Marine Science Center offers educational events and programs in November and December

back to marine science center home

October 30, 2009
Michelle Coats, APR, CPRC
Community Information Specialist

Marine Science Center offers educational events and programs in November and December

The Volusia County Marine Science Center (MSC) offers a wide variety of programs for youths and adults throughout the year, and the opportunities continue this November and December. All programs are open to the public. MSC admission applies for all on-site events.

Registration is required for all November and December programs except the Wings on the Wing migratory bird festival. Register by calling (366) 304-5545. Students young and old can discover the many wonders of marine life in environmentally rich Volusia County through the following opportunities:

10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5: MSC volunteer recruitment and orientation - The Marine Science Center is hosting a volunteer recruitment event for people to learn more about the volunteer opportunities at the MSC. Tour the facility and see the inner workings of the sea turtle and bird hospitals, educational programs and aquarium maintenance. MSC staff also will showcase opportunities to work in other areas of the county’s environmental work.

1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7: All about gopher tortoises - Gopher tortoises are a keystone species, responsible for the survival of hundreds of others. Come to the Marine Science Center to learn about the history and ecological significance of this threatened tortoise. The group will meet in the MSC laboratory.

10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14: Wings on the Wind Bird Migratory Bird Festival - Fun and education await nature lovers at Marine Science Center’s bird festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. The annual celebration of migratory birds, nature and conservation will provide visitors of all ages many opportunities to learn more about the wonder of bird migration through featured lectures, activities, field trips, and educational and craft booths, bald eagle programs, free-flying raptor demonstrations and more. Admission to the MSC is free all day. Food, beverages and Ritter's Ice Cream will be available. The event will culminate with the release of one or more birds from the MSC’s Mary Keller Bird Rehabilitation Sanctuary at Lighthouse Point Park, Ponce Inlet, at 3 p.m.

1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21: The life of owls - Considered by some to be wise creatures, and by others, omens of doom, owls have fascinated mankind for thousands of years. Join MSC staff on this exploration of the life of owls and meet two of MSC glove-trained owls. Take apart an owl pellet and learn about the diet of these amazing creatures of the night.

10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28: Life of a horseshoe crab - Although called a crab, a horseshoe crab is more closely related to scorpions and spiders. One of the most ancient forms of life continues to thrive in our local estuaries. Join MSC staff to learn about why they have blue blood and how horseshoe crabs in the Delaware Bay play a vital role in the survival of a sandpiper that nests in the distant Arctic tundra.

1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5: Right whale program - The Northern right whale is the most endangered of all of the great whales. From November through March each year, the right whale travels south from the North Atlantic to winter off the coast from Georgia to Central Florida. Here the females give birth to their young and provide us with the extraordinary opportunity to actually see these great beasts from our shore. Join MSC staff to learn more about these huge creatures and their travels to our coastline.

1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12: Squidy squids! - Did you know that squids’ mouths have bird-like beaks and that male squids die immediately after they reproduce? Learn about these interesting mollusks and participate in a dissection to learn about the inner workings of this important animal. Participants should meet in the MSC lab. Minimum age is 11 years. Gloves provided.