Wildlife & Marine Education at Marine Discovery Center
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels
Overview
Discover the vibrant ecosystems of Florida’s Indian River Lagoon through engaging lectures at the Marine Discovery Center. Learn from experts and connect with nature in this lively educational series.
Discovery Lecture Series
For all ages! • 2 Hours
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About This Adventure
Join MDC’s Discovery Lecture Series for an engaging exploration of Florida’s Coastal and Indian River Lagoon ecosystems. Each month features expert speakers discussing diverse topics, from dolphin behavior to local conservation efforts. This unique opportunity fosters community learning and connection with nature, making every lecture a memorable experience.
Come join us for our monthly public lectures
Duration
2 Hours
About
MDC’s Discovery Lecture Series provides a forum for the community to learn about Florida’s Coastal & Indian River Lagoon Ecosystems. Qualified staff & guest speakers will share their knowledge about a vast array of topics including plants and animals, water quality, citizen science, local conservation efforts, and much more!
2025-26 Schedule
September 4 | Wendy Noke & Teresa Jablonski, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute: “Dolphins of the Indian River Lagoon” (FULL TO CAPACITY) October 2 | Felipe De Paula, Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum: “The Timucua of Northeast Florida” November 6* | Dr. Todd Osborne, Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience: “Restoring Hard Clam Populations in the IRL“ December 4 | Mark Spradley, New Smyrna Museum of History: “History of Coastal New Smyrna” January 8 | Julie Albert & Joel Cohen, Blue World Research Institute: “Right Whale Threats: Past, Present, & Future Solutions” February 5 | Aric Attas, Artist & Musician: “Driven by Curiosity: Reflections on STEAM, Inspiration, & the Creative Process “ March 5 | Katie Hellman, Marine Science Center: “Inside Look at Bird Rehabilitation at Marine Science Center” April 2 | Wendy Mathews, The Nature Conservancy: “Florida Panthers: A Peek into the Life of Florida’s State Animal” May 7 | Shelly Steele, Rise Yaupon: “History of Yaupon Tea & Rise Yaupon”
Discovery Lecture Series, Too August 21 | Dr. Linda Walters & Madison Serrate: “Atmospheric Deposition of Microplastics: Citizen-Science Results from Around New Smyrna Beach and Mosquito Lagoon” September 18 | TD Bank: “Evolution of Fraud and Scams” November 12** | Jonas Roddenberry CFP, Edward Jones: “Ways to Leave a Legacy”
*This lecture is part of our Wild & Scenic Film Festival and requires a ticket to that event (details coming soon) ** This lecture is on a Wednesday
More Info
Lectures are located in the MDC Learning Lab unless otherwise noted. Please see our online calendar for our upcoming lecture topic.
If for any unforeseen reason the lecture has to be cancelled we will contact you by email so please be sure to include your email during registration.
If you have questions please call us and one of our Welcome Center Associates will assist you.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early
Get to the center early to find a good seat and enjoy pre-lecture exhibits.
Bring a Notebook
Take notes during the talk to remember key conservation facts and ideas.
Plan for the Outdoors
Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection for any outdoor activities afterward.
Check the Schedule
Verify lecture dates in advance, as topics and speakers vary each month.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Dolphins
- Sea turtles
History
The Indian River Lagoon has supported indigenous communities for thousands of years and has been a hub for fishing and shipping since European settlement.
Conservation
The center actively supports local restoration projects and promotes sustainable reef and shoreline practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Titusville
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Notebook and Pen
Useful for jotting down key insights and questions during the lecture.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin during outdoor activities before or after the lecture.
summer specific
Binoculars
Great for viewing wildlife along the shoreline afterwards.
Comfortable Seating
Bring a foldable chair for outdoor waiting or after-lecture relaxation.