A new opportunity for learning all about our Gulf of Mexico, bays, and coastal dune lakes has just become available in south Walton. The Appleseed Kids Sea Life Discovery Center in Grayton Beach offers a wide variety of environmental educational programs, which educates through lab studies, snorkel adventures, kayak/stand up paddle trips, and more.
The new non-profit science center owned and operated by fisheries scientist Joe Moore, will be hands on learning with programs in house and field trips. Some of the trips planned include snorkeling the artificial reef off of Grayton Beach State Park, snorkeling the grass beds near St. Andrew’s State Park, and 2-day camps with the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance working with the oyster reef restorations.
Moore has plans to not only educate visitors to our area, but also children from schools across Walton County. Educational birthday parties are in the works as part of the offerings as well.
Moore has a strong history in environmental education. In the 90s he started teaching science in the Florida Keys, and has hosted educational vacations for the last nine years with Appleseed Expeditions.
“Many people don’t understand our environment, especially the unique coastal dune lakes,” said Moore. “Additionally, our focus is to inspire a sense of purpose in the lives of the participants, who will go on to be involved in conservation programs that protect our ocean environment.”
Moore grew up in less than perfect conditions, and has a strong desire to offer field trips to those that might not otherwise afford the experience or have an opportunity to learn about sea life. He hopes to educate the less fortunate with funds from tourism dollars.
The Sea Life Discovery Center is located at 37 Logan Lane, Santa Rosa Beach. To learn more, go to 30asealife.org, email info@sealife.org, or call (850) 419-7703.
The grand opening will be March 9, 2018 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.