We are a non-profit wildlife observation and nature education facility located at:
480 North Indian River Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Admission: $ 1.00 per person;
Children under 6 free with Adult;
Members free.
The Manatee Observation and Education Center is a waterfront wildlife observation and nature education center located on Florida's east coast in downtown Fort Pierce.
The Center lies just west of the Atlantic ocean and overlooks the nationally recognized Indian River Lagoon, a saltwater estuary and Moore's Creek, a freshwater creek and historical resting spot for the Florida manatee.
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What's there to see?
 The endangered Florida manatee, also called sea cow, is the main attraction. Manatees can be viewed at the Center year-round! Stand along the covered observation walkway or climb the second story observation tower to see Florida's "Gentle Giants" resting or playing in Moore's Creek. These are wild, not captive manatees, so one never knows when they might swim by.
©
1998 Michael Bragg - All Rights Reserved
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Outside the Center, you will see a variety of wildlife including Bottlenose Dolphin, Mullet, Brown Pelicans, and Terns.
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For brilliant
color, stroll through the Center's butterfly garden where
red, yellow, and purple flowers abound.
Also, see the replica of a natural spring which provides an important habitat for manatees in the colder winter months.
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Come inside the Center to learn about manatees, butterflies,
habitats and more by
exploring our hands-on exhibits.
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What
is our purpose?
The
Manatee Observation and Education Center’s primary
purpose is to promote understanding and responsible actions
for the fragile ecosystems of the Treasure Coast and their
inhabitants. We are here to educate you about nature and
how humans interact with the natural systems. We teach planned
educational curriculum
for grades Kindergarten through fifth as a part of our educational
program on subjects such as manatees, butterflies, insects,
endangered species, and sea turtles. We are in the process
of developing curriculum for secondary students. If you are a teacher and would like to schedule a class, call (772) 466-1600, ext. 3337. We also provide educational special
events such as NatureFest, Summer Camps, Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series, and exciting guest speakers. For more information call (772) 466-1600, ext. 3333.
How
do we operate?
The Center has two full-time and three part-time employees, but it is primarily operated by its team of 90 dedicated volunteers. Admission is $1.00 per person; children under 6 free with adult; members are free with the presentation of a valid membership card. We gratefully accept additional donations. Sponsorships
and memberships are available which are critical to
the Center’s success. Also, when you purchase items
in our gift shop,
the profit helps us educate more people about manatees and
nature.
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