Despite an early threat of rain, Saturday turned out pretty and unusually warm for a March afternoon. On one side of the campus children played in a “mud kitchen” where mudpies were top of the menu.
On the other side of the campus, a red-faced little boy pulled his mother’s hand eager to get to the shark specimen on display.
In the cool of the building, an adult was getting guidance on how to care for his newly acquired reptile. On the trails, another family was pretending to be on safari with the children on the search for a wild animal sighting.
All of this occurred as a part of the Environmental Studies Center’s (ESC) 2023 Environmental Fair. The ESC was joined at the event by several of our Sea Grant colleagues from Mississippi State University, The University of Southern Mississippi, the Marine Education Center and the Discovery Hall Program of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. These exhibitors had several different displays regarding the work they do here along the coast in education. They were very popular with the guests.
The event served to provide awareness of our native environment living here on the northern Gulf Coast. Along with exhibits of native reptiles, bats and other marine life, the ESC hosted an open beehive exhibit which allowed the participants to see the inner workings of a beehive safely. An outreach show called “Wildlife of Mobile” was also presented to guests showcasing various animals in the area including our native reptiles and raptors. The ESC’s mascot, great horned owl Jessie, made an appearance as did the fan favorite bald eagle, Leuco. Other exhibits included programs designed to get children outside to play and local vendors of earth-based organic products.
Over 400 participants joined the ESC on that day. It is the biggest fundraiser of the year, and we were grateful for all the participants and those who came to support us as exhibitors. We were especially glad to be able to showcase our Sea Grant colleagues and the great things they do in their programs.
Thomas Berry, Catholic priest and cultural historian, stated, “Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives.” We completely agree.
It is the ESC’s goal to be a place where children of all ages can come and learn about the ecosystems around them. The annual Environmental Fair is one of our favorite ways to engage our community and hopefully foster in our guests a love of the outdoors and therefore the need to protect it. The next Environmental Fair is scheduled for March of 2024.
Meet the author
Tracy Jay, Ed.D.
Mobile County Schools Environmental Studies Center Director
Tracy Jay is a member of the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium's Engagement and Education Team. She is the director of the Mobile County Public School System's Environmental Studies... Read more
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