An Ocean Classroom Unlike Any Other!

Few places on Earth capture the essence of the ocean quite like the reefs surrounding Andros Island, Bahamas.

Just a 10-minute charter flight from Nassau, Andros Island is home to Forfar Field Station, a destination where visitors from around the world come to snorkel vibrant coral reefs, participate in marine conservation, and experience the island's unique culture. Protecting this remarkable ecosystem takes thoughtful planning, responsible tourism, and the next generation of conservationists.

In June 2026, the Columbus Zoo's Conservation Education team traveled to Andros Island with 20 high school students as the culmination of a nearly four-month educational program. During seven unforgettable days, students snorkeled fringe and barrier reefs, explored inland blue holes, and discovered firsthand how their everyday choices can affect marine ecosystems.

But the experience reached far beyond the water. Students built lasting friendships, explored careers in marine science, and developed confidence that will serve them wherever life takes them.

Learn More about Forfar Field Station

Preparing for the Adventure

The Columbus Zoo's Ocean and You program is built around three core goals:

• Creating a strong sense of belonging.
• Increasing awareness of marine conservation challenges.
• Expanding students' understanding of educational and career opportunities in marine science.

Long before boarding a plane, students met regularly at the Columbus Zoo to learn about Andros Island, connect with Zoo professionals, and build relationships with one another.

Aquarist Aaron J., an aquarist at the Zoo's Aquarium at Discovery Reef, shared his own career journey, introduced students to coral propagation, and offered an inside look at what working in an aquarium really entails. Throughout the program, students reflected through journaling, helping connect each experience to their personal goals and future aspirations.

One student, Izzy, was surprised to learn just how many career paths exist within marine science.

"There were a lot more careers than I realized!"

Following a career panel featuring professionals from both Forfar Field Station and the Columbus Zoo, she reflected that environmental careers "involve a lot of trial and error" and offer countless opportunities for research and discovery. That realization perfectly captures one of the program's greatest successes: showing students possibilities they had never imagined.

Learning Beyond the Reef

For many students, stepping into the ocean transformed concepts they had previously encountered only in classrooms and Zoo habitats.

Grace described the mangrove snorkel as her favorite experience. Swimming through tangled underwater roots, she observed juvenile fish, turtles, stingrays, and countless other species using the mangroves as shelter and nursery habitat.

The experience brought marine conservation to life.

Before the trip, Grace wrote that she hoped to "learn how the local community interacts with the ocean." By the end of the week, she understood that protecting reefs isn't limited to large conservation projects. Even simple decisions, like choosing reef-safe sunscreen, help preserve these ecosystems for local communities and future generations.

Throughout the week, students also learned about invasive lionfish, participated in a guided sea urchin gonad lab on the beach, explored the local batik factory, and discussed the growing challenge of plastic pollution with people who experience it every day.

Growing Through Challenge

Although marine science was the focus, some of the most meaningful lessons had little to do with biology. Students adapted to unfamiliar surroundings, different routines, island living, and the challenge of sharing the experience with classmates who had started the trip as strangers. Those experiences strengthened resilience, flexibility, and self-confidence.

Julia's story illustrates that growth.

A high school junior with a passion for marine life, Julia openly acknowledged early concerns about the heat, sand, and insects. As the week progressed, those worries faded into the background as she embraced every opportunity. Her favorite experiences included tide pooling at Money Point and participating in the beachside gonad lab. Following the career panel, Julia recognized that adaptability was one of the most valuable professional skills conservationists possess. "The staff members adapt to daily plans changing and the water going out on station," said Julia. "I can utilize this skill within future jobs and internships."

Perhaps her biggest takeaway came from conversations with residents of Red Bays. "It was good for understanding how conservation relates to everyone."

The trip left such an impression that Julia's mother later shared, "Julia spent the first week home trying to figure out how to get back to Forfar."

Bringing the Experience Home

For these 20 students, Andros Island became much more than a destination.

They returned home with a deeper appreciation for the connection between people, wildlife, and healthy ecosystems. They discovered career possibilities, gained confidence through new challenges, and learned that conservation depends on both scientific knowledge and the relationships we build with communities around the world.

Those lessons will continue long after the snorkeling gear has been packed away, shaping future college choices, careers, and conservation actions for years to come.