EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Texas

Education Coordinator: Dr. Rick Tinnin

Director of Education Services, Department of Marine Science

The primary educational objective of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) is to foster coastal and estuarine education among a variety of audiences via formal, informal, and non-formal approaches. Each Reserve is dually challenged to not only meet the specific educational needs of their local and regional user groups, but also to develop and participate in national education initiatives that promote increased literacy of estuarine biology and ecology, human interactions with coastal systems, and citizen stewardship.

A unique asset of the NERRS education community is access to Reserve scientists and the scientific data collected through the System-wide Monitoring Program. These data currently include abiotic measurements, and will soon include data related to biotic diversity, and watershed and land use characterizations. Recognizing the educational potential of this data, the NERRS education community seeks to identify and develop effective programs and products that bring this information to K-12 educators/students and the general public.

The education program works with a education advisory committee that provides advice to Reserve staff regarding implementation of the Reserve education program, and provides linkage to the broader community.

Background and Education Priorities of the Reserve

The University of Texas at Austin is the lead agency the Reserve. Program offices for the Reserve will be housed at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI), established in 1946 and located on the central Texas Gulf coast. The Institute's missions are basic research, undergraduate and graduate education, and public outreach. The Marine Education Services (MES) program was created in 1974 and serves as the formal and informal outreach education program for UTMSI. MES program offices are located in a small visitors center that houses seven marine aquaria, an auditorium, and the library.

Existing UTMSI Marine Education Programs include the visiting class program, teacher training, UT-Mustang Island Elderhostel, the Wetland Education Center, the Visitors Center and Auditorium, GK-12.

The establishment of the Reserve will create opportunities to expand current MES program offerings as well as create new programs in cooperation with the partner organizations and land holders adjacent to the site.

Program Goals and Objectives

Goal 1: Improve understanding of Texas coastal zone ecosystems structure and function

Objective 1-10: Increase K-12 student participation in Reserve research and monitoring

            Action 1: Develop a key species monitoring program

Goal 2: Increase understanding of coastal ecosystems by diverse audiences

Objective 2-12: Enhance existing formal and informal education programs

            Action 1: Use partnerships to enhance existing programs

Objective 2-13: Increase science literacy for K-12 students by using science as a language to understand coastal habitats

Action 1: Develop and enhance education programs for K-12 students

Action 2: Increase visitations by underserved groups

Action 3: Provide interpretive opportunities at public access sites

Objective 2-14: Increase public literacy about Texas coastal ecosystems

            Action 1: Develop and enhance community outreach programs

Objective 2-15: Enhance the transfer of knowledge, information, and skills to coastal-decision makers

            Action 1: Develop a Coastal Training Program

Goal 3: Promote public appreciation and support for stewardship of coastal resources

Objective 3-14: Promote public appreciation of Texas coastal resources

Action 1: Enhance informal education programs and information dissemination

Action 2: Promote green building techniques to communities along the Texas coast

Objective 3-15: Increase public awareness of the Reserve and the NERR System

Action 1: Develop and distribute materials about the Reserve and NERR system

Action 2: Increase visitations by underserved groups

Action 3: Provide interpretive opportunities at public access sites

Objective 3-16: Provide outdoor educational experiences to scouting and other community organizations

Action 1: Partner with organizations, such as the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), to provide educational experiences

Goals and priorities of the NERRS

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