Ocean First Institute captures great white shark video while on OCEARCH Nova Scotia Expedition

Posted by OCEARCH on Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Collaborative Project Succeeds! Endangered Redbelly Dace Fish Released Back Into The Wild

Posted September 2, 2020

The release was part of a project partnership formed by the St. Vrain Valley School District, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Boulder County Parks and Open Space and the Ocean First Institute. Mac Kobza, a wildlife biologist with Boulder County Parks & Open Space, said the northern redbelly dace species has seen a decline in its population, due to habitat loss as human development has reshaped Colorado waterways. The fish, which prefer shallow, spring-fed ponds, are a state-endangered species and are among those listed as a Tier 1 Species of Greatest Conservation Need by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The northern redbelly dace is found in Colorado in the West Plum Creek drainage, which is south of Chatfield Reservoir, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

See Article in the Longmont Times Call Here

See Article in the Longmont Leader Here 

Black Lives Matter, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement from Ocean First Institute 

Posted June 20, 2020

Ocean First Institute is dedicated to fostering a healthier planet and a brighter future for a new generation. As such, we cannot remain silent when Black lives are at risk, daily, due to systematic injustice, racism, and police brutality. A healthier planet is one where racial equity is prioritized, and where systematic racism is dismantled. We believe that there is no place in our world for racism, division and hate. Read our full statement here.

COVID-19 Update from Ocean First Institute

Posted on March 23, 2020

Dear Ocean First Institute Community,

These are challenging times for all of us and we hope that you and your loved ones are faring as well as possible and in good health. We know, and deeply appreciate, that Ocean First Institute is near and dear to your hearts and wanted to give you an update on how COVID-19 is affecting us.

In response to COVID-19 our leadership staff is closely monitoring the recommendations from local health officials, the Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley School Districts, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, and the CDC and we will reinstate each in-school program when it is deemed safe and appropriate.

This is an unprecedented time and we are all exploring the new normal. School closures have eliminated our in-person school programs and we are committed to providing online opportunities for students to continue to connect to nature and learn about ocean conservation (check out our virtual events and resources here). While things are still so uncertain, we are finding comfort in knowing that the work that we do to connect people to the value of the natural world is more important and relevant than ever. Being in nature can reduce stress and improve mental and physical health. We can’t predict what the future holds, but we can depend on nature – and community – to help us through it.

PROGRAMS

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS: Ocean First Institute is providing weekly LIVE webinars and streaming events, along with at-home activities, recordings, and materials for students, teachers, and parents. Check out all of our virtual resources here.

IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMS: As of Friday, March 13th, all of Ocean First Institute's in-school programs are on hold and may be rescheduled as virtual opportunities as is deemed possible.

SUMMER CAMP: Our Summer Camp registration remains open and we are still looking forward to an incredible summer of exploring and learning about the ocean we all love. For more information on our camp policies please visit here. We will be updating you with information about summer camps regularly.