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Marine Science Station on Navarre Beach

The Marine Science Station will be located on the Gulf Islands National Seashore East of Navarre Beach Park

Charlene Mauro Fearon’s childhood dream was to work with manatees at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla. – and to one day open her own marine sciences center. Just a couple of years into her stint at SeaWorld, Fearon, 36, was recognized for her ability to connect with the gentle mammals and the visiting children. Her colleagues encouraged her to go to graduate school to become a teacher.

Now after 12 years as a marine sciences teacher at Navarre High School, Fearon’s innovative work has earned her national recognition and an opportunity to open a Marine Science Station at the nearby Navarre Beach County Park.

“It’s definitely been a goal of mine as a teacher to give back to the community,” Fearon said. “I know how beneficial it is to science in the field vs. in a text book.”

Expected to open in late summer, the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station is supported by grants and donations. Fearon and a group of dedicated volunteers are renovating a three-bedroom former park ranger house with the upstairs designated as classroom space and a shaded area downstairs as a touch tank. The facility is a short walk from the Gulf of Mexico and the Santa Rosa Sound which are expected to provide hands-on learning opportunities. Down the road, students and teachers will also enjoy the new Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary where they can dive and snorkel.

Eventually two of the facility’s bedrooms will feature bunks to house a limited number of overnight campers. Nearby accommodations are also expected to be used for program participants.

Fearon has set up a wish list of items the science center needs both in the classroom and for the renovation which is being handled by construction classes from Navarre High School.

“It’s been very fulfilling, but a lot more work than I ever anticipated,” Fearon said. “Fortunately, I’ve got a very supportive husband because I’ve spent most of my extra time writing grants.”

A camp for children entering grades fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth is set for Aug. 10-14 and the facility will be used as dual enrollment classroom space during the school year. Next summer Fearon expects to be able to offer more hands-on educational opportunities and she hopes to involve continuing education opportunities for teachers and students.

Her past honors include 2007 Florida High School Science Teacher of the Year, Florida Teacher of the Year finalist 2005, Santa Rosa School District Teacher of the Year 2005 and Santa Rosa’s 2001 Rookie Teacher of the Year.

Want to help support the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station?

Donations and sponsorships are being accepted. Sponsorship opportunities range from $50 per year to $1000 and include an engraved plaque permanently mounted on the railing at the station. A wish list of new and gently used items is also available and ranges from lab coats to five gallon buckets. Contact Fearon: MauroC@mail.santarosa.k12.fl.us