Seahorse Key Marine Lab Resilience Renovations
UF/IFAS aims to raise $350,000 to support new renovations to transfer the electrical system at the island to fully solar power, improve the water system at the island, and build a storm-resilient pavilion for class and visitor activities.
Donation Levels & Recognition
Under $1,000 – Dwarf Seahorse (Hippocampus zosterae)
- The third smallest seahorse species in the world, known for living only about one year in the wild.
Up to $10,000 – Longsnout Seahorse (Hippocampus reidi)
- With its distinctive long snout, this more uncommon species is found throughout the Gulf.
Over $10,000 – Lined Seahorse (Hippocampus erectus)
- One of the most popular seahorse species in the aquarium trade and listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Read more about the project here.
K-12 Education
$60 – sponsors two K-12 students
$1,500 – sponsors two classes of 24 students
Every year, NCBS hosts an average of 300 to 400 K-12 students from the local area for a field-based learning experience.
Despite living in this area, most of these students are not aware of the special character of this area, and many have never been on a boat. This program exposes these students to science and conservation activities and creates awareness of professional opportunities and future areas of study.
Donations fund the costs associated with the K-12 program.
Donate Here
Discovery Center
As thousands of tourists visit Cedar Key and the Nature Coast every year, the public aquarium serves to educate visitors about Florida’s Nature Coast.
Donations will support animals and ongoing maintenance needs of current exhibits.
Donate Here
Research Internship
The NCBS Internship Program encourages and attracts students to conduct helpful field research at NCBS while gaining hands on field experience for their career.
Donations help offset costs to students associated with travel, lodging, and other research needs. They also incentivize students to direct their research to the Nature Coast.
It costs $3,000 to host one student researcher and every researcher produces a research report. See past reports here.
Donate Here
Extension Programs
A donation to our regional Extension program directly supports programs such as Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch, Florida Friendly Angler, Seagrass Safe Boating, living shorelines and other projects. Funds are used to purchase gear, pay support staff, and host events to train and show appreciation to volunteers in our programs.
Donate Here
General Donations
Your donations directly help the Nature Coast by supporting the research, education, and outreach programs of this special region.
Donate Here
