GOMESA Application Details
- Internal Project Number
- 281431
- 1. Title of Project
- Discovery On the Green: Coastal Resource Connectivity Project
- 2. Location of Project
- 246 Dolan Ave. Gulfport, MS 39507 Harrison County
- 3. Requesting Organization
- Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
- 4a. Name
- Cindy DeFrances
- 4b. Position
- 4c. Phone Number
- 2288976039
- 4d. Fax Number
- 4e. Address Line 1
- 246 Dolan Avenue
- 4e. Address Line 2
- 4e. City, State Zip
- Gulfport, MS
- 4f. Email
- cdefrances@lmdc.org
- 5. FundingRequested
- $175,000
- 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
- $175,000
- 9. Project Description/Overview
- Lynn Meadows Discovery Center (LMDC) will improve and connect existing outdoor environmental education infrastructure on its 9.23-acre Gulf Coast campus, creating a cohesive and accessible coastal learning experience. Located one block from the Gulf of Mexico, LMDC’s outdoor campus includes established environmental exhibits and learning features focused on coastal habitats, wildlife, aquaculture, native plants, conservation, and weather and climate. The project will extend the existing sidewalk system to create a connected pedestrian and trike route, establish a covered trike area, add accessible native plant gardens, and install updated wayfinding and interpretive signage. Existing environmental exhibits will be enhanced with live-camera technology and improved connectivity, while a Coastal Weather and Climate Learning Station will provide hands-on opportunities to observe and record local environmental conditions. Together, these improvements will connect existing resources into a unified outdoor learning route that increases public access and understanding of Mississippi’s coastal ecosystems and conservation practices. By building on existing infrastructure and exhibits, the project provides a focused, cost-effective investment in coastal conservation education, environmental stewardship, and public use of Mississippi’s coastal resources.
- 10. Project Goals/Objectives
- 1. Expand Coastal Environmental Education- Connect and enhance LMDC’s existing outdoor environmental learning resources through pathway improvements, interpretive signage, accessible garden spaces, and technology-based learning components. The project will create a cohesive experience where children and families can explore Mississippi’s coastal ecosystems, wildlife, weather, aquaculture, and conservation practices. 2. Increase Public Awareness of Coastal Conservation- Use interpretive signage, hands-on learning stations, and interactive technology to increase understanding of coastal ecosystems and practical conservation practices, including native landscaping, habitat protection, aquaculture, wildlife, weather and climate, and responsible stewardship of Mississippi’s coastal resources. 3. Demonstrate the Benefits of Native Coastal Habitats- Establish accessible native plant learning gardens along the outdoor pathway to demonstrate how native vegetation supports pollinators and wildlife, reduces irrigation needs, protects soils, and contributes to healthier and more resilient coastal landscapes. 4. Provide Hands-On Coastal Science and Environmental Observation- Create a Coastal Weather and Climate Learning Station and enhance existing environmental exhibits with live-camera technology, providing opportunities for visitors to observe and record local environmental conditions, wildlife, and living systems and develop a greater understanding of Mississippi’s coastal environment. 5. Improve Connectivity and Public Use of Outdoor Resources- Create a connected outdoor learning route through pathway improvements, a designated trike area, wayfinding, and interpretive signage. The project will make LMDC’s existing environmental resources more accessible and encourage children and families to explore the campus while learning about Mississippi’s coastal resources and their conservation.
- 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: The project supports coastal conservation by improving and connecting existing outdoor environmental infrastructure on LMDC’s Gulf Coast campus. Native coastal plantings will support wildlife and pollinators, while improved pathways, accessible gardens, interpretive signage, and environmental learning stations will increase public understanding of coastal ecosystems and conservation practices. The project expands public access to and stewardship of Mississippi’s coastal resources.
- (B) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources.
- Yes: The project promotes protection of coastal wildlife and natural resources through native habitat plantings, wildlife observation, and education about coastal ecosystems. Visitors will learn about native vegetation, pollinators, migratory birds, oyster reefs, aquaculture, weather, and responsible use of coastal resources. By increasing public understanding of conservation practices and reducing disturbance through designated pathways and observation features, the project supports long-term stewardship of Mississippi’s coastal resources.
- (C) Implementation of a federally-approved marine, coastal, or conservation management plan.
- (D) Mitigation of the impact of Outer Continental Shelf activities through funding of onshore infrastructure projects.
- 12. Project Timetable/Milestones
- July–August 2027 - Execute grant agreement - Confirm project scope, partnerships, responsibilities, and implementation schedule August–October 2027 - Complete site surveying and assessments - Finalize designs, specifications, accessibility considerations, and equipment requirements October–November 2027 - Obtain permits and approvals - Complete procurement and contractor/vendor selection December 2027–March 2028 - Complete site preparation - Install pathway extension and trike parking area - Complete utility/connectivity improvements, and related infrastructure March–July 2028 - Install raised native plant garden beds - Add environmental learning features - Construct weather station - Complete and test live-camera systems and Wi-Fi improvements. April–August 2028 - Fabricate and install interpretive/wayfinding signage - Add trikes - Complete remaining exhibit improvements September–October 2028 - Complete inspections/ accessibility review, - Finish landscaping/ site restoration. November–December 2028 - Conduct staff training - Launch completed project/ Ribbon cutting - Document expenditures and outcomes, and complete grant closeout.
- 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?
- This project advances the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources’ goals of enhancing, protecting, and conserving Mississippi’s marine resources by improving access to and understanding of the coastal environment. By connecting and enhancing LMDC’s existing outdoor environmental infrastructure, the project will provide hands-on opportunities to explore coastal habitats, wildlife, aquaculture, native vegetation, and weather and climate. Accessible pathways, native coastal plantings, interpretive signage, and environmental learning stations will demonstrate practical conservation practices while encouraging responsible stewardship of coastal resources. Live-camera technology will allow visitors to observe wildlife and aquatic systems with minimal disturbance. Together, these improvements will strengthen public understanding of Mississippi’s coastal environment and help foster informed stewardship of marine resources for present and future generations.
- 16. Estimated Years To Completion
- 2
- 17. Estimated Completion Date
- 12/31/2028
- Budget:
- Salaries,Wages, Fringe
- $25,000
- Travel
- $0
- Architecture & Engineering
- $12,000
- Legal
- $1,500
- Consulting
- $4,000
- Construction
- $57,000
- Site Work
- $18,000
- Equipment
- $47,500
- Indirects
- $0
- Other
- $10,000
- Total
- $175,000
- Application Submission Date
- 09/23/2026
- Fiscal Year
- 2028
- Project Status
- Application Status
- Submitted
- Meets Criteria
- Internal Notes:
- Attachments:
- https://gomesa.dmr.ms.gov/attachments/GOMESA_1431_Attachment.pdf
- Hyperlink:
- Attachments