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Curious what shark teeth are like up close, how shrimp are caught, or about what fish call Mississippi home?
Bring the whole family - especially that future marine biologist in your life - for a day packed with hands-on fun and coastal discovery!
Hosted by the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, along with other awesome coastal partners, this event features:
- live demonstrations
- cool sea creatures, and
- activities that spotlight Mississippi’s coastal wildlife, seafood industry, and fishing culture.
It’s science, seafood, and serious fun - all in one place!
This event is included with MMNS Foundation Membership or regular museum admission.
Lecture: Inspiring Restoration — Demi Johnson and Oyster Gardening
Join us as Demi Johnson, high school junior, girl scout, and conservationist, shares her journey in oyster reef restoration along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast!
Recognized by the National Geographic Society for her conservation work, Demi will discuss how oyster gardening helps restore vital marine habitats and how community action can play a powerful role in protecting our coastal environments.
ABOUT DEMI
Demi Johnson is a high school junior and an emerging leader in marine conservation. She has gained national recognition for her work restoring oyster reefs in Mississippi’s Gulf waters. As an Oyster Gardener and conservation advocate, Demi helps rebuild reefs damaged by both natural disasters and human activity. Through hands-on oyster gardening, Demi grows, cleans, and transplants oysters back onto historic reefs. Oysters play a vital ecological role by naturally filtering water and creating habitat for more than 300 marine species.
What began as a Girl Scout project has grown into a major conservation effort and shaped Demi’s future career goals. Demi plans to attend Louisiana State University. She hopes to work with environmental organizations and continue protecting coastal ecosystems.
Demi’s dedication to environmental stewardship has earned her several honors, including:
- 2024 Girl Scout Silver Award
- 2024 National Geographic Slingshot Achievement Award
- 2025 NMEA Youth Leadership in Marine Conservation Award (National Marine Educators Association)
- 2026 Girl Scout Gold Award (to be awarded)
- 2026 Mississippi Pinnacle Rising Star Student Achievement Award (to be awarded)
PAST EVENT PHOTOS
Museum of Natural Science