Do I need any prior scientific knowledge to join Project Plankton! Training?

No prior experience is needed; all collecting and cataloging techniques are taught during the session.

What is the minimum age for participation?

Participants must be at least 15 years old to join the training.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Please contact the Marine Discovery Center directly to discuss accessibility accommodations.

Are the sessions outdoors?

Part of the session is held on the dock outdoors, followed by indoor lab work in the Learning Lab.

How do I sign up for Project Plankton! Training?

Bookings can be made through the Marine Discovery Center’s partner booking site using the referral link provided.

What should I bring to the training?

Bring comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle; no special scientific equipment is needed.

Citizen Science Plankton Training at Marine Discovery Center | Eco Tour | Wildlife

Located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, the Marine Discovery Center offers a truly unique hands-on experience for outdoor enthusiasts with their Project Plankton! Training. This 1.5-hour citizen science program dives deep into the microscopic ecosystems thriving within the Indian River Lagoon, one of the East Coast’s most biologically diverse estuaries. Far from a traditional outdoor adventure, this cutting-edge experience invites participants aged 15 and up to contribute directly to environmental research by monitoring phytoplankton and zooplankton populations—tiny organisms that form the base of the aquatic food chain.

Set at the center’s dock, the training begins with practical collection techniques, where attendees gather samples straight from the lagoon’s waters. From there, the group moves back to the Learning Lab for detailed species cataloging sessions, turning fieldwork into scientific discovery. The focus on plankton offers visitors a rare glimpse into the unseen drivers of ecosystem health, offering both educational depth and a palpable sense of connection to the natural world.

The Indian River Lagoon’s complex mix of saltwater, freshwater, and tropical species creates an ecosystem unlike most others in Florida. It supports a wide array of marine life including manatees, snook, and countless fish that depend on plankton abundance and diversity. The Marine Discovery Center plays a vital role in conserving this fragile habitat by fueling community-driven data collection initiatives to track how plankton populations shift in response to environmental challenges.

This plankton monitoring program stands out in the outdoor activity landscape by blending citizen participation with scientific rigor. Whether you’re a budding marine biologist, an eco-conscious traveler, or someone looking to engage with Florida’s coastal environment beyond the usual beach day, Project Plankton! offers a memorable, purposeful gateway into marine science that enriches your understanding of local natural resources.

About Marine Discovery Center

Marine Discovery Center is a nonprofit marine education and conservation facility in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, situated on a 22-acre campus along the Indian River Lagoon. The center offers guided boat tours, kayak eco-tours, family programs, and sensory-accessible activities that connect visitors with the region's estuary and wildlife. Daily and scheduled offerings include two-hour Morning and Evening Dolphin Discovery Tours aboard the pontoon boat Discovery, guided by certified Florida naturalists who interpret local dolphins, sea turtles, and birdlife. Kayak Eco Tours and the Indian River Lagoon Preserve Kayak Tour provide two-hour guided paddling through mangroves with single and tandem kayaks available for beginners and families.

On the land-based campus, visitors can join the MDC Campus Tour to learn about restoration projects, the history of Mt. Morgan, gardens, and future plans; campus tours run Wednesday mornings or by request. Family-focused Sea Squirts parent-and-toddler programs for ages three to six run weekly on Wednesdays for nine weeks, with drop-in options offered. The Sense of Adventure program offers sensory‑engaged activities for individuals with disabilities and sensory sensitivities, designed for inclusive hands-on learning.

Marine Discovery Center emphasizes environmental education, hands-on interpretation, and stewardship of North America's biologically diverse estuary. Programs are led by trained staff and naturalists, combining outdoor exploration with conservation messaging to foster appreciation for the Indian River Lagoon and its wildlife. Visitor bookings support local conservation initiatives, educational outreach and habitat restoration projects focused on water quality species monitoring and native habitat protection across New Smyrna Beach and Indian River Lagoon.