G.I.R.L.S.: A hands-on day of conservation science on the Indian River Lagoon

NEW SMYRNA BEACH GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

G.I.R.L.S.: A hands-on day of conservation science on the Indian River Lagoon

A free, half-day field program in New Smyrna Beach that immerses girls ages 8–15 in mangrove data collection, plankton study, habitat restoration and museum-led exploration of the universe.

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G.I.R.L.S.: A hands-on day of conservation science on the Indian River Lagoon.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
New Smyrna Beach
Operator
Marine Discovery Center
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Run by the Marine Discovery Center in partnership with the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS), G.I.R.L.S. is a focused, free program that brings girls ages 8–15 into the field and the lab to investigate the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem through hands-on science, shoreline restoration work and guided interactions with professional scientists and MOAS staff.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE HABITAT

Data collection in the mangrove forest

Participants gather field data in mangrove stands along the Indian River Lagoon, learning observational and sampling skills used by lagoon scientists.

THE MICRO-WORLD

Investigating plankton

Hands-on plankton study introduces participants to the microscopic life that underpins lagoon food webs and the methods scientists use to study it.

THE ACTION

Shoreline restoration and science mentorship

Girls build shoreline restoration materials and engage directly with scientists and MOAS staff—an introductory pathway from activity to career-minded conservation learning.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The morning unfolds as a condensed field course: participants move between mangrove shoreline work and station-style investigations—collecting data in the mangroves, examining plankton samples, assembling materials for shoreline restoration, and joining MOAS staff for guided exploration that connects local ecology to broader scientific topics.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this program is for—and who should look elsewhere.

1
Girls ages 8–15The program is explicitly designed for girls in this age range and the activities, instruction and pacing are tailored to them.
2
School groups and youth science clubsIdeal for organized youth groups seeking an immersive, curriculum-adjacent day of field science and restoration work for eligible participants.
3
Aspiring young scientistsParticipants with an interest in ecology, marine science or conservation will find direct engagement with sampling, microscopes and practicing restoration techniques.
4
Parents and chaperonesAdults accompanying eligible girls should expect a program structured for youth education and mentorship rather than general adult programming.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & duration

Program runs 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Cost

This experience is free.

Operator & partners

Offered by the Marine Discovery Center in partnership with the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) in New Smyrna Beach.

What to bring

No specific gear list was provided in the supplied information; participants should follow any additional guidance from the operator.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What ages can participate?

Girls ages 8–15 are eligible to participate.

How much does the program cost?

The experience is free.

How long is the program?

The program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Who runs G.I.R.L.S.?

The program is run by the Marine Discovery Center in partnership with the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS).

What activities are included?

Activities include mangrove data collection, plankton investigation, creation of shoreline restoration materials, MOAS-led exploration of the universe and learning from scientists who study the Indian River Lagoon.