Sarah Fangman, second from left, joins Office of National Marine Sanctuary leadership celebrating the EDC’s certification as a sensory inclusive facility, including (l-r): Matt Stout, John Armor and Matt Brookhart.

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center Wins Sanctuary Award for Interpretation

The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has recognized Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center team members Lindsey Crews and Emily Kovacs with its 10th annual Sea to Shining Sea Award for Excellence in Interpretation and Education. The National Association for Interpretation defines the discipline as “a purposeful approach to communication that facilitates meaningful, relevant, and inclusive experiences that deepen understanding, broaden perspectives, and inspire engagement with the world around us.” The Sea to Shining Sea award will be given as part of NAI’s Annual Workshop in November 2023.

“This recognition acknowledges the careful thought Lindsey and Emily brought to the Eco-Discovery Center design process,” said Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent Sarah Fangman. “By leveraging their talent for interpretation, we have created a facility that inspires visitors to become stewards of the ecosystem.”

Each year, the Eco-Discovery Center is visited by tens of thousands of residents, families, and school groups, often a visitor’s first introduction to Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The center recently completed a redesign process to improve interpretive messaging and modernize exhibit space. Now, the center features interactive and accessible exhibits that engage all ages, abilities, and types of learners, helping them to understand ocean and climate literacy concepts and connect with national marine sanctuaries.

“The Eco-Discovery Center represents our commitment to being welcoming and inclusive,” said John Armor, Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “All exhibits feature a call to action that provides tangible actions visitors can take to become stewards of our treasured ocean places. The center can be used as a model for all National Marine Sanctuary System visitor centers, specifically to show how to get more community engagement and increase inclusivity.”

Earlier this year, the Eco-Discovery Center was certified as sensory inclusive by KultureCity. The Sea to Shining Sea Award was open to everyone in the sanctuary system, which spans 15 sanctuaries and two national monuments.

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