Sunday – Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell

Today I want to take you on a quick tour of the Marine Science Education Center

 

Pictured is the education center located on the grounds of the Marine Science Institute here in Port Aransas.

The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute is the oldest and most significant marine research facility on the Texas coast. The Institute is dedicated to the three central functions of a major university, research, education, and outreach, as they apply to the Texas coastal zone and other marine environments. As an organized research unit, the primary goal of the Marine Science Institute is to improve understanding of the marine environment through rigorous scientific investigations.

 

This is the plaque at the base of the sculpture titled, Interdependency. The sculpture contains over fifty marine species and symbolizes the interdependent nature of our marine world.

 

 

Inside the Educational Center are a number of interactive exhibits designed to explain the mysteries of the coastal zone.

 

For example here is a game teaching where fish are found in the Gulf. The lighthouse mural on the right is named the Lydia Ann lighthouse.

 

There is a telescope inside the center so that you can look at the Lydia Ann lighthouse. I took a photo through the telescope and you can see it off in the distance.

There are also interactive displays.

 

Here is a fishing boat on the bay with a little pond filled with fish that can be caught with a magnet on a rod (yes,the fish have a metal spot with which you have to connect)

Here’s what the boat looks like loaded with tourists (actually my family – daughters and grandkids)

 

There is so much more to see and feel but we are just about out of time. Here is an aerial view so you can get an idea of how large.

 

 

 

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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

42 thoughts on “Sunday – Views of the Neighborhood”

  5. First — Happy birthday, John! I hope your day is everything you want it to be.
    Yet you gave us the gift of this post and virtually visiting the Marine Science Institute. OMG… who knew the place was so huge! I’m glad you included that aerial photo — it gave a lot of perspective. The sculpture is fascinating; love the imagination that combined all those creatures into one. But the best thing was the family photo, with everyone in the spirit of the fun. Happy birthday hugs!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I’m really enjoying your new series of posts. I love the tarpon sculpture and thought it was the best part, until I saw your family. They look like they were having a great time and really made the post outstanding.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I just saw it’s your B-day, John — Happy Birthday and many more! Thanks for letting me tag along on your tour. ‘Twas lots of fun because I love learning and seeing all this marine nature. And that’s a handsome family you’ve got — you must be mighty proud!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Happy Birthday. I heard today’s the big day. Handsome family, John.
    Austin Marine Science Institute is huge, like a city onto itself. This is the type of place I like to visit on a rainy day. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Thank you for the lovely and to me previously unknown marine life center one Port A. I look forward to visiting. Congrats to you also for such a superb family!

    Liked by 1 person

  14. “Understanding the marine environment through scientific research” sounds like a worthy goal. I’m not sure about that boat in the second last picture, though. It looks dangerously overcrowded to me. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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