Join us on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Visitor Center and Aquarium. Park gates open at 7PM, admission is free and seating is limited.  Registration does not guarantee seating. 

We recommend bringing a seat cushion for added comfort. Help us accommodate those who are chemically sensitive by not wearing fragrances and other scented products. For additional accessibility requests, please contact Elena Muratori at 305-676-3786.

This season's schedule: 

February 21: Exposing the Hidden Majority: Ecology of Host-Parasite Interactions in Coral Reef Ecosystems. 

Dr. Paul Sikkel, Research Professor in Marine Biology and Ecology at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, will talk about parasitism, the most common lifestyle in the marine environment. His presentation will focus on some ways that certain parasites impact their hosts and on the ecological dynamics of host-parasite interaction in coral reef ecosystems. He will also discuss ways that parasites can influence invasive species.

February 28: The Dolphins of Biscayne Bay and Their Ecology 

Little is known about the long-term effects of environmental changes on coastal dolphin populations. Dr. Jessica Carde, a researcher at Florida International University’s Department of Biological Sciences, will address the home range, social structure, habitat use, and diet of a resident population of bottlenose dolphins in Biscayne Bay, a heavily used waterway that has experienced significant habitat degradation over the past decades.

March 6: Marine Chemical Ecology on Coral Reefs 

Dr. Valerie Paul, Director and Head Scientist of the Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce, Florida, will present how natural chemical signals are used by marine organisms for communication and defense. Her talk will include how marine algae, sponges, and soft corals make products that protect them from pathogenic bacteria, as well as how some compounds help coral larvae find appropriate settlement habitats. Dr. Paul will also discuss ongoing marine biomedical research.

March 13: Applying Ecological Principles in the Garden Ecosystem  

Incorporating ecological principles in your landscape can lead to thriving, sustainable, garden ecosystems that enhance biodiversity and protection of natural resources. Dr. Cynthia Nazario-Leary, UF/IFAS Alachua County (FL) Environmental Horticulture Extension Agent, will explain how basic concepts of ecology can be practically applied to garden design and management.

 March 20: Sharks and Groupers of Florida 

Dr. Chris Malinowski, Director of Research and Conservation with Ocean First Institute, will discuss some of the most important conservation issues impacting coastal ecosystems, through the lens of his research on species including sharks, groupers, snook, and sheepshead.

March 27: 39 Years! Fairchild's Plant Conservation Work in the Keys 

Conservation biologists at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden have been working with rare plants of the Florida Keys since the 1980s. Conservation Program Manager Jennifer Possley will provide a brief overview of their work and then give more details about some Keys favorites, including Sargent’s cherry palm, Florida semaphore cactus, climbing vine fern, and more.