Exploring Marine Wonders at Skidaway Marine Science Day in Savannah
This past Saturday, the picturesque city of Savannah buzzed with excitement as locals gathered for the much-anticipated Skidaway Marine Science Day, hosted by the UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. The event took place on the beautiful Skidaway Island campus, which is renowned for its dedication to enhancing the coastal environment of Georgia through extensive research and community outreach.
An Educational Adventure for All Ages
The day’s festivities boasted a variety of engaging activities designed to captivate both young minds and adults alike. One of the standout features was a hands-on reptile exhibit, where families could get up close and personal with some fascinating creatures. Participants also enjoyed behind-the-scenes sneak peeks into the aquarium and exploration of exciting lab studies conducted right on the docks.
According to Marine Educator and Public Program Coordinator Shannon Matzke, this annual event serves as a fantastic opportunity for attendees to learn about the treasures of the Georgia Coast. “We aimed to showcase what we do every day and invite the public to get involved in the crucial work of preservation and conservation,” she explained.
Months in the Making
The excitement didn’t just happen overnight. Matzke shared that organizing an event like this takes careful planning and teamwork. “It’s a couple of months in the making for this event specifically, but the partnerships we’re forming and nurturing are a year-round effort,” she said. “It’s a privilege to work with other entities on Skidaway Island and the local partners who share our goals.”
Many graduate and undergraduate students participated in delivering knowledge and entertainment, reinforcing the idea that this event is not just for adults but also a fantastic learning experience for students pursuing marine sciences.
Learning About Marine Debris
One of the docks featured Skidaway Institute of Oceanography students who organized intriguing activities focused on marine debris. Visitors had the unique opportunity to peep through microscopes at microplastics, gaining insight into bigger issues like watershed management and the significance of salt marshes. Such engaging lessons helped everyone understand how critical the preservation of these ecosystems truly is.
Matzke emphasized how valuable it is to demonstrate the various aspects of the Georgia Coast. “We have our hands in so many different pieces of the Georgia Coast, like animals, water, plants, and even the seafood industry,” she remarked. “Showing off what the Skidaway Institute researchers are doing, as well as initiatives like Gray’s Reef, is incredibly rewarding.”
Interactive Exhibits and Activities
The excitement continued with the presence of the Shellfish Research Lab, which offered interactive activities and fascinating educational information about sustainable aquaculture and oyster restoration. Children and adults alike were mesmerized by the hands-on demonstrations.
The event also featured tours of the R/V Gannet and R/V Savannah, which were docked and open for exploration. These boats serve as key resources in marine research, allowing visitors to appreciate the incredible work that goes into studying and safeguarding the coast.
Looking Ahead
If you happened to miss out on the Skidaway Marine Science Day this year, don’t fret! The event has promised to return next year, bringing more opportunities to learn and engage with the wonders of the Georgia Coast.
In the meantime, families and marine enthusiasts can explore a variety of other activities and events curated by the UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, which are conveniently available on their website.
Mark your calendars and get ready for another exciting year of coastal exploration and education!
