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Learning
about our coasts is
easy and
fun at Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers
What
are Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers?
In 1996 the Coastal America Partnership established
a network of Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers. The network combines
the resources of federal agencies with marine educational centers.
Most Learning Centers are aquariums, but marine science centers
and even a fishing museum are part of this network!
The goal of each Learning Center is to educate
and involve the public in protecting our nation's coastal ecosystems.
What
does this mean?
It means that the CELCs have access to things that
they wouldn't normally have. Millions of people are interested in
coastal ecosystems and visit the Learning Centers each year. Thanks
to the partnership with the federal agencies, each center has unique
access to expert speakers, exhibit information, educational publications,
teaching materials, field trip sites, and scientific data from around
the country.
This type of added support helps
make the Learning Centers even more exciting and educational!
The number of Learning Centers across the country has grown rapidly
- from two in 1996 to nineteen
in 2006.
Clearly there is a great demand for the
types of partnerships established by the Learning Centers!
Through the CELCs Coastal America has furthered
its goal of educating the public about our country's coastal resources.
The continued success of the program is helping to teach citizens
and empower them about what each of us can do to help protect our
valuable coastal ecosystems.
How
do Coastal America Partners help the CELCs?
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