GOMESA Application Details

Internal Project Number: 271370
1. Title of Project: Discovery On The Green: Coastal Conservation for Mississippi's Future
2. Location of Project: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center 246 Dolan Ave. Gulfport, MS 39507 County: Harrison
3. Requesting Organization: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
4a. Name: Cindy DeFrances
4b. Position
4c. Phone Number: 228-897-6039
4d. Fax Number
4e. Address Line 1: 246 Dolan Avenue
4e. Address Line 2
4e. City, State Zip: Gulfport, Mississippi
4f. Email: cdefrances@lmdc.org
5. FundingRequested: $1,874,723
Awarded Amount:
6. Other State or Federal Funding Sources: No
7a. Amount of Additional Funds
7b. Source of Additional Funds
8. Total Project Funds Amount: $1,874,723
9. Project Description/Overview: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center (LMDC) is seeking funding for Discovery on the Green, a signature outdoor coastal conservation project spanning nine acres and dedicated to advancing early childhood environmental literacy, promoting the conservation of coastal land and water resources and serving as a model inspiring community-wide ecological stewardship. Discovery on the Green will be an immersive experience that brings these goals to life by connecting children directly to the Gulf Coast's ecosystems through place-based education. Aligned with GOMESA's mission, the project is designed to strengthen regional resilience by encouraging hands-on exploration of conservation, sustainability, and coastal resource protection. Planned interactive exhibits such as Blue Economy Coastal Climber, Oyster Reef Quest, Backyard Biology, and Physics in Motion will demonstrate real-world environmental concepts. A Trike Track will lead children through eco-tourism "stops" focused on native species, land and water preservation, and habitat restoration, encouraging curiosity about our unique regional resources. Located just a block from the Gulf of Mexico/America, LMDC's coastal setting provides a powerful backdrop for place-based environmental education. The coastal conservation project will be universally accessible and designed to inspire children and families from across the nation. Initiated in 2023 with the acquisition of two adjacent properties, the project positions LMDC as a regional leader in conservation education through partnerships with the Gulfport School District, University of Southern Mississippi, and Gulf Blue. Discovery on the Green will also serve as a model of the conservation and resilience principles it teaches. Sustainable features will guide design and construction throughout the process. Native plants will support local pollinators and wildlife while minimizing irrigation needs. Hurricane-resilient structures, elevated play areas, and preserved live oaks will enhance storm protection. Educational signage, citizen science stations, and the use of conservation design elements will promote eco-friendly practices. In alignment with GOMESA's priorities, Discovery on the Green will be an engaging educational space and living model of coastal conservation, integrating resilience, adaptation, and community engagement to tackle the complex environmental challenges of the future.
10. Project Goals/Objectives: Discovery on the Green Project Goals 1. Advance Environmental Literacy: Deliver hands-on, place-based education to build early childhood understanding of coastal ecosystems and sustainability. (Supports Environmental Education and Public Awareness) 2. Promote Coastal Stewardship: Inspire children and families to become responsible stewards of Mississippi's coastal resources. (Supports Environmental Stewardship and Conservation) 3. Enhance Coastal Resilience: Incorporate hurricane-resistant and environmentally conscious design and native landscaping to protect ecosystems and infrastructure. (Supports Coastal Resilience and Habitat Restoration) 4. Support Workforce Development: Prepare future scientists and engineers through interactive exhibits and community partnerships. (Supports Workforce Development in the Blue Economy) 6. Engage the Community: Provide informational programs and citizen science activities that foster public participation and climate adaptation awareness. (Supports Community Engagement and Public Participation) 7. Utilize Sustainable Materials: Employ recycled and sustainable materials and comprehensive waste management where feasible to minimize environmental impact. (Supports Sustainable Development and Environmental Stewardship) 8. Demonstrate Best Practices: Serve as a model for sustainable coastal development by integrating conservation and resilience principles in both design and programming. (Supports Demonstration Projects and Innovative Practices)
11. Which of the following authorized uses set forth in the GOMESA Act does this project fall under?

(A) Projects and activities for the purpose of coastal protection, including conservation, coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and infrastructure directly affected by coastal wetlands losses: Yes: Discovery on the Green will incorporate sustainable design elements to protect coastal ecosystems and infrastructure. Hurricane-resilient structures, elevated play areas, and preserved live oaks will enhance storm protection. Native plants will enhance habitat resilience. The project will provide the perfect outdoor venue for community-wide storm preparedness and environmental education programming. This approach supports long-term coastal protection, restoration, and infrastructure resilience in a storm-prone region.

(B) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources.: Yes: The project will preserve live oaks and use native plants to create habitats that support pollinators and wildlife, all highlighted through the Eco-Tourism Trike Track exhibit. The Oyster Reef Quest Exhibit will educate visitors on oysters’ role in marine health, fostering local aquaculture stewardship. Community education will encourage reduction in man-made environmental impacts. These efforts help mitigate damage to coastal species by enhancing habitats and promoting conservation awareness, encouraging the protection and recovery of local natural resources.

(C) Implementation of a federally-approved marine, coastal, or conservation management plan.: Yes: Discovery on the Green aligns with federally approved coastal conservation plans by integrating sustainable design, habitat restoration, and public engagement. Educational and citizen science programs promote community participation and support regional strategies for conservation efforts and community resilience. The project serves as a model for conservation best practices, advancing marine and coastal management goals.

(D) Mitigation of the impact of Outer Continental Shelf activities through funding of onshore infrastructure projects.

12. Project Timetable/Milestones: July 2026 – February 2027: Project Planning & Design Finalization - Confirm partnerships with exhibit fabricators and educational collaborators - Complete final exhibit and architectural designs with conservation and resilience elements - Begin permitting, site surveying, and green infrastructure planning - Finalize storm water management strategies and native plant landscape plan February– July 2027: Site Preparation & Infrastructure Work - Clear and grade site to support drainage and elevated features - Install foundational utilities using sustainable methods and materials where feasible - Preserve existing live oaks and prepare for native planting zones July 2027 – July 2028: Exhibit Fabrication & Installation - Construct and install key exhibits: Blue Economy Coastal Climber, Oyster Reef Quest, Backyard Biology, Physics in Motion, and Eco-Tourism Trike Track - Install educational and interpretive signage on conservation, native species, and resilience - Finalize native landscaping and complete habitat zones for pollinators and wildlife - Begin marketing campaign Spring 2028 - Begin developing correlating curriculum Spring 2028 July – September 2028: Staff Training & Soft Launch - Train staff on environmental themes, exhibit functionality, and conservation messaging - Host pilot visits for schools and community groups to gather user feedback - Adjust interpretive content and physical features based on testing and visitor input October- November 2028: Grand Opening & Community Launch - Hold ribbon-cutting ceremony and open exhibit to the public - Launch environmental programming and citizen science activities - Engage partners in public events promoting coastal stewardship and resilience Ongoing: Evaluation & Reporting - Collect visitor data, feedback, and initial outcomes on engagement and learning - Submit reports to GOMESA and other stakeholders - Create long-term evaluation plan to track environmental literacy and conservation impact
13. Project Timing: Short-term
14. Current status of architectural/engineering plans & specifications for this project (if applicable):: In Progress Funds Not Budgeted

15. In what way does this project meet the goals and objectives of the Department of Marine Resources, which includes enhancing, protecting and conserving the marine interest of Mississippi for present and future generations?: The Discovery on the Green Outdoor Coastal Conservation Project at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center directly advances the goals of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) by enhancing public understanding of coastal and marine systems, protecting natural resources through education and conservation design, and building long-term capacity for marine stewardship and resilience in Mississippi. 1. Enhancing Marine Awareness and Literacy: Discovery on the Green will immerse children and families in hands-on, place-based learning about the Gulf Coast’s ecosystems. Interactive exhibits, such as the Blue Economy Coastal Climber, Oyster Reef Quest, Backyard Biology, and Physics in Motion introduce core concepts in science and engineering, marine ecology, sustainability, and climate resilience. The Trike Track’s eco-tourism stops further reinforce awareness of habitat restoration, native species, and sustainable coastal practices. 2. Protecting Coastal Resources Through Education and Design: Through interpretive signage, citizen science stations, and community programming, the project teaches visitors about pollution reduction, weather impacts, and natural resource protection. The seven acres of exhibit space models responsible coastal development with sustainable design elements supporting healthy coastal land and water. Native plants create wildlife habitat and minimize environmental impact. 3. Conserving Marine Interests for the Future: By sparking early interest in marine science, engineering, and conservation careers, Discovery on the Green contributes to a growing, environmentally-literate workforce aligned with Mississippi’s Blue Economy. Through established partnerships with the Gulfport School District, University of Southern Mississippi, and Gulf Blue, the project supports continued environmental literacy and career readiness, helping to build the next generation of coastal professionals committed to preserving Mississippi’s natural resources. 4. Promoting Resilience and Long-Term Stewardship; All built features are designed with climate adaptation and hurricane resilience in mind, including elevated play zones, preserved live oaks, and hurricane-rated structures, demonstrating sustainable practices in coastal construction. These design choices not only protect infrastructure but also serve as visible teaching tools that model resilience strategies for coastal communities. Together, these efforts directly support MDMR’s mission to enhance, protect, and conserve Mississippi’s marine interests for present and future generations.

16. Estimated Years To Completion: 2
17. Estimated Completion Date: 11/30/2028

Budget:

Salaries,Wages, Fringe: $94,748
Travel
Architecture & Engineering: $250,000
Legal: $20,000
Consulting: $75,000
Construction: $800,000
Site Work: $350,000
Equipment: $200,000
Indirects: $24,975
Other: $60,000
Total: $1,874,723


Application Submission Date: 09/30/2025
Fiscal Year: 2027
Project Status
Application Status: Submitted
Meets Criteria
Internal Notes:
Attachments:: https://gomesa_internal/attachments/GOMESA_1370_COMPLETE.pdf
Hyperlink:: Attachments

Back to List