Keys Marine Laboratory welcomed guests to discover what lies behind the brown fence in Layton during the annual open house on March 7.
Staff and volunteers guided visitors through an afternoon of discovery, featuring interactive displays from leading reef restoration and conservation organizations in the Keys.
The event offered a glimpse into the daily efforts of the many reef restoration partners working to sustain the fragile ecosystems of the Keys.
For more than 30 years, Keys Marine Laboratory has offered a unique location, dedicated on-site scientific support and a comprehensive full-service marine field station. The laboratory is the southernmost campus of the University of South Florida, operated by the Florida Institute of Oceanography.
Participating in exhibits and activities at the open house were Florida Institute of Oceanography, FWC Fish & Wildlife Research Institute, Coral Restoration Foundation, I.CARE, Reef Renewal USA, REEF Conch Republic Marine Army, Surfrider Foundation (Florida Keys chapter) and ReefStarter.
The laboratory facilitates college-level education and research at local, state, national and international levels. Its primary purpose is to function as a hub facilitating a wide range of academic research and reef restoration. Over 245 organizations, hailing from more than 40 states in the U.S. and 29 countries, have benefited from the services and resources since the laboratory’s inception in 1992.
The organization has launched a $60 million campaign aimed at modernizing and expanding facilities to address the evolving environmental challenges facing our oceans. This initiative will include the construction of new storm-resistant temporary housing for students and faculty, teaching and research laboratories, and lecture and seminar rooms.
