Forever Explorers
Let Marine Discovery Center’s certified naturalists engage you in a fun and unique educational exploration of the Indian River Lagoon and the flora and fauna that thrive here.
Open to participants 18+.
What is 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.
Each program is unique with a different topic to explore. In spring and fall the sessions will conclude with an end-of-season gathering, food and prize drawing. There are even wonderful 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.
Forever Explorers is for participants 18+.
Registration is required for all programs (including our free conservation workshops).
BOAT • $75 per person
Plein Air Painting – Wednesday, October 14 | 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This program is being rescheduled – we will update when a new date is finalized.
Explorers will board MDC’s Discovery boat and travel to a nearby island accompanied by local artist Cathy Berse, who will guide us in the technique of Plein Air painting outdoors for artistic creations of flora and fauna, or the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse. No art experience needed, only your sense of sense of adventure! All art materials and a small snack are provided. Bring your camp chair. $75 per person
KAYAK • Prices Vary By Program
Migrants on a Wing – Wednesday, December 2 | 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Join us on a two-hour kayak paddle in search of migratory bird species. As Florida’s avian migratory season kicks into high gear, you never know which northern migrant you might see as they arrive here for several months. Bring your binoculars or we can loan you a pair. This program takes place at MDC’s main campus. Members $50 per person / Non-members $55 per person
LAND • Members $8 per person / Non-members $10 per person
Marine Science Center Tour – Monday, October 19 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Come join us on a trip to Ponce Inlet for a behind the scenes tour of Volusia County’s bird and sea turtle hospital at the Marine Science Center. This hospital is where a variety of injured birds and different species of sea turtles are brought by citizens and local officials to receive needed medical assistance. Carpooling from MDC is encouraged. Location of the event is 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet.
CONSERVATION • Free
Green Flamingo Farm Tour – Wednesday, October 28 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. What does it mean to be organic? Come join us on a visit to Green Flamingo Organics, a local organic farm that supplies produce to our community, and learn how organic farmers opt not to use chemicals or GMO seeds in their crops. Carpooling from MDC encouraged. Location of event is 398 N Putnam Grove, Oak Hill FL
Seminole Rest Restoration Site Tour – Wednesday, November 4 | 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn about shoreline restoration at Canaveral National Seashore’s Seminole Rest historic site just a short drive south in Oak Hill. Marine Discovery Center’s conservation staff will demonstrate how shoreline surveys help determine the health and stability of lagoon properties and what methods are used at these sites. Carpooling from MDC encouraged. Location of event is 207 River Road, Oak Hill, FL
Brazilian Pepper Bustin’ – Wednesday, November 18 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Explorers will have a chance to work with MDC’s conservation team in a Brazilian Pepper Busting activity to help eradicate this highly invasive plant species. Location TBA based on invasive species status at city managed spaces and MDC Main Campus
Composting: What to Save and What to Toss AND End of Season Party! – Wednesday, December 9 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Learn about composting in this workshop with New Smyrna’s Liam Michelbrink of Blue Carbon Compost, who will help you learn which food items may be turned into rich, organic food for your plants. Our fall end-of-season party with lunch and door prizes follows the Composting Workshop and begins at 11:15 a.m. in MDC’s Learning Lab. Make sure to bring your Forever Explorers binders! This program occurs at MDC’s main campus
Registration is required for all programs. Click the individual program titles above to book that program, or click below to see & book all programs.
If you have any questions about this program,
please contact Carley Metcalf at [email protected] or 386.428.4828.
Our Mission:
"To protect our coastal ecosystems through education, conservation, and exploration"