Since 1996, the Manatee Observation & Education Center has been a fixture on the downtown Fort Pierce waterfront.
During its tenure, the center has raised awareness on manatee issues and educated thousands of people about the gentle giants’ role in the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem.
Although manatees have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons in the last two years, the Manatee Observation & Education Center is leading an effort to help the lagoon with campaigns such as Shuck the Muck.
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If the center can generate $15,000 in donations, a generous donor will match the funds to $30,000 for the Shuck the Muck campaign, Manager Jessica Kadie Barclay said.
MOEC is working alongside the Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation.
“This is a two-pronged campaign to highlight the role oysters play in creating healthy manatee habitat. Working with partners in the region, MOEC will continue to build and install oyster mats on the dock pilings in Moore’s Creek as well as expand oyster coverage along the downtown Fort Pierce waterfront,” Barclay said. “MOEC will bring focused educational opportunities through hands-on programs for all ages as well as install interpretive exhibits both inside and along the public walkway around the center.”
Scroll below the photo for information on how to help
How to help
- Who: Manatee Observation and Education Center
- Wish: Matching donations for “Shuck the Muck” campaign
- Cost: Up to $15,000
- How to donate: Contact manager Jessica Kadie Barclay, at donate@manateeeducationcenter.org or go to Gofundme.com
About this series
Treasure Coast nonprofits that research, protect, restore and advocate for clean water, especially the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon, need more than holiday cheer to continue their mission. Find out what they need — and how you can help them — to continue their work, as TCPalm.com highlights a different organization each day from Dec. 25 to Jan. 5, the traditional 12 Days of Christmas.
Ed Killer is TCPalm’s outdoors writer. Sign up for his and other weekly newsletters at profile.tcpalm.com/newsletters/manage. Friend Ed on Facebook at Ed Killer, follow him on Twitter @tcpalmekiller or email him at ed.killer@tcpalm.com.
