Discovery Lecture Series

Discovery Lecture Series

MDC’s Monthly Public Lecture Series provides a forum for the community to learn about Florida’s Coastal & Indian River Lagoon Ecosystems and surrounding habitats.  Qualified staff & guest speakers will share their knowledge about a vast array of topics including plants and animals, water quality, citizen science, local conservation efforts, and much more!

Our public lectures are FREE* and open to the public but advance registration is required. All lectures will be held on select Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. in our Learning Lab unless otherwise noted.

2025-26 Schedule
September 4 | Wendy Noke & Teresa Jablonski, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute:  “Dolphins of the Indian River Lagoon
October 2 | Felipe De Paula, Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum:  “The Timucua of Northeast Florida
November 6* | Dr. Todd Osborne, Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience: “Restoring Hard Clam Populations in the IRL
December 4 | Mark Spradley, New Smyrna Museum of History:  “History of Coastal New Smyrna
January 8 | Julie Albert & Joel Cohen, Blue World Research Institute:  “Right Whale Threats: Past, Present, & Future Solutions
February 5 | Aric Attas, Artist & Musician: “Driven by Curiosity: Reflections on STEAM, Inspiration, & the Creative Process
March 5 | Katie Hellman, Marine Science Center:  “Inside Look at Bird Rehabilitation at Marine Science Center
April 2 | Wendy Mathews, The Nature Conservancy:  “Florida Panthers: A Peek Into the Life of Florida’s State Animal
May 7 | Shelly Steele, Rise Yaupon:  “History of Yaupon Tea & Rise Yaupon

Discovery Lecture Series, Too
August 21 | Dr. Linda Walters & Madison Serrate:  “Atmospheric Deposition of Microplastics: Citizen-Science Results from Around New Smyrna Beach and Mosquito Lagoon
September 18 | TD Bank:  “Evolution of Fraud and Scams
November 12** | Jonas Roddenberry CFP, Edward Jones:  “Ways to Leave a Legacy

* This lecture is part of our Wild & Scenic Film Festival and requires a ticket to that event (details coming soon)
** This lecture is on a Wednesday

Register online now!

marine discovery center

View Some of our Past Lectures

Our Mission:

"To protect our coastal ecosystems through education, conservation, and exploration"