The Marine Discovery Center (MDC) in New Smyrna Beach, Florida has been a NNOCCI Member Organization since 2015. MDC recently completed an inspiring project that protects their shorelines from boat wakes and natural events, improves functional aquatic and terrestrial habitat, sequesters carbon pollution, and creates green space for passive recreation. The cheekily-named “Promote Paradise and Remove a Parking Lot” initiative transformed a large expanse of asphalt and concrete into a vibrant coastal habitat that now supports both people and wildlife.
MDC partners and volunteers removed more than 22,000 square feet of pavement and hardened shoreline, transforming the waterfront into a Living Shoreline by restoring native marsh grasses, mangroves, and oyster reef structures. They also created an interpretive trail and ADA accessible kayak launch, giving the community new ways to connect with the Indian River Lagoon. What were once barren medians now bloom with native trees and grasses, providing shade, cooling the area, and absorbing stormwater before it reaches the lagoon.
Restoring native vegetation not only enhances the beauty of the site but also increases carbon capture and improves air and water quality, while new green spaces support biodiversity and provide habitat for birds, fish, and pollinators. By replacing impervious pavement with living landscapes, the land now filters stormwater naturally and buffers the lagoon from pollution. The shoreline is now healthier and more resilient, able to recover naturally from storm events while protecting both the community and the wildlife that depend on it.
Community involvement was central to the project’s success. Volunteers and residents collectively helped install habitat features and plant more than 1,000 native trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers to protect ecosystems now and into the future. To build on this engagement, MDC introduced a new interpretive trail that will engage over 40,000 people annually, helping visitors understand how local restoration contributes to global climate solutions and protects home ecosystems.
The community came together to celebrate the project’s completion with a joyful ribbon cutting. Guests gathered along the restored shoreline to reflect on how far the site had come, from paved school grounds to thriving coastal habitat, as “Big Yellow Taxi” played in the background, reminding everyone of why this work matters.
Through this project, the Marine Discovery Center demonstrated that restoring coastal habitat is an essential climate action achievable at the community level. The center’s dedication to education, conservation, and connection continues to inspire others to protect our coasts and foster hope for a resilient future. NNOCCI is proud to celebrate MDC for this remarkable achievement, and we hope you’ll help us celebr!
Learn more about The Marine Discovery Center on their website, or via their social media channels (@marinediscoverycenter on Instagram & Facebook)
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