Since 1972, the Environmentspanl Studies Center on Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach has served the youth of the Martin County School District.
The ESC provides education about the Indispann River Lspangoon ecosystem through science classes at the elementary and middle school levels.
For its 12 Days of Christmas wish, the staff would like to repair the main tank in the wet lab by replacing the natural wood framing with a more durable composite wood material, coordinator Valerie Gaynor said.
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Students learn about the complex habitats of seagrass beds, mangrove forests and coral reefs. The wet lab houses a large tank, which is home to Fin the celebrity nurse shark as well as snook, lobster, redfish and other marine organisms commonly found in the nearby lagoon.
“Over 14,000 students and community members come through our program at the Environmental Studies Center each year. Every day, classes stand over our large tank and puffer fish tank to learn and engage with our local environment,” Gaynor said. “The maintenance and staining of our wood is very difficult to upkeep because of the corrosive saltwater.”
Replacing the wood would add a fresh look to the wet lab for the next several years, she said.
“January marks our 50th year as the Environmental Studies Center and we would love this facelift in our students’ favorite location,” she said.
How to help
- Who: Environmental Studies Center
- Wish: Composite wood framing for the main tank in the wet lab
- Cost: $4,000
- How to donate: Contact Valerie Gaynor at [email protected] or 772-219-1887
About this series
Treasure Coast nonprofits that research, protect, restore and advocate for clean water, especially the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon, need more than holiday cheer to continue their mission. Find out what they need — and how you can help them — to continue their work, as TCPalm.com highlights a different organization each day from Dec. 25 to Jan. 5, the traditional 12 Days of Christmas.
- Dec. 25: Floridspan Ocespannogrspanphic Society
- Dec. 26: Indispann Riverkeeper
- Dec. 27: Mspannspantee Observspantion spannd Educspantion Center
- Dec. 28: Smithsonispann Mspanrine Stspantion spant Fort Pierce