There are special moments in writing for the local paper. I’ve mentioned before about how at times, I am reluctant to cover certain stories, yet 90% of those turn out to be uplifting or informative. On many other occasions though, I routinely cover events in organizations I am familiar with. One of those is R.E.E.F., Reef Education Environmental Foundation in Key Largo (https://www.reef.org/). We have been members for years and watched the “campus” grow from the single relocated wooden old Florida house to what it now is. Several years back, they built a second structure where they can have lectures, workshops, etc., and have a number of wonderful floor-to-ceiling underwater photographs to allow you to “be in the water” without getting wet. Next, they created a small park on the grounds with lovely landscaping, overhead fabric shades, a few picnic tables, and information boards about reefs and marine life. All of that has been good and the latest addition is definitely a “knock it out of the park home run”.
I was invited as part of the “sneak preview” two days before the grand opening of the Ocean Exploration Center. It is a two-story building adjoining the little park. In keeping with the concept of enjoying a reef without getting wet, rather than a big aquarium, the downstairs features three “patch reefs” with 51 different species. Everything is scientifically accurate and created by specialist fabricators. There is a card guide to take to check off the species as you find them. Some of course are quite easy to spot and others require a bit of looking. Behind this is the lab where classes and workshops will be held. Upstairs are multiple interactive areas and other exhibits plus a pleasant spot to just sit, and a small conference room. There are more huge photographs covering the walls and more fabrications. In all, a little over 100 species are displayed.
It was a great experience and will most assuredly be on the list for when the kids visit during the holidays.
REEF Ocean Exploration Center Key Largo 2025
