Community Restoration
Research is a key component of Marine Discovery Center’s Mission. As we learn more about Florida’s coastal ecosystems, we are better able to understand their importance and make informed decisions about their conservation or restoration. Our goal is to be good stewards of the coastal environment.
We have a unique opportunity to investigate a wide diversity of coastal ecosystems, especially the Indian River Lagoon. This estuary, where fresh water from the land mixes with saltwater from the ocean, is North America’s most diverse estuary, and has been designated as an Estuary of National Significance. The Estuary is home to more than 4,000 species of plants and animals, including 35 listed as threatened or endangered.
When faced with disturbances, either human or natural, ecosystems may recover or they may become degraded, even destroyed. We seek to learn more about the structure and function of coastal ecosystems so that we, in partnership with other researchers and concerned citizens, can make decisions about management or restoration, taking action where needed.
Marine Discovery Center’s staff and volunteers actively participate in several research or restoration projects, such as water quality monitoring, bird censuses and rescue, restoration of oyster reefs and mangroves, eradication of invasive species, and coastal clean-up efforts. We have partnered with research organizations, universities, or other concerned groups of citizens and government. We look forward not only to continuing this work but also to expanding it.
If you would like to learn more about Marine Discovery’s role in research or restoration, or if you have a project that aligns with our Mission, please contact Fielding Cooley, Ph.D., at the Marine Discovery Center Office at 386-428-4828.
Invasive Plant Removal
Brazilian Pepper Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) is an invasive exotic tree that was imported from Brazil in the early 1800’s, for its ornamental value. Due to its thick crop of red berries from December-February, it became known as Florida holly . It fast took hold and has been wreaking havoc on the native landscape ever [...]
Mangroves
Mangroves “The Salt-Loving Plant’’ Why Mangroves are Important … • Mangroves provide habitat (food, shelter, air and water) and a nursery for many important estuary creatures. Approx. 90% of our commercial seafood, and 70% of local game fish spend some part of their lives in a mangrove wetland. Below the water, the roots of the [...]
Spartina Grass
SMOOTH CORDGRASS (Spartina Alterniflora) Spartina alterniflora is a hardy, native, halophyte tidal grass often used in shoreline restoration work. It has a tight root system that holds it in place very well and also traps sediment efficiently. This makes it effective at reducing erosive forces on shorelines. It also serves as habitat for many intertidal [...]
Oyster Restoration
Since 2008 the Marine Discovery Center has been awarded grants to perform shoreline restoration work at various sites in our local estuary. Much of this work includes oyster restoration. Our local oyster species, Crassotrea virginica or the Easter Oyster, are threatened by various forces such as incumbent waves from boat wake, adverse weather (particularly strong [...]
Florida Native Plants
We are continuing to add new content to our website everyday. To learn more about Native Plants in our area, please visit back soon or contact us.