Cedar Key Seafood Festival to Host (UF/IFAS) Nature Coast Biological Station

CEDAR KEY – After a year’s pause due to hurricane impacts, the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS) will once again open its doors to the public for its annual Open House on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, offering a hands-on look at the science, conservation, and community partnerships that define Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Hosted by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at NCBS, 552 First Street in Cedar Key. Admission is free, and families, students, and visitors of all ages are welcome.

The Open House marks a celebrated return after last year’s cancellation caused by hurricane-related disruptions. This year’s event will highlight the ongoing research and outreach that take place year-round at the station — work that helps protect and restore coastal ecosystems across Florida’s Nature Coast.

Visitors will have opportunities to meet scientists and graduate researchers, explore interactive exhibits, and participate in a variety of educational and family-friendly activities. Touch tanks featuring live aquatic animals, scavenger hunts, and games designed to engage young learners will make marine science accessible and fun for all ages.

“The NCBS open house is a chance for us to interact with the public and our neighbors in Cedar Key, and show our year-round work to improve and protect our natural resources,” said NCBS Director Mike Allen.

Alongside NCBS exhibits, guest booths will feature representatives from several UF departments, the UF Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, the Florida State University Marine Lab, and multiple state agencies involved in environmental stewardship and marine research. Each will share insights into the state’s efforts to balance coastal protection with sustainable use of marine resources.

Located in the heart of historic Cedar Key, the Nature Coast Biological Station serves as a hub for research, education, and outreach focused on the Gulf Coast’s unique ecosystems — from oyster reefs and seagrass beds to fisheries and wildlife habitats. The open house is designed not only to showcase scientific advances but also to strengthen ties between the research community and local residents who depend on coastal environments for their livelihoods and recreation.

With its mix of science, education, and community spirit, this year’s open house offers a family-friendly way to reconnect with Florida’s natural coast and the people working to preserve it.

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