Situated between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, the Barrier Island Sanctuary Management and Education Center (Barrier Island Center) is the educational gateway to the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge – home to the largest loggerhead sea turtle nesting population in the U.S. The Barrier Island Center hosts visiting schools, local residents and tourists from across the world. Recognized for its modern design, this 5,700 sq. ft. facility is the focal point of the coast line.
Now you can make a special contribution to the Barrier Island Center. Sea Turtle Conservancy is offering the opportunity to purchase commemorative plaques that will be displayed on the outdoor decks overlooking the ocean. Your purchase of a plaque supports educational programming at the Barrier Island Center. Your plaque will help to protect sea turtles and preserve the rich biodiversity and habitats that surround the Barrier Island Center.
What is the Barrier Island Center?
A facility of Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program (EEL Program), the Barrier Island Center is a modern educational facility with an interactive exhibit hall, auditorium, classroom, gift shop, observation deck, and a unique interpretive hiking trail that weaves through a cross section of all the barrier island habitats. Located in the heart of the Archie National Wildlife Refuge, the Barrier Island Center offers ongoing educational programs that promote stewardship of the barrier island’s fragile natural resources.
How does Sea Turtle Conservancy support the Barrier Island Center?
In partnership with the EEL Program, Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) offers a variety of environmental education programs for all ages. These include study trips for students, outreach education, coastal stewardship workshops for adults, guided hikes and paddles, special events for families, and hands-on field excursion camps for children. In addition, STC hosts guided sea turtle walks during June and July that give participants an opportunity to experience a nesting loggerhead sea turtle. STC’s educational goals at the Barrier Island Center are designed to foster appreciation and stewardship of sea turtles and the barrier island.
How is the Plaque Program helping to support education initiatives?
The Plaque Program will help the Barrier Island Center continue to educate visitors about the diversity of life found from ocean to lagoon. Sanctuary hikes, guest presentations, camps filled with discovery and adventure, and guided turtle walks are all memorable experiences that the Barrier Island Center hopes will connect their visitors to the environment and help inspire future naturalists and sea turtle advocates.
Email STC to find out how you can take part in the Barrier Island Plaque Program.
