The largest living coral reef in the United States exists as backbone to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a 2,800-square-nautical-mile ecosystem that surrounds the 126-mile island chain of the Florida Keys. This reef is home to a diverse group of plants and animals all protected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. And as scientists continue to shed light on the Keys' underwater life, visitors can learn more about this delicate ecosystem at the new Eco-Discovery Center in Key West that opened a year ago this month. On a visit to Key West, I put aside my snorkeling mask to tour the new 6,400-square-foot educational center, wandering among its interactive maps and exhibits highlighting the ecology of the Keys' main habitats: pinelands, beaches, mangroves, seagrass flats and the coral reef. A 2,500-gallon reef tank displays living coral, tropical fish, and a live reef camera feed from the actual reef six miles off shore. The center also includes a mock-up of Aquarius, the world's only underwater ocean laboratory. And its solar paneled roof and green amenities make the center environmentally friendly.
Key West, Beyond the Beach: The Eco-Discovery Center
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