Forever Explorers

Forever Explorers is designed for young-at-heart, lifelong learners and is geared to offer outdoor opportunities for adults who want to explore and better understand their surrounding coastal environment alongside certified naturalists and scientists!

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, as well as through kayak excursions, land-based programs, and conservation activities! Each participant will receive an Adventure Guide binder and pen to document their experiences.

This program features a spring and fall session, and each will conclude with an end-of-season gathering, slide show and prize drawing. There’s even wonderful Forever Explorers incentives for those attending multiple programs – 5 events earns a T-shirt; 10 earns a hat; 15 earns a water bottle; and 20 earns a pair of Costa del Mar sunglasses.

This program is only for participants 18+.
Boat (price includes meal): $60 MDC Members | $65 Non-Members
Kayak (price includes snacks): $50 MDC Members | $55 Non-Members
Land: $8 MDC Members | $10 Non-Members
Conservation: Free (donations accepted)

Monthly program descriptions and registration buttons are below!

APRIL • COMMUNITY SCIENCE IN ACTION

Boat – Friday April 12, 5:30pm-8pm | Let’s get our feet wet with a data collection exercise that allows us to explore and better understand what we catch by seine net. We are traveling to Disappearing Island to discover who is calling the mangrove roots home and how the diversity in adaptations leads to a thriving ecosystem. Dinner is provided!

Land – Wednesday April 17, 3pm-4pm | MDC is monitoring the phytoplankton and zooplankton populations living in the Indian River Lagoon, right off our dock! By building this data set, we will be able to better understand the variety of life invisible to the naked eye and how plankton respond to environmental changes. Participants will learn how to properly collect plankton, prepare plankton samples, and catalog phytoplankton and zooplankton species. Join us to collect your own plankton sample and create a magnified clay version of what you have found to take home! This workshop will open your mind to what is not always visible but still deeply important and challenge you, creatively!

Conservation – Friday April 19, 9am-12pm | This is your chance to get a behind the scenes look at MDC’s Shuck & Share oyster recycling program and be a part of habitat restoration in the lagoon. After learning about Shuck & Share, participants will lend a helping hand as we create oyster (BESE) mats by threading recycled oyster shells onto mats using biodegradable zip ties. No experience is needed – we’ll show you what to do! Be sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, bring sun protection (though we will be under cover most of the time) and a reusable water bottle. MDC will provide gloves and tools.

Kayak – Tuesday April 30, 11:30am-2pm | Horseshoe crabs are a vital link to understanding energy exchange across species and evolutionary change over time. Join us as we kayak from MDC to prime horseshoe crab habitat and search for these unique arthropods while learning about Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch – a statewide citizen science program focused on monitoring horseshoe crab populations and spreading awareness. Snack is provided!