First Annual Coral Reef Conservation Snorkeling Adventure!

Location: Keys Diver, Key Largo, FL

Date: August 2nd, 2008 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m

Time: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m

Minimum Age: 7 years

 

Please join Future Interests in Nature and the Sea (F.I.N.SEA) Foundation for the first, annual “Coral Reef Conservation Snorkeling Adventure” in Key Largo this Summer! This event is designed for students and families who have an interest in coral reef science and conservation and who want to support the charitable efforts of F.I.N.SEA Foundation. The snorkeling adventure will be hosted on a privately chartered, 40 foot, U.S. Coast Guard inspected passenger boat, through Keys Diver, a snorkeling outfitter in Key Largo, Florida. Upon arrival, participants will be greeted by marine scientist Jill Richardson Ph.D., Co-Founder and Director of F.I.N.SEA Foundation and professor at the University of Miami. Dr. Richardson will host a lecture on coral reef biology, ecology, and conservation, with the opportunity to discuss possible solutions for some of the most imminent threats to reefs today. The lecture will be followed by lunch and a boat trip out to a shallow coral reef in the protected waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Once at the reef, participants will be divided into smaller groups (2-5 individuals) and will be assigned a scientist/guide. They will enter the water with their guide, who will give them a tour of the reef (approximate time in water = 1 hour). The guide will be there to assist with gear, comfort, free-diving techniques, questions, and most importantly to serve as extra “eyes” for the participants, who may not be familiar with the abundance of colorful life and energy within a reef system. Explore the behaviors and interactions of fascinating reef creatures, from the tiniest Christmas tree worms to the highly specialized “reef cleaning stations, and witness first-hand some of the apparent threats to the reef and signs of disturbance. A beautiful boat ride will bring everyone back to the dock, where the day will end with a short question and answer session. Please join us for an extraordinary, unforgettable day of marine science education and fun! Participation in the F.I.N.SEA Coral Reef Snorkeling Adventure requires a donation of $190 per participant (minimum age requirement: 7 years).

As a 501 (c)(3) organization, a portion of your contribution to F.I.N.SEA Foundation is tax-deductible. Your participation in this event is greatly appreciated and will help bring the wonders of the marine environment to disadvantaged youth in both South Florida and Los Angeles, California, thus significantly impacting the lives of deserving children.

To register, please e-mail info@finsea.org expressing your desire to participate, and include the following information: the names and ages of each participant and your contact information (e-mail, phone #, and mailing address ). Your request will be acknowledged as soon as possible. A 50% deposit is required to reserve your space(s) in the class and payment must be received in the form of a check or money order. The remaining balance for the class is due 30 days prior to the class start date. We will accommodate all cancellation requests; however we will not be able to grant refunds for cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the class start date.

Event Schedule*

Saturday, August 2nd	CLASS/ACTIVITY
10:00 AM	Arrival at Keys Diver/Check-In/Orientation
10:15 AM	Introduction to F.I.N.SEA Foundation
10:45 AM	Class: Coral Reef Biology and Ecology
11:45 AM	Lunch at Holiday Inn & Reef Conservation Discussion
12:45 AM	Depart on Keys Diver charter boat
1:45 AM	Snorkeling adventure and guided tour of the reef!
3:00 PM	Relax and unwind on a beautiful boat ride back to Key Largo
4:00 PM	Presentation of certificates and F.I.N.SEA t-shirts
4:30 PM	End of Day/Depart from Keys Diver

*Event schedule subject to change.

First Annual Dolphin Swim & Conservation Adventure!

Location: Dolphins Plus Inc., Key Largo, FL

Date: September 6th, 2008

Time: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Minimum Age: 7 years

 

Please join Future Interests in Nature and the Sea (F.I.N.SEA) Foundation for the first, annual “Dolphin Swim and Conservation Adventure” in Key Largo this Fall! This event is designed for students and families who have an interest in marine mammal science and conservation and who want to support the charitable efforts of F.I.N.SEA Foundation. The day’s activities will be held at Dolphins Plus, a marine mammal research and education facility in Key Largo, Florida. Upon arrival, all participants will be given a guided tour of the facility and an introduction to the Dolphins Plus dolphin and sea lion family. Classes will be taught by marine scientist Jill Richardson, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Director of F.I.N.SEA Foundation and professor at the University of Miami, and will include topics such as marine mammal care, health, conservation, anatomy, and biology. The day will culminate in the experience of a lifetime – an up-close swim with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins! During the swim, participants will engage in hands-on interactions with these amazing creatures, including belly rubs, dorsal tows, handshakes, and a wonderful, fishy kiss! Please join us for an extraordinary, unforgettable day of marine science education and fun. Participation in the F.I.N.SEA Dolphin Swim and Conservation Adventure requires a donation of $390 per participant (minimum age requirement: 7 years).

As a 501 (c)(3) organization, a portion of your contribution to F.I.N.SEA Foundation is tax-deductible. Your participation in this event is greatly appreciated and will help bring the wonders of the marine environment to disadvantaged youth in both South Florida and Los Angeles, California, thus significantly impacting the lives of deserving children.

To register, please e-mail info@finsea.org expressing your desire to participate, and include the following information: the names and ages of each participant and your contact information (e-mail, phone #, and mailing address). Your request will be acknowledged as soon as possible. A 50% deposit is required to reserve your space(s) in the class and payment must be received in the form of a check or money order. The remaining balance for the class is due 30 days prior to the class start date. We will accommodate all cancellation requests; however we will not be able to grant refunds for cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the class start date.

Event Schedule*

Saturday, August 2nd	CLASS/ACTIVITY
10:00 AM	Arrival at Dolphins Plus/Check-In
10:15 AM	Introduction to F.I.N.SEA Foundation
10:45 AM	Class: Guided Facility Tour and Dolphin/Sea Lion Meet and Greet
11:45 AM	Lunch at Dolphins Plus: Outdoor BBQ & Conservation Discussion
12:45 AM	Class: Marine Mammal Care Lab (get ready to smell fishy!
1:45 AM	Outdoor Class: Touch Tank Tour (South Florida sea creatures!)
2:45 PM	Break and change for dolphin swim program
3:00 PM	Class: Structured dolphin swim educational briefing
4:00 PM	Swim with the dolphins!
5:00 PM	Presentation of Certificates, Photos, and F.I.N.SEA t-shirts

*Event schedule subject to change.

F.I.N.SEA Foundation and Yoga Angels present the first, annual Family Beach Day! All ages are welcome for this day of fun, community and education in the sun. Spend the day exploring a variety of activities and demonstrations, while learning about the significance of marine conservation, as well as environmental and personal health and well-being. This extraordinary day of education and recreation serves to unite the Los Angeles community and raise awareness about the valuable role we all play in the lives of children, family and environmental sustainability.

Future Interests in Nature and the Sea (F.I.N.SEA) Foundation will offer hands-on marine science exploration activities for all to enjoy, hosted by Amy Diamond, Co-Founder and Director of F.I.N.SEA Foundation and established marine science educator. Highlights of the day will include ocean food web construction, slimy squid dissections, beach scavenger hunts, environmentally-friendly art projects, kids and family yoga, story-time, face painting, artistic henna tattoos, massage, tasty organic food and beverages, live music and drumming, fun prizes, complimentary gifts, and much, much more!

This event will benefit the charitable efforts of F.I.N.SEA Foundation and Your Kids Organization, 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations based in Los Angeles. Any contribution is greatly appreciated and will continue to support programs that educate and inspire underprivileged and at-risk youth communities.

For more information or how to get involved, please contact:

Location: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Marine Mammal Care Center
San Pedro, CA

Date: TBD

Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Minimum Age: 7 years

Please join Future Interests in Nature and the Sea (F.I.N.SEA) Foundation for this extraordinary day filled with fun, experiential learning adventures! This event is designed for students and families who have an interest in marine science and/or the rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals. The morning begins with a trip to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro, California, just 40-minutes south of Los Angeles. Upon arrival, participants will be greeted by marine science educator, Amy Diamond, Co-Founder and Director of F.I.N.SEA Foundation. The day will begin with a short introduction to F.I.N.SEA Foundation and the day’s activities, along with a brief lecture on marine biology topics to be covered in the Cabrillo Aquarium’s “Sea Search” laboratory experience (curriculum TBA; requests will be considered!). The Sea Search lab is a 3-hour marine science workshop, custom-designed collaboratively by F.I.N.SEA Foundation and the Cabrillo Aquarium. Topics may include exploration of the behavioral adaptations and diverse habitats of marine creatures, fish biology, plankton tows, wetland ecology and laboratory dissections. An introduction to research methodology and a discussion concerning environmental stewardship and our role in marine conservation will also be incorporated into the day’s activities. Creative play and hands-on learning are an integral part of the Sea Search program, and will be modified appropriately for participants of all ages.

Following the Sea Search experience, we will have lunch outdoors on the grassy picnic area and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the Point Fermin Marine Life refuge. This time can also be used to tour the gift shop and the other facilities at the aquarium. We will then make our way to the Marine Mammal Care Center, just a 5-minute drive from the Cabrillo Aquarium. This "hospital" provides refuge for sick, injured and orphaned seals and sea lions, typically caring for as many as 40-50 animals at any given time! You will learn how the Marine Mammal Care Center rescues and rehabilitates these precious mammals, so that they can eventually be released back into the wild. Prior to touring the facility, Amy Diamond will host a brief lecture on the biology, physiology, conservation and rehabilitation of the marine mammals you will see during your visit at the center.

Please join us for this unique day of learning and fun! Participation in the F.I.N.SEA Foundation Marine Science Exploration Day requires a donation of $180 per participant. As a 501 (c)(3) organization, a portion of your contribution to F.I.N.SEA Foundation is tax-deductible. Your participation in this event is greatly appreciated and will help bring the wonders of the marine environment to disadvantaged youth in both South Florida and Los Angeles, California, thus significantly impacting the lives of deserving children.

To register, please e-mail info@finsea.org expressing your desire to participate, and include the following information: the names and ages of each participant and your contact information (e-mail, phone #, and mailing address). Your request will be acknowledged as soon as possible. A 50% deposit is required to reserve your space(s) in the class and payment must be received in the form of a check or money order. The remaining balance for the class is due 30 days prior to the event day. We will accommodate all cancellation requests; however we will not be able to grant refunds for cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the event day.