Group Programs
Coastal Dune Lakes
Coastal dune lakes are unique and only found in five places in the entire world, including the Florida Panhandle. We explore the ecology of these lakes to reveal why they are so unique and important.
Location
Grayton Beach State Park and Camp Helen State Park
Grade Level
Elementary, Middle and High School
Group Sizes
Schools: minimum 15, maximum 65 students per field trip day. Larger groups should book multiple days. Residents & visitors: contact us for a custom trip.
Please Note
This trip is currently designed to be completed from shore.
What the adventure covers
This field trip centres on the unique nature of the coastal dune lakes and contrasts this habitat with that of the Gulf. Activities are hands-on (and wet!) and include sampling, analysis and identification, and Q&A.
Activities focus on water quality; capture and identification of marine life; identifying and discussing exotic and nuisance species; looking at the critters you can't see (phytoplankton); observing ghost crabs; turtle games and discussion; looking for larger marine mammals, birds, reptiles and fish; and discussing stormwater, plastic and other pollution impacts in the habitat and the implications for the larger ecosystem.
The focus is for students to be able to describe the major physical, biological and ecological features of the coastal dune lake during the field trip, and to discuss their own solutions to human impacts. The discussion and salient points taught are based on the grade level of the class.
Activity stations
All activities are aligned to Florida state standards. Depending on group size, students rotate through 4–5 of the following stations.
Coastal Dune Lakes activity descriptions
A full list of potential activities and the Florida Standard associated with each one.
Field sites
Coastal dune lake adventures are held at two State Parks, each with a lake sitting right beside the Gulf — perfect for comparing the two habitats in a single day.
Grayton Beach State Park
Western Lake and the Dune Lake Trail, with easy shoreline access to both the lake and the Gulf.
Camp Helen State Park
Lake Powell — the largest coastal dune lake — where Philips Inlet connects the lake to the Gulf.
Coastal Dune Lakes Field Trip
A look at the habitat and critters students meet on the lakes. Click any image to enlarge.
How to Book
Choose your field adventure, pick your date on the calendar, and register online. You can also call 850-508-7306 Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM to have your questions answered and book your trip.
Student costs will be covered by grants and donations, but we will need a firm headcount for each trip. For Field Adventures for the Community (residents and visitors), donations will be required to cover the costs of staff and equipment use and to support E&FCA's efforts during the school year. The costs will be calculated on a per person basis during booking.
Your donations help science teachers hone their skills during the summer by leading adventures and bring more kids into the field during the school year. We much appreciate your contributions!
