Celebrate the arrival of autumn with an array of recreational and educational programs at Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC). From September to November, adults and children alike can enjoy engaging outdoor activities and ocean-themed arts and crafts, all designed to raise awareness about sea turtle rehabilitation and ocean conservation.
LMC seasonal activities include:
Hatchling Discovery Program
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 7-8:30 a.m.
What: Head to the beach for a brief introduction to sea turtle ecology, including their crawls, nesting habits and the hatchling process. If a nest is found, watch as trained staff carefully excavate the eggs and release healthy hatchlings.
Early Access Tours
When: Starting Oct. 1, Tuesday – Saturdays at 9 a.m.
What: Experience a one-hour tour of LMC before opening hours. Explore the center’s outdoor hospital and meet sea turtle patients while gaining a deeper understanding of their rescue, diagnosis, rehabilitation and release plan.
Jr. Veterinary Lab
When: Starting Oct. 2, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3:30 p.m.
What: Kids can act as sea turtle veterinarians for the day while treating sea turtle replicas and learning about common injuries, illnesses and the care provided to endangered species.
Hatchling Tales Story Time
When: Starting Oct. 2, Wednesdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
What: Ignite your child’s imagination with a 30-minute ocean-inspired story time and themed drawing activity.
Juno Dunes Natural Area Hike
When: Starting Oct. 4, Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
What: Take a 45-minute hike into the coastal hammock habitat next to LMC. Led by one of the center’s naturalists, attendees will learn about the importance of Florida’s coastal ecosystems and enjoy a scenic view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Sensory Saturdays:
When: First Saturday of the month, starting Oct. 5 at 9 a.m.
What: Once a month, adults and children on the autism spectrum can have a more inclusive, sensory-friendly experience with loved ones and caregivers, while exploring the center and engaging on hands-on activities.
Kids Fishing Program
When: Starting Nov. 2, Saturdays at 10 a.m.
What: Taking place at the Juno Beach Pier, kids will learn fishing basics like knot tying, casting, fish handling and proper catch-and-release methods.
Living Beaches
When: Starting Nov. 4
What: Enjoy a hands-on lesson and guided beach excursion about the origins of Southeast Florida’s marine life.
Little Naturalists:
When: Starts Nov. 7, Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
What: This 45-minute program takes children through local nature trails to explore the sights, sounds, textures and colors of the wild.
Photo courtesy of Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Junior Veterinarian Lab