Grand Opening Celebration Planned for June 7-8, 2025, Coinciding with World Ocean Day

KEY LARGO, FLA. – Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) is excited to announce the grand opening of the REEF Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida. The public is invited to join a special grand opening celebration on June 7-8, 2025, coinciding with World Ocean Day.

This state-of-the-art, 4,000-square-foot, two-story facility will serve as a hub for marine conservation, education, and citizen science. Designed to inspire ocean stewardship for all ages, the Center will feature interactive exhibits, a science discovery classroom, and galleries dedicated to ocean exploration, scientific innovation, and the intersection of history, humanities, and the arts. “The Ocean Exploration Center is more than just a building - it’s a launchpad for future ocean stewards, a collaborative space for scientific research, and a place where visitors can explore how they can make a difference for the marine environment,” said Martha Klitzkie, REEF Co-Executive Director.

An Impactful Addition to the Florida Keys Community
The Center will strengthen the role of the REEF Campus as a pillar of the Florida Keys community, and inspire action by highlighting conservation success stories and equipping people with the tools to help protect our ocean.

It will complement the current REEF Campus facilities, including an historic conch-style building - the oldest building in the Upper Keys still in its original location - which now serves as REEF’s Campus Administration. In addition, the Reefscape Room features a floor-to-ceiling mural showcasing marine ecosystems of the Florida Keys, along with the Native Plants Trail, an outdoor oasis with a variety of native flora, educational signage, and seating areas.

Join the Grand Opening Celebration!
All are invited to join in the celebration of the grand opening event on June 7-8, 2025, with a weekend of family-friendly activities, interactive exhibits, educational demos, food, drinks and fun! Event details are at www.REEF.org/OECgrandopening.

Be Part of the Legacy – How to Support the Ocean Exploration Center
Thanks to generous donors, REEF has raised 93% of the $6 million needed to bring the Ocean Exploration Center to life. Now, a $100,000 Challenge Grant from REEF members Byron and Sheila Bishop will match new donations and pledges made before June 30, 2025, doubling the impact of every gift.

Donor recognition opportunities include personalized plaques, gallery naming, and more. While REEF welcomes support at any time, to ensure that recognition is in place for the grand opening, gifts or pledges should be confirmed by February 28, 2025.

To make a gift and help REEF open the doors of this transformative Center, visit www.REEF.org/OEC-support or contact giving@REEF.org.

About REEF
Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) conserves marine environments worldwide. Our mission is to protect biodiversity and ocean life by actively engaging and inspiring the public through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community. For more information, visit www.REEF.org.

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