The REEF Campus is located in Key Largo, Florida. It serves as a visitors center and nature center engaging and educating the public to learn more about marine resources and ocean conservation. The REEF Headquarters building is a classic conch-style house, recognized as the oldest building in the upper Florida Keys still in its original location. In 2009, thanks to a generous gift, this building was renamed the James L. Lockwood REEF Headquarters. In 2017, with support from many of our members and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, we undertook an ambitious transformation of the REEF Campus, adding a new Interpretive Center building, installing educational exhibits, and creating an outdoor oasis adjacent to the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.

Visiting the REEF Campus? We are located at MM 98.3 in the median along the iconic Overseas Highway. Our address is 98300 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL 33037.


James E. Lockwood REEF Headquarters is the home base for many of our staff, interns, and volunteers. Inside the building are nine self-guided interpretive exhibits. The exhibits include invasive species, endangered species, marine biodiversity, marine habitats of the Florida Keys, the importance of long-spined sea urchins and their past and present population status, some causes and effects of climate change, an interactive exhibit centered around marine fishes from around the world, all the ways individuals can engage with REEF’s mission, and upcoming events. The exhibits and are open during business hours; Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm.

Opened in 2017, the Interpretive Center offers a unique educational, underwater experience without having to get on a boat. A floor-to-ceiling mural combines the many different marine ecosystems found in the Florida Keys. Educational groups are welcome to schedule a formal presentation centered around Fish ID, lionfish, or mangrove ecology. Visitors may also stop in for self-guided tours during business hours. Many of REEF's public programs are held in the Interpretive Center. The Interpretive Center is open Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and select evenings and weekends. Also available for private bookings.

Just outside REEF Headquarters, an outdoor oasis and native plants trail has been designed to offer a relaxing and educational experience. The trail provides informal learning opportunities and outdoor recreational activities, connecting the REEF Campus to the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, which is used by 1.5 million guests and bicyclists annually. Visitors can enjoy exploring, walking the trail and learning about the native plants and animals of the Florida Keys. There is ample fixed seating. Other amenities include a bike rack, drinking fountain, and kiosk with information about upcoming REEF events. Oasis is open from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week.

Paving the way from the Interpretive Center to REEF Headquarters is the Pathway to Ocean Conservation. The pathway honors the many REEF members and organizations whose donations played a critical role in supporting the indoor and outdoor educational exhibits installed in 2017.