JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Local students, families and educators now have a new resource to learn about the St. Johns River.
The St. Johns River Center is opening next week. It was built to serve as an educational destination designed for students and educators where visitors can learn about the St. Johns River and the surrounding wetlands ecosystems.
It was created through a cooperation between the City of Palatka and Georgia- Pacific Palatka Pulp and Paper Operations.
It will also offer resources for teachers including an 8 unit curriculum with lesson plans and activity guides. "We hope schools will bring their students here for field trips," explained Terry Hadaway with Georgia- Pacific.
Peer- reviewed, science-based materials include a focus on:
- Local ecosystem
- Environmental awareness and respect
- Palatka history and commerce
- The impact of the river and surrounding wetlands on Northeast Florida
More than 40 exhibits with hands-on activities including:
- Wetlands, underwater and life- size cypress marsh
- Children's Wentzscope
- A globe marked with wetlands across the world
- 3-unit ISpy activity
- Water filtration
- Scavenger Hunt
The grand opening ceremony with feature live music and refreshments. Admission is free, families are welcome. The center is located at 101 North First St. in Palatka, at the corner of Memorial Drive and St. Johns Avenue.