About

Dennis grew up with many "homes" across the country and around the world as a military dependent. He attended several colleges and attained degrees in Geology from the University of South Alabama (BS) and the University of Mississippi (MS). While in school Dennis met and married his wife of 38 years, Deborah. Following college he worked in New Orleans and Houston for Amoco Production Company for nearly 20 years as a petroleum geologist and natural gas marketer. Dennis became a beach bum about 19 years ago, purchased Scoops Ice Cream in Gulf Shores and has been a business owner ever since. When not running Scoops or attending to environmental business, he likes to play golf, fish under his pier lights at night, play with his black lab Lucie, or just spend some quiet time at his lagoon front home.

Dennis is one of ~10 LLPS volunteers and several University scientists that have collected data and samples every two weeks from 5 sites within Little Lagoon and Gator Lake for nearly the past 10 years. Measurements are taken using a calibrated YSI Multimeter, a secchi dish, and thermometer for AT. Bacteria and phytoplankton samples are also taken. Bacteria sample protocol is AWW and provides coliform and e-coli estimates. Phytoplankton counts are conducted using a research grade scope at 400X and Palmer cell counting method. Our DB has been used extensively in University researcher results publication. Visit our website at www.littlelagoon.org .

Training

Most volunteers and all team leaders are trained by AWW personnel and University researchers. NOAA-PMN has also trained us in phytoplankton counting protocol and identification.