Forever Explorers is a new, hand-on, feet-wet program designed especially for young-at-heart lifelong learners who want to explore their coastal environment.

Whether you’ve recently moved to the community and want to learn about the new flora and fauna around you, or you have lived in Florida for many years and simply want to better understand what you can do to protect and preserve the Indian River Lagoon, let Marine Discover Center’s certified naturalists engage you in a fun and unique educational exploration of our coastal ecosystem! 

Participants will explore the roles of salt marshes, mudflats and various saltwater plants and animals by visiting different spoil islands on MDC’s pontoon boat, Discovery. Not only will you have the chance to see beloved animals like dolphins and manatees, but you will get off the boat and explore marshes and sandbars and use a seine net to identify different species that call the Lagoon home. A light dinner while on board is also included. 

“As an avid ‘thing finder’ who has combed the beach for over seven decades, I love learning about the things I’ve collected, their importance and interaction to keep our natural world in balance,” gushed recent explorer, Irma. “I may not remember the names of everything, but I do know their importance. It’s also so much fun getting into the mud with like-minded, lifelong learners in the Forever Explorers program!”

Fellow explorer, Teri, went on to say, “For me, Forever Explorers is an opportunity to learn about the things that are right in front of me that I didn’t notice before. I can see how everything is interconnected and dependent on everything else, humans included. I am in awe when I see Mother Nature at work.”

Forever Explorers costs $54 each for MDC members and $60 each for non-members. 

Upcoming dates include:

• May 10: J-Hook Island
• May 25: Disappearing Island

All events are from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Come be a part of this exciting new program designed especially for adults. Learning is forever and exploring is what happens at MDC!

The Marine Discovery Center is located at 520 Barracuda Blvd, New Smyrna Beach. For more information on these events and memberships, and to register online call (386) 428-4828, scan the QR code above or visit:

MarineDiscoveryCenter.org