The mission of the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station is to
promote the appreciation, conservation, and understanding of the
marine ecosystem of coastal Florida through education and
service.
The Navarre Beach Marine Science Station is a newly established
marine station located at the Navarre Beach Park in Santa Rosa
County, Florida. The center is the focal point
of marine,
natural resource and watershed education for Northwest Florida
K-12 students, 4-H, and the community for years to come.
The Navarre High School Marine Science program has an annual
enrollment of 400 students and has reached hundreds more
through community Ocean Awareness Festivals. With the
generous donation of the new Marine Science Station,
students of all ages have the opportunity to discover the
many wonders of marine life in environmentally rich Santa
Rosa County. Navarre Beach Park offers 130 acres of sandy
white beaches, lush wetlands, and native vegetation.
One-third of the park is completely undeveloped and will
remain in its natural state. The Navarre Beach Pier has
been rebuilt on-site.
Navarre High School students enrolled in Dual Enrollment
Marine Biology and Oceanography (attending classes at the
station) will learn about the Gulf of Mexico, its watershed,
ethical angling practices, and environmental issues facing
the area through direct data collection, fishing clinics,
and hands-on activities. High school students will teach
younger students about the Gulf of Mexico in action packed, standards-driven two hour festivals to
include learning stations focused on fishing limits, marine
debris, casting skills, and various topics of study. A
major goal of the project is to provide meaningful outdoor
experiences for all students.
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