World Ocean Day is a global movement where participants can come together to celebrate and take action to protect our precious ocean resources. In honor of this special day, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Friends of Pennekamp are planning a celebration on Saturday, June 11th. Family friendly programs and educational experiences including a clean-up, crafts, and talks will be offered throughout the day. Programs are included with paid park admission.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
9 – 11 AM: SHORELINE CLEANUP in partnership with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Please meet at Far Beach.
***FREE ENTRY for pre-registered clean-up participants. Send us a DM with the names in your group or email tessa.highstrom@floridadep.gov. Must register by June 8th to qualify for free entry into the park.
10 – 11 AM: MARINE DEBRIS CRAFT STATION
11:00 AM: EDUCATION PROGRAM, LEARN ABOUT LIONFISH WITH REEF
Known for their show-stopping appearance, venomous spines, and the damage they cause to coral reefs, invasive lionfish pose a significant threat to local marine ecosystems due to widespread predation of native species, high-volume reproduction, and lack of natural predators. Learn about this voracious invasive species through an interactive lesson and lionfish dissection led by the experts at R.E.E.F.
1:00 PM: CORAL CAM EXHIBIT LAUNCH
Celebrate our newest exhibit, “360 ° Coral Cam.” Visitors will get a first look at the live camera feed of the reef, learn about the coral cam project, and hear from those who made it possible.
2:30 PM: EDUCATION PROGRAM, RESTORING FLORIDA’S CORAL REEFS WITH CRF
Coral Restoration Foundation implements large-scale efforts to restore Florida’s Coral Reef, using science to further coral research and monitoring techniques, and educate others on the important of our oceans. During this program, visitors will learn about the importance of coral reefs and how they can make a difference in their daily lives by becoming ocean stewards.
Lionfish Patrol will be on site all day with their Lionfish hunting submarine!
All activities will be held inside of the Pennekamp Visitor Center and Aquarium with the exception of the clean up.
