Marine Science Center offers variety of educational events and programs in October

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Oct. 2, 2009
Michelle Coats, APR
Community Information Specialist

Marine Science Center offers variety of educational events and programs in October

The Volusia County Marine Science Center (MSC) offers a wide variety of programs for youths and adults throughout the year, and the opportunities continue this October. All programs are open to the public. MSC admission applies for all on-site events and reservations are required.

Students young and old can discover the many wonders of marine life in environmentally rich Volusia County through the following opportunities:

10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7: Hawk migration - Join MSC staff for a lecture and then a walk in search of migrating hawks at the Marine Science Center. The first week of October is the best time to find migrating falcons, especially Peregrine Falcons along the Volusia County coast. Enjoy nature trails, boardwalk, and the observation tower while in search of migrating falcons and other species of raptors. The group will search for peregrines, merlins, kestrels, sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks, plus other migrating bird species along the beach. Participants should dress for any type of weather and bring field guides and binoculars. Registration is required. Please call (386) 304-5545.

1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10: Plankton lab - Plankton means “wanderers” and often these minute creatures wander the ocean currents. Join MSC staff as they collect plankton samples and then bring them back to our laboratory to use microscopes to investigate and identify these ocean travelers. Participants may find larval forms of crabs, diatoms, radiolarians, copepods, and many more. Registration is required. Please call (386) 304-5545.

10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14: The magnificent journey - Mysteries of bird migration lecture field trip - Autumn winds bring great changes in the skies. Billions of birds are on the move as seasons shift. This spectacle goes unnoticed by most people, but in this Oct. 14 field trip, participants will have the opportunity to search for these travelers as they find their way across Volusia County. Come with us as we look for falcons, sandpipers, warblers, thrushes, buntings and many more. Bring binoculars, water and a sense of adventure. Registration is required. Please call (386) 304-5545.

1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24: Lighthouse Point Park dune walk - Join MSC staff for a hike along the dune ecosystem and learn all about the plants and animals that inhabit it. The Volusia County park is home to many unique species of plants and animals. Learn how to identify native plants and how to differentiate animal tracks. Come prepared to hike the beach and nature trails. Dress for the outdoors, wear sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Reservations are required. Please call (386) 304-5545. The program is free with park admission of $3.50 per vehicle.

1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31: Raptors - No group of birds captures our imagination like raptors. Join MSC staff for this rare opportunity to meet the new collection of raptors. From the diminutive eastern screech owl to the power of the red-tailed hawk, this program will introduce visitors to the wide range of raptors found in Volusia County. Learn about the extraordinary adaptations that have made them the rulers of the air. Registration is required. Please call (386) 304-5545. The program is free with admission to the MSC.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming educational programs at the Marine Science Center in November and December:

10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7: Volunteer recruitment and orientation

1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7: All about gopher tortoises

10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14: Wings On the Wind Bird Festival

1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21: The Life of Owls

10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28: Life of a Horseshoe Crab

10 a.m. Saturday Dec. 5: Volunteer recruitment and orientation

1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5: Right Whale program

1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12: Squidy squids!

1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19: Raptors

The Marine Science Center, 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet, is open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $4 for seniors, $5 for adults, $2 for children 3-12 and free for children under 3.