The Covid pandemic did not stop this organization from their continued work to preserve and enhance the marine ecosystem in the Indian River and most notably in Moore’s Creek. Looking forward to starting the planting of 1 acre of seagrass in the Creek as soon as permitting is secured. All this is supported through the efforts of our volunteers and visitors along with the staff of the Manatee Observation and Education Center. Exciting new exhibits are on the way!
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The Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation has a strong focus on continued education to the public on issues impacting both our marine and natural environment. Serious focus is on promoting waterway cleanup as well as the planting of sea grasses to enhance the marine life in the Indian River. Love the impact our programs are having across all age groups but especially with the younger generation. Thanks to the Manatee Observation and Education Center for assisting in getting our message out.
Love the facility and conversing with the visitors from throughout the world. Even during the shutdown from Covid the volunteers remained engaged by working on new exhibits and cleaning the waterways around the facility. Family friendly facility offering many opportunities for involvement.
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Love this facility and the programs they offer for participants of all ages. One of the first places we visit when coming back to the area and was amazed by some of the changes made during the Covid shutdown. Great job and great volunteers who answer your questions.
I have been involved in a number of civic activities and in today's economy finding sponsors is difficult. The Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation has always stepped up to help in one way or another. They have always been professional, courteous and willing to help. We need more community orientated business like them.
I have now been a board member of the Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation Inc. for over six years and have been fortunate to continue to participate in the important mission of helping to protect our beloved manatees, our waterways and all the creatures of the Treasure Coast. The Manatee Center is a highlight for the city of Fort Pierce FL and all of the Treasure Coast , providing hands-on exhibits and fun, informative, educational experiences for all ages. The Foundation continues to grow at a steady pace, with the generous donations we receive. I highly recommend a visit to The Manatee Observation and Education Center and visit our website for announcements of upcoming events.
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I have been a board member of the Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation Inc. for over three years and have been fortunate to participate in the important mission of protecting our environment, our beloved manatees and all the creatures of the Treasure Coast. The Manatee Center is a highlight for the city of Fort Pierce FL and all of the Treasure Coast , providing hands- on exhibits and fun, informative educational experiences for all ages. The foundation continues to grow at a steady pace, it is a very rewarding experience to see such good being done with the generous donations we receive.
My children and I love walking along the waterfront and visiting the observation tower while walking downtown. The Manatee Center is one of our favorite spots to visit!
Great programs in place. Awesome with education for kids especially.
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Had the opportunity to visit the Manatee Observation Center on my visit to the Treasure Coast in March. Was very impressed when seeing the programs offered there with the assistance of the Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation. I was provided with much information that I was able to share with students back up in Indiana. Look forward to visiting again soon and excited to see the outdoor classroom they are talking about. Keep up the good work!
I really liked visiting the Manatee Center. I thought "Danger Noodle" the eel was really cool. I also really liked touching the urchins and the horseshoe crab. I also got a chance to touch Diego the rat snake. It was awesome.
This organization is committed to community partnerships, environmental education and improvement of water quality in Moore's Creek ( a tributary to the Indian River Lagoon estuary). They are well connected and do a great job in support of community and our natural environment.
As a lifelong fresh water fisherman I was amazed by what I saw on my visit to the Manatee Observation and Education Center. Hoping that on my next visit I will be able to partake in some of the Foundation's educational programs. Found out the support the Foundation provides to the Center from the volunteers who enjoy what they do.
I was just down there during my spring break with friends. Heard around town that going to the manatee center was a must if you were visiting. It did not disappoint from what people said couldn’t believe how cool and fun the whole thing was.
My daughter absolutely loves this place. It’s a must go to every time she visits her grandparents or we visit as a family. It’s a pretty amazing place and staff is always so friendly !!!
The Manatee Observation and Education Center in Fort Pierce, Florida provides important environmental education for school children and the general public. I was an elementary school teacher for 35 years and have been extremely impressed by the quality of programs offered. Kudos to the Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation!
The first thing I think of when my nieces visit from out-of-state is to go to the Manatee Observation Center. Their excitement when they see manatees and their curiosity to learn more from the center's top notch staff always makes for a great afternoon!
I take my daughter to the manatee center all the time! A lot of Fun activities and the gift shop is perfect!
My involvement with the Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation began when I first began volunteering at the Manatee Observation and Education Center in Fort Pierce. Through this volunteer effort I discovered the integral part the Foundation plays in helping this institution with its educational programs. As someone originally from the Midwest I have learned much about the ecosystems in my new hometown due to the work of the Foundation. Was proud to have been asked to serve as a Board member in December and look forward to expanding our educational programs for the visitors and residents of the Treasure Coast. Donations are used for the greatest benefits possible to expand knowledge!
The Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation, Inc reached a milestone in our 20 plus year adventure, working alongside The Manatee Observation and Education Center, located in Fort Pierce Florida. This year, our very first Annual Report was created and distributed to our past, current and future supporters. I want to thank VisitFlorida for their generous funding of our annual report.
What makes me so excited about this accomplishment is now more than ever, we have a tool to help us deliver our message of" Promoting awareness and stewardship of endangered species, the Florida manatee and natural resources in the Indian River Lagoon."
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I have enjoyed taking my grandchildren to the Manatee center over and over again. Each time we go they learn something new and are always excited to return. The foundation is truly a valuable asset to the community.
The Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation offers so much support to the Manatee Observation and Education Center. The board members are very active in all fundraising events and even host work days to help spruce up the Center! They go above and beyond! Thank you for all you do!!
I have had the pleasure to work with this group of men and women for the past year and a half. Besides being stewards for our fragile ecosystem and our lagoon, the work done by this group has given countless young people opportunities to experiences they would not have had access to. I am proud to have my name associated with this foundation.
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The staff of the Manatee Observation and Education Center have a genuine passion and dedication to their work. For more than twenty years the center has been an integral part of our community. The programs and events they offer are not only educational, but are guaranteed to be fun for the entire family.
I now sit on the board and am proud to work side by side with a great team that is equally dedicated to ensure the Manatee Center can continue to, and expand on the work they are doing.
Review from Guidestar
Through its support of the Manatee Observation and Education Center located in Fort Pierce, Florida the Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation enables vitally important environmental education for school children and the general public, not only as to manatees but the Indian River Lagoon and the whole marine environment that manatees are dependent upon.
My experience with the treasure coast Manatee foundation was first-rate from my initial contact with them, until the event concluded.
All of the directors and personnel in the foundation were Hands-On, easy to work with people who were focused on making the event popular for both participants and their friends, family and observers.
I only wish that all other not charitable organizations with whom I am associated were as efficient as professional as tcmf.
Jay Kirschner
The Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation continues to gain recognition and expand it's donor base to support , through multiple fund raising activities, the great work in environmental education programs, environmental awareness events and community activities offered by the Manatee Observation and Education Center in Fort Pierce Florida.
Review from Guidestar
As a native of Florida (and the Treasure Coast) I have a great love and appreciation for our waterways and the animals that inhabit them. The Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation provides a great source of education and goes above and beyond to preserve and protect our our waters. I highly recommend that everyone visit especially if you have children!!!!
A great place to learn about local wildlife and their habitats. The staff is amazing and every visit is always an educational and positive experience!
I always bring out of area family and friends to the TCMF. Great experience, beautiful surroundings and a fun place even when the manatees are not visible. Love this place!
As an elementary and middle school science teacher, on special assignment in the St Lucie Public School’s Office of Teaching and Learning, with the responsibilities of a Science Curriculum Developer, I truly understand the need and value, for our diverse student population to have the ability to participate in hands on learning, in conjunction with real life experiences. The Manatee Observation and Education Center affords the students of the Treasure Coast and beyond, an extremely unique educational opportunity.
Whenever we have family visit from out of town, this is always one of the places we have to visit. A fun place to check out the exhibits and to also pick up a souvenir from the gift shop
What an amazing little treasure! Tucked into historic Downtown Fort Pierce, The Manatee Center offers excellent information about these gentle giants of our waters. A must visit for children and adults alike!
I had the pleasure of stopping in for the first time recently. I leahred much about manatees and their surrounding habitat. What a special experience to treasure in the area.
I have worked with the Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation for nearly 1.5 years. In this time they have supported a Halloween Party at the Manatee Center with free admission for all visitors, a new tank for the Center’s corn snake, summer camp transportation and volunteer scholarships, and development of the new native butterfly garden. They fundraise with local events like the Manatee Center 5K and Painting with a Purpose, and sales like Enjoyment Books. This is an important local nonprofit that supports a community environmental education center, and I look forward to seeing them grow.
From fun fundraising events, like the Manatee Center 5k, to environmental education events, like Nature Fest, and even the behind the scenes stuff, like aquarium tank changes in the exhibit hall, it's always an amazing adventure and a learning experience for me to be a small part in the big picture of environmental protection and awareness. Thank you TCMF!
The members of the foundation go beyond the call of duty to promote the interest of the community by educating the community about our eco-systems and the importance of protecting our fragile environment.
I have volunteered for the Manatee Center for over 15 years and have assisted in many events. I have been impressed by the knowledgeable staff and the other volunteers who donate their time every week. Volunteers are trained well, which helps to enhance the visitor's experience. This is a great organization to volunteer for or to donate funds to assist in it's cause. You will not be disappointed.
A hidden gem.....this is a great organization that offers vastly important information and programs to protect and care for the Indian River Lagoon. I have been proud to help as a volunteer for many years and look forward to many more. Spending time with kids using a seine net and watching them smile as they observe their catch in amazement is one of my favorite experiences.
I have volunteered at the Manatee Center in Ft. Pierce for three years. I love helping our visitors learn about manatees and the IRL. I've made some lifelong friends with employees as well as other volunteers. A great place to hope I'm making a difference.
I've been volunteering at the Manatee Center for over 2 years now, and it has been an incredible experience. I have learned so many life lessons, and I will never forget the people I have met
I've been a sponsor of TCMF for several years, and participated in many of their events. They historically have fulfilled, and continue to fulfill, an extremely valuable service for the Treasure Coast and the Manatees. Their educational programs and events are an invaluable resource for our community, especially for our children and young adults. TCMF is a clearinghouse for information concerning the many inter-related facets of the Indian River Lagoon---as well as a "hub" for disseminating information about this 'treasure' of a natural resource.
I sit on the board of the Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation because the future is education and that is what this foundation does, it raises funding for education. The Indian River lagoon is the most diverse estuary in the United States. Without organizations that protect through education and physical actions this area would be lost and all the sea creatures it supports would disappear from the earth. The events that TCMF hosts are family orientated for nature lovers of all ages. The attached photo was taken by an avid sponsor of TCMF while boating on the Ichetucknee River outside of Branford Florida on February 18th 2017
I have volunteered with the Manatee Center for almost a decade, starting when I was a teenager. I have learned so much about not only the environment, but the amazing people working with this establishment. The staff and other volunteers truly care about educating the public and doing what they can to promote environmental safety and knowledge by donating their time.
The moments I enjoy the most is seeing the wonder and amazement in the faces of visitors as I tell them what I know about manatees and the other wildlife here in Florida. The Manatee Center and TCMF are wonderful, and I hope they keep up the amazing work they are doing to promote education to the public.
Great organization supporting multiple environmental educational programs about one of the most diverse marine estuaries in the world.
I have been a volunteer at the Manatee Center for over 20 years. I have learned about manatees & other creatures and their environments through the personnel who were employed or came to teach at the Manatee Center. It is a wonderful place to pass on environmental knowledge and stewardship, especially to our young folks. There is nothing more rewarding than to have families stop to thank you for teaching them about manatees and the live critters at the Center. To me, summer camp has the most impact on the children, and I have heard the older kids (12-13 year olds) say they can't wait to be a junior counselor at camp (15 years old) - and many do. I know that I have found an outlet to pass my knowledge on to other volunteers and our most precious treasure - our children.