News

SEAsonal Crafts - Trash2Treasures 12/17/16 10am-noon

December 17, 2016

Most of us are familiar with the 3 R’s: reduce, reuse and recycle. It’s time to put the 4th R into action - recreate! Learn about the problem of marine debris as you recreate “greener” holiday treasures from items that would be otherwise recycled or simply thrown away. The goal is to learn while having fun, because together we can make a difference. Join us for some SEAsonal crafts for all ages!

We will be turning our trash into treasure on Saturday December 12^th, from 10am to 12pm. Please meet us at the Marine Science Education Center. For more

Weekend Wetland Warrior 11/19/2016 10am-noon

November 19, 2016

It is time to bring out our inner warrior at the Wetlands Education Center (WEC),decreasing the number of pesky invasive species. In numbers we can accomplish vegetation management, and learn WHY this process is so important. This event will take place on Saturday November 19^th, starting at 10am. We will meet at the amphitheater, in the Wetlands Education Center. We will provide the equipment to tackle the project, but we encourage you to bring gloves and any favorite tools from home! Bring your reusable water bottles, we will have a jug of drinking water. If you would like to

Halloween Hands on Habitat! Saturday, October 29th at 10am

October 29, 2016

The Hands on Habitat program is an interactive, hands on experience that takes place around the Wetlands Education Center, at The University of Texas Marine Science Institute. Visitors will gain knowledge about Estuaries, those valuable areas where rivers meet the sea. You will have the opportunity to learn about the coastal environments, and all that inhabits there, through touching, smelling, observing and listening. This Hands on Habitat experience will also celebrate Halloween, so come and join us for a spook-tastic experience!

Participation is limited to the first 24

Film and Discussion Series begins Thursday, October 27th at 3pm

October 27, 2016

Join us in the auditorium at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute every Tuesday and Thursday at 3pm. Enhance your environmental literacy through film. Films range in time from 15-58 minutes followed by a group discussion. Programs are open to the public, and are free of charge. We look forward to seeing you then.

Follow the link for the schedule of films: https://utmsi.utexas.edu/2013-05-15-16-05-02/

Mission-Aransas Reserve's 10th Anniversary and National Estuaries Day!

September 24, 2016

Join us for a fun-filled day of hands-on activities and educational speakers on Saturday, September 24, 2016. Want to help keep our local estuary healthy and clean? Join us for our jetty and beach clean up!

Schedule of Events:

12:00 pm – 3:30 pm Hands-on Programs and Educational Speakers

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm Cake Cutting

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm MSI Jetty Clean Up

Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup - Community Program

September 17, 2016

Ocean trash is a serious pollution problem that affects the health of people, wildlife and local economies. Trash in the water and on the shore can kill marine animals, injure swimmers and beachgoers! Would you like to get involved and make a difference?

The 2016 Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup is Saturday September 17^th. The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) and The Mission Aransas Reserve have planned our own Jetty clean up to join the global event, and we need your help! We will meet at 10am in The Marine Science Education Center (

Natural Designs for Resiliency - Upcoming Workshop August 2, 2016

August 2, 2016

Are you interested in living shorelines? Curious about how natural systems relate to resiliency? Join us for an informative and interactive workshop exploring topics related to living shorelines projects.

Find out more information HERE.

Summer Education Programs at The University of Texas Marine Science Institute

June 18, 2016

The Mission Aransas Reserve at The University Of Texas Marine Science Institute is pleased to offer science education programs this summer. We look forward to learning about marine science with YOU, and sharing OUR passion for this coastal environment and inhabitants. Please see the attached flyer for details about our upcoming programs.

For more information contact Education Specialist Nicole Pringle at npringle@austin.utexas.edu or call 361-749-3153

Film and Discovery Series Starting June 8th at 3pm

June 8, 2016

Join The University of Texas Marine Science Institute’s NEW and FREE summer program, for visitors aged six and older. We will show short marine science related films and follow up with an engaging hands-on activity. Please note that the run time is for the film only. The activity will follow the film and last approximately 30 minutes. We can accommodate a large group for the film; however, we are limited to 24 participants for the activity. Please contact Nicole Pringle at npringle@austin.utexas.edu or call 361-749-3153 to secure your place

2016 World Ocean's Day

June 8, 2016

Come and celebrate World Ocean’s Day at The University of Texas Marine Science Institute. This year the global celebration focuses on “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet”. We will be showing “Bag it” directed by Susan Beraza and conducted by Jeb Berrier. “Bag it” dives into what plastic is and how it affects our beautiful ocean in an energetic way. This program is FREE and includes a craft activity, printing marine life on totes that participants can keep and re-use. You can be inspired to be a steward of the future, and collaboratively we can protect