Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center at Santa Cruz
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"Individuals need to be aware of and understand the issues facing the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in order to be good stewards or caretakers of the sanctuary." |
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Responding to the call from prominent voices in the ocean conservation community, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation has embarked on a campaign to support state-of-the-art, interactive interpretive exhibits for a Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz, Calif. These innovative exhibits will allow visitors a unique look into the issues impacting the marine ecosystem, as well as encouraging each person to examine the personal role they have in the protection of one of our nation’s underwater treasures; the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. While public funds support the construction of the Sanctuary Exploration Center building, NMSF was called to lead a capital campaign for the exhibits. Practicing our core mission to support educational outreach in sanctuary communities, NMSF is spearheading a $3.4 million campaign for the "Sea Beyond the Beach" capital campaign. Progress on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctaury Exploration Center before the grand opening, in July 2011, and an artist's rendering of the finished center (right). |
You Can Help
Surely, you want to help preserve the health and beauty of Monterey Bay for future generations to enjoy. With your support, we can educate visitors of the Monterey Bay NMS Exploration Center to understand the Sea Beyond the Beach and ensure the preservation of this unique and beautiful underwater treasure.
Everyone can do something...What Will You Do?
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Recognition & Giving Opportunities
In recognition of a leadership gift, a plaque stating that a particular exhibit was made possible through the generosity of the donor will be placed next to the exhibit the donor chooses. Exhibit recognition is based on the amount of the donation and given on a first-come, first-served basis. Artist renderings are available to look at upon request. For a complete list of naming opportunities, click here.
To learn about sponsorship opportunities, click here. Please contact Mark DiOrio at (831) 647-1920 x107 with inquiries.
About the Center
After a two-year study, Santa Cruz was selected from 23 sites for the new Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center. The Center is part of an ongoing development effort to make Santa Cruz, CA a major eco-learning destination, known for its support of ocean conservation. It will be located in a very lively area of Santa Cruz, prominently situated and visible from many of the district’s top recreational attractions. The Sanctuary Exploration Center will be so much more than your typical science museum. Inside you will find...
- Dynamic, interactive multi-media exhibits designed for both children and adults
- A theater with wide-screen, real-time, underwater video
- Hands-on geology lab featuring samples from the sanctuary
- Practical examples of how to appreciate and preserve the natural resources in the sanctuary
Through these unique and interactive exhibits, the Sanctuary Exploration Center will help guests understand the interconnectedness of the sea life, the impacts of land-based human activity, and the uniqueness of the sanctuary’s marine habitat. The ultimate goal is to have visitors come in the door as ocean-lovers, but go out the door wise ocean stewards, helping to preserve Monterey Bay and the Ocean for generations to come. Visitors to the Sanctuary Exploration Center will reflect the cultural diversity of central California, so the development of bilingual exhibits is a priority.
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Also, the Sanctuary Exploration Center is mindful of its environmental impact, and will conform to U.S. Green Building LEED (Leadership in Environmental Engineering and Design) Silver or better specifications. |
To lean more about the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center at Santa Cruz, its exhibits, and the mission to preserve Monterey Bay for future generations, Click here.
