Ocean Studies Charter School Exhibits at Everglades National Park in May

Students on a field trip to create their exhibit, “River of Grass: Flowing Through the Generations”

NPS Photo

News Release Date: April 26, 2016

Contact: General Park Information, 305-242-7700

Contact: Allyson Gantt, 305-242-7714

HOMESTEAD, Fla: Everglades National Park invites the public to enjoy a photography exhibit during the month of May entitled, "River of Grass: Flowing Through the Generations" by Ocean Studies Elementary Charter School. There will be a reception for the photographers on Saturday, May 7, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

The photographers behind these images range in age from 5 to 12 years old. This is the fourth year that the photography program has been in place at Ocean Studies Charter School taught by Julie Austin of Florida Keys Photo. Martha Loizeaux, head marine Science teacher, leads the field trips, and writing assignments are completed in their classrooms.

According to Julie Austin, "My goal is to inspire our local children to become environmental photographers, to protect our precious habitat, and share with the world how beautiful and fragile it is."  

"River of Grass: Flowing Through the Generations" is a product of combining the school's marine science studies with writing and creative photography. Each student focuses solely on nature as they see it, and are encouraged to capture various angles and points of view to produce a more engaging composition. The students then review their total photo portfolio and choose the one that inspires them most. The students are assigned a writing component to their photo. They examine their photo and are asked to create a poem to accompany the image that reflects their perspective, emotion and feelings at the time of their experience. The poems the students created speak volumes about how they are not only connected with our environment, but also offer us a glimpse into the future of the generation who will be the ones who fiercely protect it.

Ocean Studies is an elementary charter school in the Florida Keys, which offers a unique curriculum, blending Montessori teaching methods with a marine science focus. The students attend regular field trips throughout the Florida Keys and south Florida that are centered on marine science, environmental education as well as awareness and preservation of their local ecosystem.

WHAT: Ocean Studies Elementary Charter School Exhibit at Everglades National Park

WHEN: May 2016;Artist's Reception,Saturday May 7, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

WHERE: The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center Gallery.

PHOTO: Students on a field trip to create their exhibit, "River of Grass: Flowing Through the Generations"

The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is located at 40001 State Road 9336, approximately 10 miles southwest of Homestead. It features award-winning natural history displays, an 18-minute film about Everglades National Park, and related book sales. Center hours are9 a.m. to 5 p.m.daily. Admission to the visitor center is free.

For information and directions to the park please visit the park website at https://www.nps.gov/ever or call [phone] (during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. –4:30 p.m.).

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