Harbor Island Marine Education Center's Grand Reopening In April

MAMARONECK, NY — The Marine Education Center (MEC) on Harbor Island has chosen the observance of Earth Week to celebrate the center’s grand reopening following a year of uncertainty and restrictions on its operations. The reopening festivities will be held on April 19, but the fun (and learning opportunities) will continue throughout the week.

The Earth Week welcome-back activities kick off with an Earth Day edition of MEC Naturalist Kyle Troy’s interactive Marine Monday discussions carried live on the Westchester Children’s Museum FaceBook Live stream. Because the 11 a.m. event is virtual, reservations are not required. Individuals as well as classrooms are welcome to participate or ask questions live.

Following the virtual presentation on April 19, an in-person carbon footprint discussion will take place from 1-1:30 p.m. Students and visitors of all ages will discuss how to best reduce their carbon footprints. The Earth Week party will continue on Tuesday, April 20, with a recycled newspaper craft workshop for students ages four and up. The kids will take home their own handmade flower planter created entirely with recycled material.

On Wednesday, April 21, at 1 p.m. visitors will have the chance to create their own terrarium with its own unique biosphere. The MEC will mark Earth Day on April 22 with a special edition of Troy’s FaceBook Live broadcast focusing on all things Earth Day-related. Later in the day, at 2 p.m., the center will host an outdoor scavenger hunt in the park that will also teach participants how long it takes for various materials to biodegrade.

The weeklong reopening celebration will wrap up with harbor clean-up on Friday, April 23. Supplies will be provided, but participants are urged to wear comfortable clothing that they don’t mind getting dirty.

All of the in-person activities require advance registration and mask wearing. Those who wish to attend the in-person presentations should email MEC Naturalist KTROY@VOMNY.org to reserve a spot. The Marine Education Center will be open for drop-in visitors from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday to Friday (or whenever the flag is flying).

The Marine Education Center at Harbor Island Park with its multiple aquariums filled with creatures big and small from the nearby Long Island Sound is a favorite of park visitors, who know the facility is always open when the flag is out. A new large touch tank stocked with animals from the Harbor has earned the interactive learning center a special place in the hearts of Mamaroneck school children. Admission is always free.