The Environmental Studies Center: Inspiring Generations of Environmental Stewards
For over 50 years, the Martin County School District Environmental Studies Center (ESC) has been one of our community’s greatest educational treasures. Since opening its doors in 1972, ESC has provided hands-on education that simply cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom.
Every year, thousands of Martin County students leave their desks behind to explore the Indian River Lagoon, local beaches, mangrove forests, estuaries, and coastal ecosystems. Through immersive experiences such as collecting plankton, identifying fish species and testing water quality, students experience science firsthand and develop a deeper appreciation for the resources that make Martin County so special.
Today the ESC serves more than 13,000 students annually, welcoming classes from Martin County public schools, charter schools, private schools, and homeschool programs. Annual field trips to the ESC have become students’ favorite memories of elementary or middle school—a day that sparks curiosity, confidence, and inspires future careers in science, conservation, education, and environmental stewardship. The ESC remains committed to its mission:
“To create environmental awareness within the students of Martin County that extends into the home, school, and community.”
This mission is made possible by the Martin County School District, the Environmental Studies Council, community partnerships and compassionate donors. The ESC’s Wet Lab was recently revitalized, providing students with an updated learning environment and modern aquarium systems in one of the most beloved learning areas at the Center. But now, one of the Center’s most unique and iconic classrooms is in need of attention.
A Classroom That Floats
For decades, the original River Scout has taken classrooms onto the waters of the Indian River Lagoon, transforming science lessons into unforgettable experiences. From the deck of the boat, students witness dolphins surfacing nearby, osprey diving for fish, mangrove shorelines teeming with life, and water quality changes that can only be understood by seeing them firsthand. They conduct scientific investigations, collect environmental data, and experience one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America from the best seat possible—on our local waters.
Building River Scout II
The Environmental Studies Council is raising funds to build the River Scout II—a modern, safe, ADA-accessible floating classroom designed specifically for environmental education. This became possible thanks to the generosity of one of the Center’s stalwart supporters, Impact100 Martin, whose transformational $100,000 grant provided the momentum to begin building the River Scout II. Their investment launched this project and demonstrated a commitment to ensuring Martin County students continue learning on our waters for generations to come.
Be Part of the Next 50 Years
We invite our community to help launch the next chapter – the River Scout II – a new voyage. Your support will help ensure that future generations of local students continue exploring, learning, discovering, and becoming the environmental stewards our community depends on. Every donation will help transform this vision into reality. Join us as we invest in the future of environmental education, conservation, and the next generation.