COMMUNITY EDUCATION
ORCA’s community education programs connect people of all ages to the Indian River Lagoon through hands-on learning, collaboration, and discovery.
From citizen science and youth engagement to community lectures and adult workshops, we empower individuals and organizations to better understand local environmental challenges and become active participants in protecting our waterways.
Together, we build knowledge, inspire stewardship, and create meaningful pathways for community-driven change.
Citizen Science
ORCA’s citizen science program educates and engages community members in developing a deeper understanding of the Indian River Lagoon and the challenges it faces. Through hands-on training, workshops, and mentorship from ORCA staff, participants gain the knowledge, skills, and scientific context needed to meaningfully contribute to research and restoration efforts.
ORCA’s trained citizen scientists measure and monitor local environmental conditions, conduct field sampling and laboratory analyses, and help identify sources of pollution entering the lagoon. By fostering informed stewardship and leveraging the passion of our community, we empower participants to transform their concern for the lagoon into action, generating the data needed to drive informed decisions and lasting change.
Community Lecture Series
A Day in the Life
Each year, hundreds of teachers, environmental professionals, students, and community volunteers come together to collect scientific data at sites along the 156-mile Indian River Lagoon—all on the same day in October. Schools and scientific organizations throughout the lagoon watershed are encouraged to participate in this collaborative, hands-on educational experience.
This annual, long-term project is designed to deepen students’ (grades 6–12) understanding of the Indian River Lagoon by engaging them directly in real-world scientific research. By collecting biological, chemical, and physical data at an adopted sampling location, participants build scientific skills, develop a meaningful connection to the lagoon, and contribute valuable information that helps improve our understanding of the current health, stressors, and long-term trends affecting this vital waterway.
To get involved with this project, reach out to Courtney Brooks at cbrooks@teamorca.org.
