Emerald & Forgotten
Coast Adventures

“Our second graders had the best time on our field trip with Emerald & Forgotten Coast Adventures! Jon is so accommodating and made sure to provide the best experience for our kids! We definitely can't wait to use them again for future field trips!!”

“Our 5th graders had an amazing learning experience! They participated in hands-on, standards-based Science activities that were led by incredible volunteers. We enjoyed a beautiful hike on the nature trail too!”

“Students learned about coastal dune lake ecology while looking at zooplankton under microscopes, observed invertebrates in touch tanks, used binoculars to identify birds, and learned how to test water quality. The volunteers were knowledgeable and very good with our students.”

“I have 31 years of experience leading kids on exciting outdoor science field trips and museum visits, and I can confidently say that this has been one of the most rewarding experiences for my students! The wetlands of the panhandle are a fantastic natural resource, and thanks to this organization's efforts, my students have gained a deeper appreciation for the ecology of our area. Thank you for making such a positive impact!”

“We went with the team to St Andrews State Park on Thursday 11/21/24. I was so impressed with their enthusiasm, organization and wonderful 'stations' they created for the 4th graders (approximately 90 who attended). Such a vital experience for those children to get out of the classroom and have hands on learning right there on the shore. Jon Schmidt is a committed, tireless, professional, fun and joyful person with whom the children and volunteers connect with instantly. All of this he does on his own time, dedicating so many hours all because of his love of this fragile environment. Having this educational program continue on is so valuable to the community and such a powerful way to equip the next generation to understand the importance of protecting and preserving their shores.”

“We are beyond grateful to work with Jon, Brittany, and the amazing team at Emerald and Forgotten Coast Adventures! They've given thousands of our students across the district unforgettable field trip experiences this year — and every one of them has been safe, well-organized, and packed with fun. Students get to meet all kinds of cool coastal critters, dive into hands-on activities, and learn so much about marine science in a variety of ecosystems. Best of all, everything they do is tied to our learning standards, making it a win-win for kids and teachers!”