By Heather Bennett Eye
Emerald & Forgotten Coast Adventures (E&FCA) is an educational 501© (3) whose mission is to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. They utilize our unique coastal ecosystem as a living classroom to engage kids in hands-on interactive programs. Through exploring the wonders of marine science education, they also teach kids how to appreciate the world around them.
Founder Jon Schmidt, Ph.D. and Director of Education Brittany Pace, bring a wealth of experience and passion to E&FCA. Along with their crucial contributions, invaluable donations, partners and essential volunteers, they provide students with hands-on learning along the Panhandle and its coast at no cost to the schools. “In this post-COVID era, providing schools with no cost options to augment classroom education is paramount to helping students excel and ignite a passion for their interests,” said Jon.
Jon’s love for marine science began on the beaches of Cape Cod and grew as he became SCUBA certified at 13, eventually earning a doctorate in marine ecology from Florida State University. After decades of conducting marine studies worldwide, he’s now dedicated to inspiring the next generation in Bay and Walton Counties. “I feel that our generation needs to invest back into the younger generation. We’re not going to teach them anything by telling them, we need to teach them by showing them,” stated Jon. “I’m trying to spend the years I’m able to invest in the next generation, help them understand they’re going to be the next stewards, and providing them the right information to steward the environment.”
Brittany, a Florida native, developed her passion for marine science early on and pursued it through degrees in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies at UNCW. She taught thousands of students, running a similar program in North Carolina before returning to her home state. She is committed to creating immersive experiences that spark curiosity and inspire young minds. “She brings a lot of good experience, and also a lot of good connections with teachers and administrators,” said Jon.
Emerald Forgotten Coast Adventures offers field experience to students in grades 1-12 in Bay and Walton County, focusing on the unique coastal ecosystems of the Panhandle and Gulf Coast. By working closely with teachers, they tailor lessons to complement classroom studies, providing memorable experiences that bring science to life. “The whole goal is to give students the hands-on experience,” stated Jon. “We make sure we keep them engaged and make sure they all have a chance to do the activities and ask questions.”
Depending on the trip, students will explore Gulf ecology, estuaries, seagrass habitats and coastal dune lakes at locations such as Grayton Beach State Park, Camp Helen State Park, St Andrews State Park, and Tyndall Air Force Base. “I pick locations that are relatively undisturbed,” explained Jon. “Tyndall has some of the most amazing habitat there, all protected and maintained.”
Students are broken up into 4 or 5 stations with 10-12 students where they will have opportunities to study ghost crabs & fiddler crabs, sea turtles, see specimens up close in a touch tank, learn how to fish, test for water quality and see life beyond the human eye through high quality microscopes equipped with LCD screens and cameras for capturing pictures of specimens, allowing for continued study back in the classroom. All programs are aligned with Florida education standards, ensuring a meaningful and educational experience. “We try to make sure the teachers can carry that on in the classroom,” said Jon.
Volunteers play a vital role in making E&FCA a success. They help set up learning stations, assist with hands-on education, and answer students’ questions, enhancing the overall learning experience. All volunteers undergo background checks and fingerprinting to ensure safety compliance with school district requirements. Additionally, every adventure has at least someone present who is certified in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid, providing a safe and supportive environment for students to explore and learn.
Although their primary focus is offering programs through local schools, E&FCA also provides educational trips for local residents and vacationing families in exchange for a donation. These sessions are customized to match the children’s ages and interests, ensuring an engaging experience for all participants. Since grants are designated solely for school field programs, the donations help support these unique learning adventures. Over 1,100 students participated in the fall semester and currently over 900 students have signed up for the spring semester, with schools even booking into the next school year.
Jon has big plans for the future, aiming to expand the E&FCA educational reach to seven counties around St. Joe Bay and St. Andrews Bay. They hope to benchmark their programs with local schools, particularly for 5th and 7th graders, to enhance science education in the region. “We’re trying to make sure as many schools that want to participate, can,” stated Jon.
In addition, he has a vision to build and operate an aquarium similar to the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, serving as both an educational resource and a tourist attraction. The foundation is actively working to secure funding to bring these exciting expansion plans to life.
With teachers already booking their trips for the 2025-2026 school season, volunteers are always appreciated. If you have a love for the outdoors and teaching, please reach out to Emerald & Forgotten Coast Adventures at (850) 508-7306 or jon@emeraldforgottencoastadventures.org.
If you’d like to support Emerald and Forgotten Coast Adventures, donations can be made at by scanning the QR code provided.
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