By Julie Gorham

Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 8:53 pm

In a couple of months, the Marine Science Station in Crystal River will be hosting weeklong camps for middle and high school students during its annual Coastal Camp Citrus.

Although the camps aren’t until June, officials are reaching out to families because the deadline for applications in May 5.

“The camps immerse students in the beauty of Crystal River. We explore springs and estuaries, Shell Island and Mullet Key, all the way to the Rainbow River,” said Marine Science Station Supervisor Earnie Olsen.

There will be two camps for middle school students completing sixth and seventh grade from June 5-9 and June 12-16, and one camp for high school students in ninth, 10th and 11th grade from

June 20-24. Students spend five days and four nights surrounded by 15 acres of marsh hammock, with the Salt River to the north and tidal marshes to explore in every direction.

Students lodge overnight and eat meals at the Marine Science Station during the entire week of Coastal Camp Citrus. Students are supervised

24 hours a day by certified teachers and staff in a safe and secure environment.

“We are planning to work with the Duke Energy’s Crystal River Mariculture Center, possibly in cleaning of lyngbya, and will be meeting the Southwest Florida Water Management District at Three Sisters Springs to discuss spring restoration and possibly eelgrass plantation,” Olsen said.

The cost of the weeklong camp per student is $300, which includes overnight lodging in supervised dorms and prepared meals at the Marine Science Station.

“The importance of the camp is to provide local and regional students an opportunity to go into the coastal environment.... We want students to be aware of the issues in the area,” Olsen said.

SO YOU KNOW

To apply for Coastal Camp Citrus, go to mss.citrusschools.org or call the Marine Science Station at 352-795-1904 for more information. Individuals or groups interested in sponsoring Coast Camp Citrus 2017 are encourage to call, as well.

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