, empowers him to create unique and fascinating presentations concerning our natural world.  His outgoing and energetic teaching style is very entertaining and quickly engages the audience.  Mr. DeFazio serves as a musician on the worship team and Missions Committee at Grace Anglican Church, Fleming Island, FL.  Mr. DeFazio is available for lectures and educational talks / workshops for all ages in private/public schools, organizations, and church programs!