Florida: Marine Wildlife Initiative™
Highlights
Marine wildlife faces threats to their habitat, including whales, sharks, seals, turtles, manatees and sea lions. It is up to us to protect them.
- Be immersed in Florida’s many unique ecosystems
- Contribute to service projects supporting coastal areas and abundant wildlife
- Get up-close with manatees on a snorkeling adventure
- Learn about sea turtle conservation and research
- Enjoy a camping excursion to the island of Cayo Costa
On This Program you will...
Work on projects on and near the Florida coast with organizations and individuals that have been in the region for decades. Expected to face some of the most severe impacts of sea level rise in the coming decades, wildlife and habitats here need your help! Central Florida provides unique opportunities for students to study the effects of climate change on the oceans, as well as the how challenges such as invasive species, agricultural pollution, overfishing and water quality lead to threatened species. And don’t forget to have some fun too while you’re in the Sunshine State. Beautiful beaches and palm-tree lined streets await you at every turn.
Program Type:
Animal & Wildlife Conservation
Your Adventure is Just Around the Corner!
Community Service
Travel to one of nearly three dozen sea turtle conservation and research sites and participate in project focused on tracking, detection and protection. Your time supporting sea turtle stewardship will focus on the impacts of sea level rise, water quality, sustainability, urbanization and development. Then, contribute to a seagrass restoration project, and see how seagrass health affects everything from coral reef management to the longtime outlook on marine life. Habitat restoration can be the key to ensuring the long-term survival of many marine and coastal species.
Immersive Learning
Learn about the delicate marine ecosystem, as well as the role of sea animals and habitat in contributing to a healthy and functioning environment. Discover field sampling techniques and the importance of estuaries. Explore the impacts of humans and Florida’s tourism economy, particularly in marine and coastal areas that aren’t found anywhere else on Earth. Discuss with your peers and hear from local speakers how everything from sea level rise, urban development and climate change are affecting these ecosystems, and what we can do about it. You will visit Mote Marine Aquarium, and meet with leaders working hard on these critical issues.
Adventure
Snorkel up-close with manatees, the gentle giants of coastal Florida, for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you’ll talk about for ages. Take a weekend camping excursion to Cayo Costa and explore the island, including identifying native wildlife and collecting unique shells. Soak up the sunshine as you enjoy the natural wonders of Crystal River Springs Resort, and cap off your program with a visit to Venice Beach to enjoy the sand and a much-deserved swim in the ocean.
Dates & Tuition
Florida
Marine Wildlife Initiative™
10-Day Program
| 2021 Dates |
|---|
| June 18 – June 27, 2021 |
Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses Including:
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Ground transportation
- Lodging
- 3 meals per day
- Professional full-time staff and experts
- 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
- Evacuation insurance
- Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
- Pre-departure materials and support
- Educational materials
