Marine Science Station

08/29/2026

What better way for kids to learn about marine life than to immerse them into their habitats! From lightning whelks to blue crabs from blennies to pipefish (and so much more) these Crystal River Middle School 7th grade Science students from Ms. Mize's class had an epic field experience last Wednesday!
Citrus County School District
Citrus County Education Foundation

08/26/2026

The last two days have been absolutely "fin"tastic with these 7th grade Science students from Crystal River Middle School! Ms. Crowder and Ms. Mize prepared them well for their learning adventures with us in our local estuary.
Their lessons centered around the ecology of seagrass meadows along with some historical studies of Native American shell middens. Specimens and artifacts were collected and core memories made!
Many of these kids visited us in 4th grade and continue to build up their unforgettable outdoor learning experiences!
Citrus County School District
Citrus County Education Foundation

08/20/2026

This group of Crystal River Middle School 7th grade Science students and their Teacher, Mrs. Crowder, took the plunge at the Marine Science Station today!
They helped us sample and analyze abiotic factors using water quality testing equipment and collected numerous marine species including several dwarf seahorses!
The good water quality and healthy seagrass meadows allow for multiple species to be discovered by students like these! We capped off the day with a quick dip in the springs with snorkeling gear!
Go Bearcats!
Citrus County School District
Citrus County Education Foundation

08/20/2026

Yesterday we hosted these Crystal River Middle School 7th grade Science students and their teacher, Mr. Townsend! They collected water samples and analyzed water quality using scientific instruments. They collected, studied, and released numerous species of fish and invertebrates. Snorkeling, exploring our Aquarium building, and hiking up the Salt River Observation Tower were also part of the learning adventure! It was a great first day for our first middle school group for 26-27! Good job, Bearcats!
Citrus County School District
Citrus County Education Foundation

08/19/2026

Check out these Ospreys from the Academy of Environmental Science during the last four days of field experiences at the Marine Science Station! Getting students outdoors and learning in our local waterways is what we're all about!
Citrus County School District
Citrus County Education Foundation

08/12/2026

Today was our first field experience of the new school year! We were fortunate to have an intrepid crew of 9th and 10th graders from our Salt River neighbors, the Academy of Environmental Science! The Marine Science Station led the students and their teacher, Coach D, out through the estuary and into the Gulf.
In spite of the strong incoming tide, these students were able to snorkel very well against the current, observing diverse species of organisms in seagrass meadows and hardbottom communities. Of course, the highlight was finding scallops, which they studied and released safely. Grateful for the great weather, the great sea conditions, and these great kids today!
Citrus County School District
Citrus County Education Foundation

08/06/2026

💧The Marine Science Station and the Citrus County School District are excited to be partnering with the UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH water sampling program!

💧Today, UF IFAS Research Coordinator Jason "Mo" Bennett met with MSS Supervisor Earnie Olsen and MSS Teacher Josh O'Leary to determine sampling locations in Kings Bay, Crystal River, and Crystal Bay adjacent to the Gulf. 🌊

💧They went over sampling techniques and storage requirements for the water samples, which will be analyzed by UF scientists.

💧 Visiting Citrus County School students will be assisting with this citizen science effort through environmental data collection and visiting teachers will be able to access the data and analyze the UF scientists' results with their students!

💧"WATER" you waiting for? Learn more about this water quality monitoring program at: https://lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/

Citrus County Education Foundation

07/09/2026

Thank you, Citrus County Audubon Society, and thank you, Citrus County Chronicle for highlighting our community partnership!
Citrus County School District
Citrus County Education Foundation

Since its beginning in 1967, the Marine Science Station continues to serve the community as a Citrus County School District-owned and -operated educational enrichment facility.

07/07/2026

Thank you for highlighting our beloved summer youth program, Coastal Camp Citrus! The Marine Science Station and the Citrus County School District are grateful for the long-time financial and materials support from the Southwest Florida Water Management District!
Citrus County Education Foundation