Mission
The mission of the MSS is to increase student environmental literacy through hands-on laboratory and field-based educational experiences in Gulf of Mexico coastal and nearshore habitats; to inspire student interest and involvement in environmental conservation and protection; and to promote student development of environmental stewardship ethics.
Education
All field trips from the MSS correlate to the specific educational requirements for each visiting group. All MSS field trips, lesson plans, and experiential activities are correlated with the Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards as well as the Ocean Literacy Principles set forth by the Ocean Literacy Network and NOAA Education Plan Goals and Outcomes. The field excursions and experiential activities focus on basic ecological principles, ecosystem interrelationships, environmental health bioindicators, and human
impacts at the local, regional, and global level. Special emphasis is directed towards instilling in visiting groups a higher level of scientific literacy and an environmental stewardship ethic that can be spread to the their communities.
Facilities
Rustic campus nestled within a 15-acre coastal hammock and saltmarsh habitat alongside the Salt River, an estuarine river system connected to the spring-fed Crystal River and the near shore marine environments of the Gulf of Mexico.
Air-conditioned, bunk-style, male and female dormitories.
Dining hall with full kitchen and BBQ grill.
Recreational areas including basketball and beach volleyball.
Wet lab classroom with aquaria.
Dry lab classroom with computers and wireless internet.
Environmental Education Center & Aquarium with museum-quality interactive exhibits, aquaria, and touchtank.
60’ Observation tower overlooking the estuary & Gulf of Mexico
Waterfront, gazebo-style, outdoor classrooms.
Shoreline fishing areas.
Canoe launch and canoes.
Powerboats that accommodate up to 15 people each for extended field trips into freshwater, estuarine, and marine habitats.