Make Some Waves - Become a Volunteer at Florida Oceanographic

A wave is described as a phenomenon by which energy is transferred from one place to another. If you've been thinking about volunteering, make some waves at Florida Oceanographic and transfer your energy and enthusiasm about the environment to the community and our visitors. We are fortunate at Florida Oceanographic to have a wonderful group of volunteers dedicated to our mission to inspire environmental stewardship of Florida's coastal ecosystems through education and research. Our mission is at the core of everything we do at the Coastal Center and while we have over 400 volunteers working in various capacities, we are in need of Exhibit Guides to educate the 50,000 visitors that explore our Center each year.

If you've ever thought about volunteering, now is a great time to get involved. The Coastal Center will be closing for construction starting September 9 and reopening October 5. During this closure we will work on several improvementprojects which include a new ramp from the Visitor Center, refurbishing the stingray tank and sea star touch tank, installing pavers that will lead from the Center to the trail head and creating a new volunteer break room. This closure will also provide us the opportunity to work with and train new volunteers who are interested in sharing information with the public on how to protect Florida's coastal resources.

Exhibit Guides work to educate the public about our coastal ecosystems and the importance of maintaining these fragile habitats. They monitor exhibits and relay information to the public about our regional aquariums and touch tank inhabitants. As a volunteer, you will learn more about Florida's diverse ecosystems and the animals that inhabit this region. Exhibit Guides also have an opportunity to learn one or more of the three daily educational programs. We offer additional training for the Stingray Program, Game Fish Lagoon Program and/or the Nature Trail. Exhibit Guides are outgoing, friendly and must enjoy working with children and adults. Shifts are from 9:45-1:15 or 1:00-5:00 Mon-Sat and 11:30-4 on Sundays. A minimum of a six-month commitment is necessary for this position along with the ability to work both indoors and outdoors.

If you are over 18 and would like to learn more about our Coastal Center and our volunteer opportunities, please join us for a one hour information session on Tuesday, September 8 starting at 9 o'clock. Please e-mail Megan Roberts ( mroberts@fos-cc.org) to RSVP for this information session that will be held on-site at the Coastal Center. If you are not able to join us this Tuesday, we will hold monthly information sessions as soon as we reopen. Please contact us regarding your interest.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead,

We look forward to working with you!

Florida Oceanographic
890 NE Ocean Blvd.
Stuart, FL 34996
(772) 225-0505
www.fos-cc.org