Flagler Schools Earns Prestigious Guy Harvey Conservation District Designation for Ocean Education

Flagler Schools has been named a Guy Harvey Conservation District for the 2025–2026 school year, a recognition that reflects the school system’s work in environmental education, teacher training, and marine science. The honor will be formally presented at the Flagler Schools Board Meeting on May 19, 2026, at the Government Services Building in Bunnell.

The designation comes from the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF), a global nonprofit focused on scientific research, marine education, and ocean conservation advocacy. Jessica Harvey, CEO of the foundation, praised the district’s commitment. “We are inspired by the work and commitment of the educators and schools in Flagler Schools that, through the Guy Harvey Conservation Education Program, promote marine science and strengthen conservation education,” Harvey said. She added that the foundation’s goal is to reach more than 50 million students and five million teachers globally. “The commitment of school systems across the nation dedicated to environmental STEAM education creates a ripple effect as educators become catalysts for positive environmental change in the minds and actions of their students,” Harvey said.

View from underneath a wooden pier at the beach, with ocean waves washing onto the sandy shore, footprints in the sand, and a cloudy sky at sunset in the background

Within Flagler Schools, two campuses — Matanzas High School and Wadsworth Elementary School — are already recognized as Guy Harvey Conservation Schools, and 15 district educators hold the title of Guy Harvey Conservation Educator.

Heidi Alves, Flagler Schools K-12 Science Curriculum Specialist, said the program has had a direct impact in classrooms. “The Guy Harvey curriculum has tremendously impacted Flagler Schools by equipping teachers with engaging training and meaningful marine science resources they can immediately bring back to their classrooms,” Alves said. “Our students are developing a deeper understanding of ocean ecosystems and becoming responsible stewards of our marine environment. We are incredibly proud to be recognized as a Guy Harvey Conservation District and to partner in promoting marine science education and environmental stewardship across Flagler Schools.”

The Guy Harvey Conservation Education Program is open to all elementary, middle, and high school educators. Teachers who complete the training become certified Guy Harvey Conservation Educators and receive classroom supplies, resources, and access to grants for field trips. The program focuses on environmental STEAM education — science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics — with a specific emphasis on marine and ocean ecosystems.

More information about the program, including upcoming training locations and schedules, is available at GuyHarveyFoundation.org/education/conservationprogram or by emailing cet@guyharveyfoundation.org. Information about Flagler Schools can be found at flaglerschools.com or by calling 386-437-7526.

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