Visit the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet Florida

A few weeks ago I spent a leisurely afternoon at Ponce Inlet. I walked through the nature trails, climbed the lookout tower, spent some time on the jetty, watched the sunset, and took lots of great pictures. Ponce Inlet is an absolutely beautiful, popular place to live. It's near Daytona Beach, but not in the thick of all the tourist trappings. The local residents love living there!

On my outing that afternoon, I wanted to visit the Ponce Inlet Marine Science Center but I didn't have time then. So I'm planning an afternoon there soon and I thought I'd share some of the cool information I've gathered so far.

As you may have gathered, the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet is located within walking distance of the actual Inlet and the lighthouse, which is the second tallest in the U.S. Some of the greatest aspects of the Ponce Inlet Marine Science Center are

• 7 Turtle Hospital Pools at the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility and
  
• The Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary. 

On October 19, approximately 3,000 rehabilitated Washback Green Sea Turtles and Loggerhead Sea Turtles were loaded onto two 35 foot Bertram boats and taken 40 miles offshore, and released into the Gulf Stream. (Aren't they cute little buggers?) Read the story about the rehabilitated and released Sea Turtles.

The Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary, named after a local bird rehabber who took care of sick and injured birds in Volusia County for over 30 years, has treated more than 1800 birds since June of 2004. This number is far higher than what they had originally anticipated.

If you find a sick or injured sea turtle, you can call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC. Since Sea Turtles are protected by the Endangered Species Act, only the proper authorities can handle and/or transport them.

Sick and injured birds can be dropped off at the Bird Rehabilitation Facility 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Follow this link for more injured turtle or bird pickup or drop-off information.

The next Marine Science Center Calendar Event that is open to the public is a beach walk at "The Rocks" at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Palm Coast, on November 28.

you're interested in buying real estate in Ponce Inlet, I'd love to help! I'm a native of this area and have experience selling real estate in every city in East Volusia County and the Greater Daytona Beach area. My web site is jam packed full of information about this area. You can find it at www.DaytonaBeachRealEstateSales.com. Be sure to check out my personal listings!