Tagged as the most biologically diverse estuary in North America, the Indian River Lagoon in Volusia County boasts more than 4,000 species and spans 156 miles down Florida’s east coast. This jewel of the region is in danger of environmental impact. Thankfully, the Marine Discovery Center’s was established is to protect and restore Florida’s coastal and Indian River Lagoon ecosystems through education, research and community stewardship. They provide programs for all ages are designed to offer hands-on, feet-wet learning opportunities through classes, camps, lectures, boat and kayak eco-tours with certified naturalists and teachers. MDC’s daily eco-tours and monthly free public lectures help visitors understand the ecology of the Lagoon. Camps, field trips, and other educational offerings allow children from pre-K through high school (and beyond) to experience our local ecosystems. Coastal ecosystem and other supplemental classes are offered through the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) at the center multiple times throughout the year.
The Musante Family Foundation has provided recurring grants to support the Marine Discovery Center in their efforts for coastal conservation.