DONATIONS SUPPORT THE MARINELAB CLASSROOM

Programs Immerse Local Students In The Keys Environment

With additional funding, MarineLab Environmental Educational Center will serve more Monroe County students through a host of marine science programs.

Recently, the Ocean Reef Conservation Association awarded MarineLab a $24,000 grant to fund two distinct programs in the Coral Reef Classroom for seventh graders and Mangrove Ecology for fifth graders. Both programs will reach about 450 students at Key Largo School, Plantation Key School, Treasure Village Montessori, Ocean Studies Charter School and the Academy at Ocean Reef.

The Coral Reef Classroom program includes an outreach component in which MarineLab’s marine science field instructor will go to the school classroom. The following day, the students will come to MarineLab for a field excursion to the reef, which includes a citizen-science component.

During the Mangrove Ecology program, students are taught about seagrasses and mangroves from the boat before snorkeling the unique, and often overlooked, waters of Florida Bay.

Ocean Studies marine science teacher Martha Loizeaux said MarineLab’s education program stands out from other environmental education programs in two major ways.

“First, the organization’s methodol- ogy in presenting scientific concepts via exploration of a real environment is something I have not found anywhere else. The culture among instructors at MarineLab is extremely positive, enthusiastic and research-driven. Instructors are expected to keep up-to-date on scientific research regarding the area. Additionally, it can be difficult to find many field trip programs specific to our local area aside from the MarineLab program.”

Kelly Mangel, Treasure Village principal, said that as much as students learn in the classroom, it does not compare to the value of experience and learning about nature firsthand out on the water.

“The MarineLab staff are highly experienced marine biologists, who provided our students with engaging and educational lessons during their field study experience,” she said.

The Edward B. and Joan T. Knight Foundation in Key West awarded the Marine Resources Development Foundation (MRDF), which created MarineLab, a $25,000 grant, and Islamorada Mayor Buddy Pinder closed out his political action committee fund donating $4,000 to MRDF. Both donations were allocated for MarineLab’s Saltwater Superheroes Program, a project developed by Leadership Monroe’s Class of XXIX. The goal is to expose Keys students to their local environment, creating stewards of change in protecting our fragile Keys ecosystem.

Coupled with MarineLab’s discounted rates, both of these donations will allow programs to reach more than 600-plus students in Monroe County, from Key Largo to Key West, at no cost to the students.

Covering All The Keys From Key Largo To Key West

While the teachers have various one-day program options to choose from, all options include a boat trip with MarineLab’s marine scientists leading the students on and in the water. Many Keys students have never been on a boat before, let alone snorkeled.

Programs are more than just a snorkel experience; students learn about the habitat they are snorkeling in – why it is important, what to look for and how to explore the habitat safely. One goal is that participants leave the experience not only with a fun adventure to talk about, but with an appreciation for what they have in their own backyard.

More information is available at www.mrdf.org. Contributed

ST. JAMES THE FISHERMAN

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

SUNDAY, April 2, 10 a.m. The Liturgy of Palm Sunday and Procession of Palms

THURSDAY, April 6, 6 p.m. Maundy Thursday Liturgy including Vigil Before the Blessed Sacrament

FRIDAY, April 7 Good Friday Services 11 a.m. Bible Study; 1 p.m. Liturgy and 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross

SUNDAY, April 9, 10 a.m. Easter Sunday Liturgy. Easter Egg Hunt, Reception to follow

87500 Overseas Highway, Islamorada | 305.852.8468

Church