Join us for a free community science lesson and activity in our Science Discovery Classroom! This week explore Florida Keys ecosystems by examining local animals and plants and learning how they are all interconnected. Discover the unique benefits of each ecosystem.
All ages welcome!
Join us for a free community science lesson and activity in our Science Discovery Classroom! This week learn to identify common fish in the Florida Keys and how you can get involved with the Volunteer Fish Survey Project.
All ages welcome!
Meet our September Fish of the Month, the Painted Comber, Serranus scriba, a small but spectacularly decorated member of the sea bass family. Its name says it all: the intricate scribble of blue and red lines across its head looks as though an artist signed their work, and once you have seen one up close, it is hard to forget.
Join us for Ocean After Hours: Turtle Talk with Professor Phil Allman of Goshen College as he shares his research tracking sea turtles in the Florida Keys.
Learn how researchers can identify individual turtles by the unique patterns on their faces, no tags required, and discover what these sightings can tell us about turtle movements, habitat use, and life in the Keys. Come hear about the turtles Allman and his students are documenting and how divers, snorkelers, and the community can help contribute to the research.
We are kicking off the fall with an Keys Community Intern Mixer- a chance to network with fellow interns, make new friends, and get the inside scoop on who’s working on what in the Florida Keys!
All are welcome.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Congratulations to REEF surveyor Steve Vinitsky, who recently joined the Golden Hamlet Club! This distinguished group is made up of highly dedicated volunteers who have conducted 1,000 or more REEF surveys in contribution to the Volunteer Fish Survey Project.
This school year, REEF is excited to partner with Key Largo School on a new series of eight Discovery Programs, made possible through the Art Builds Community 2027 grant. Over the coming months, more than 400 local students will be invited to explore the natural ecosystems of the Florida Keys through hands-on art and environmental storytelling.
REEF Fest 2026 is almost here, and this year mornings are all about getting out on the water. From October 15 to 17, our REEF Fest Experience Partners are offering diving, snorkeling, and marine science adventures up and down the Upper Keys, so you can build the kind of REEF Fest that suits you best. Spend your mornings underwater, then join us at the Ocean Exploration Center in the afternoons and evenings for seminars and social events.
