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Marine education center outlines programs, small budget and new boat-based outreach
Summary
Diane, who runs the Marine Education Center, told trustees the center is expanding school and public programs and expects a June boat-based outreach; she walked the board through a modest budget, volunteer cleanups, grant-supported debris collection pilots and program-driven revenue of about $18,000.
Diane, who identified herself as the person who runs the Marine Education Center, told the board she operates public programs, after‑school activities and camps that bring students and residents to the Long Island Sound from partner districts such as New Rochelle and Mamaroneck.
The center is also arranging a new boat-based outreach program arriving in June to carry students on harbor trips and plans open-to-the-public events tied to fundraising. "That's the boat you see. That's gonna be coming to the harbor in June to bring kids," Diane said. She described collaborations with the Long Island Sound Study, Sea Grant, Save the Sound and the Bronx Children’s Museum.
On the tentative budget, Diane outlined line items including her salary, part‑time seasonal staff, overtime for evening events, office equipment, volunteer uniforms, fuel for a program truck and supplies for hands‑on work such as waders. She listed contract services including House of Fins and technology providers. "The salary is pretty much, you know, general. I do everything from being the secretary of the center and the janitor to running the programs," she said.
Diane said the center’s revenue is program driven — fees from birthday parties, school visits and pop‑up winter camps — and cited roughly $18,000 of new income shown in the packet. She noted the operation is in its second year open year‑round and still building capacity: "It is a work in progress." Sandpiper Fund and other donors help cover some school visits.
During questions trustees sought clarification on how revenues and budgets are presented in the board packet. Diane said the packet lists projected new income and that limited staffing constrains program expansion. She also described recurring harbor trash that comes via storm drains, and said she is pursuing a grant with Save the Sound for a sea‑vacuum trash bin and working with a local robotics club on a pickup robot.
The board did not take a formal vote on the center’s packet during the presentation; staff and trustees agreed to follow up on clarifying spreadsheet entries and grant status.
