Each year the Council & Center offer educational and community activities that help promote environmental education among both youth and adults. Visit the event pages below to learn more! Check back often for date updates!
Michael Shields Memorial Tournament Series
The 18th Annual Michael Shields Memorial Inshore fishing tournament will be held on September 25th and September 26th, 2026 at River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp in Jensen Beach, FL.
The tournament consists of both an inshore invitational and an inshore open fishing competition and was created in memory of Michael Shields, a beloved member of the Martin County community and an avid fisherman, who passed away at the young age of 23 due to bone cancer. The event has raised funds for various charities throughout the years, and The Environmental Studies Council is proud to be a beneficiary of the proceeds of the event. Click here for more event information.
Turtle Walks
The Environmental Studies Council hosts two sea turtle nesting walks at the Environmental Studies Center each summer, with tickets available to purchase. Each walk is limited to 25 participants. Click here for further information.
Fall Open House
Join us at the ESC for our yearly Fall Open House event – a day full of art, food, learning, and exploration! Check back later this year for date updates.
Grandparents’ and VIP Day
Calling all grandparents! Join us at the Center for a day of family fun on March 28, 2026. The Center will be open from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Hope to see you there! Click here for more information.
Environmental Lecture Series
Join us at the Environmental Studies Center for a deep dive lecture series. February 4th and February 25th, 2026, at 5:00 pm.
February 4th: Tom Fitz-Emmy Award-winning wildlife cinematographer, producer, and director.
February 25th: Janeen Mason, a true dynamo who brings Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) to life through her book Ocean Commotion: Caught in the Currents.
Lectures are held at the Environmental Studies Center in Jensen Beach. Click here for more information.
Youth Driven Cinema, K-12 Environmental Film Festival
The mission of YDC is to engage the youth of Martin County in community involvement and environmental awareness through the arts and sciences. Click here to learn more.
Summer Day Camp (June and July)
The Center hosts a popular summer camp program during the months of June and July, where students can participate in seining, fishing, snorkeling, and trips to St. Lucie Inlet State Park, Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Bathtub Reef Beach, Dubois Park, and Coral Cove Park. The camps are one-week sessions offered during the months of June and July. Click here for more information.
OTHER EVENTS:
Camp W.E.T. (Water – Environment – Technology)
This grant-funded program consists of three two-week sessions of active classroom lessons and intense hands-on field investigations. Students are selected by teachers for their enthusiasm for marine science and many receive scholarships from the Council to participate!
Hall of Fame Garden
The Council has honored recently deceased local men and women who were environmentalist who made an impact on our community. A plaque in their honor is added to the Hall of Fame Garden in front of the campus at the Environmental studies Center. The ceremony honoring the individual is held in November, though not every year.