Environmental Studies Center
"Environmental education is the best hope for the future."
Marjory Stoneman Douglas, author, "Everglades: River of Grass"
Environmental Studies Center
"Environmental education is the best hope for the future."
Marjory Stoneman Douglas, author, "Everglades: River of Grass"
| You've arrived at the web site for a very special hands-on learning experience provided for the school children of Martin County, Florida. Martin County borders the Atlantic and is situated on the southern end of the Indian River Lagoon. We invite you to enjoy our exhibits while increasing your awareness of our very special environment. |
| Our Mission |
| To provide the children of our county with a sequential hands-on curriculum in kindergarten through seventh grade in order to produce students possessing a respect for the environment and desire to protect it. |
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| Center Profile | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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In the beginning, there were field trips... When two teachers from Stuart Junior High School started a "hands-on" environmental curriculum for their students, little did they realize that it would develop into one of Florida's most recognized environmental education programs. It was not only the beginning of a significant contribution to environmental education in Martin County, but to programs around the state, the country and the Bahamas. Biology teachers "Mike" and Olive wanted to introduce their students to the local environment-mangroves, rivers, fresh water habitats, beaches-an its preservation for future generations. They developed study plans that would accomplish this goal and sparked an interest in environmental education that today is personified in the popular Environmental Studies Center. Today the Center is a unique school that is part of the Martin County School District and an integral part of the education of every student in the district. The Center is celebrating 36 years of continuous operation this year! The Environmental Studies Center has been recognized with awards from the Office of Environmental Education's Sharing Success Program and the Governor's Environmental Education Award. The staff of the Center is made up of a Coordinator, four teachers, a licensed boat captain, a secretary and a custodian. Dianne Pierce, Center Coordinator, divides her time between administrative duties and field studies. Teachers Charlie Carr, John Wakeman, Denise Blanton and Michelle Fowler work with student groups daily. Rick Binder, Center boat captain, operates the Center's survey boat, the River Scout, during field studies with fifth and sixth graders. Sheri Tschinkel, secretary, and Larry Burick, Utility II, complete the staff. |
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| Top Row: Larry Burick (Utility II), John Wakeman (Teacher), Charlie Carr (Teacher) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bottom Row: Michelle Fowler (Teacher), Sheri Tschinkel (Secretary), Dianne Pierce (Coordinator), Denise Blanton (Teacher) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Rick Binder (Captain of the River Scout) |
| Contact Information |
| The Center is open to the public on school days Monday through Friday between 9 AM and 3 PM during the regular school year. There is no charge for admission. |
| During the summer, the campus is not open to the public because of summer camps. |
| Telephone: (772) 219-1887 |
| Fax: (772) 219-1889 |
| Postal Address: 2900 N.E. Indian River Drive |
| Jensen Beach, FL 34957 |
| Summer Camp Information |
| First Day of Camp Registration - |
| April 18, 2009, between 9 AM and 1 PM at the Environmental Studies Center. After April 18th a parent/guardian may register his/her child on any school day at the Center between 9 AM and 3 PM. |
| Cost - |
| $170 per week/per camper. Bus transportation is optional. $35 per week includes morning pick-up drop-off at assigned stops in Martin County. Please see the bus schedule on the registration form. |
| Age and Grade Requirements - |
| Children must be at least 7 years old by September 1, 2009 and entering 2nd grade through 8th grade to attend camp. Campers will be grouped by grade accordingly: |
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Sea Fans - Grades 2, 3, 4
Waverunners-Grades 5, 6, 7, 8
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| Summer Camp Dates - | |
| Week 1: | June 15 - 19 |
| Week 2: | June 22 - 26 |
| Week 3: | June 29 - July 3 |
| Week 4: | July 6 - 10 |
| Week 5: | July 13 - 17 |
| Week 6: | July 20 - 24 |
| Registration Forms - |
| Forms will be available in the front offices of Martin County Elementary and Middle Schools, and most private schools as well as the Environmental Studies Center . Forms should be completed and submitted to the Center on or after April 18th.(no mail-ins) |
| Summer Camp Activities - |
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Campers will have lots of fun while learning about their environment. Outdoor activities and environmental learning are the focus of this camp. Activities include: |
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE CENTER AT (772) 219-1887
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EVENTS SPONSORED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES COUNCIL PLEASE VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT www.escmc.org |
| Back to Martin County School District |