REEF Ocean Explorers Education Programs engage and inspire learners of all ages to protect and conserve our oceans. Our programs topics include biology, ecology, citizen science, and invasive species, and are designed to help participate understand the importance of marine conservation and how they can make a difference. To reach new audiences and connect even more people with ocean conservation, we're also highlighting connections between arts, humanities, and science. By incorporating arts and humanities into REEF education programs, participants will learn how the ocean is linked to human culture and identity. This helps people form a connection to the ocean and inspires them to become environmental stewards.
To show the links between science and the arts, we recently hosted our first REEF Arts & Science Festival at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida. This event, held in partnership with Florida Keys nonprofits, environmental organizations, and artisanal vendors, was hit with with both Monroe County residents and visitors. More than 200 people attended and participated in games and eco-friendly crafts, including creating their own marine life ornaments out of recycled cereal boxes and designing necklaces with recycled paper beads to take home. Click here to read more about the Arts & Science Festival and see our vendors who attended. To see all upcoming events at the REEF Campus, visit this page.