“Science Geek” Charlene Morrison Talks Touch Tank with Visitors

As a child growing up near Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Charlene Morrison spent her free time exploring the Museums of Science and Natural History, and begging for photos with the astronauts at the nearby NASA office.  Now, this self-described science geek is engaging visitors of all ages with the touch tanks at Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center.

“I taught for 36 years in the Cambridge public schools at the elementary level – all grades except first,” says Charlene. “When we first came to Jensen Beach in 2009, we visited the Coastal Center. I saw the touch tank and the sting rays and thought, ‘This is where I belong.’”

Charlene and her husband Bob spend winters in Jensen Beach, and summers at their home in New Hampshire. She first learned of Florida Oceanographic Society at the Port Salerno Food Festival, where volunteers were talking about the Florida Oceanographic Oyster Restoration (FLOOR) program. Soon after, she began as an FOS volunteer and has given more than 800 hours of service.

Her time at the Coastal Center inspired Charlene to become a lake host in Antrim, New Hampshire last summer. “I grew up swimming in Gregg Lake, and I want to help keep it pristine,” says Charlene. “As a lake host, I educate boat owners on invasive species in the lakes in our area, and how they can stop their spread by rinsing hulls and draining live wells. It’s a battle to keep milfoil and zebra mussels out of the lakes.” She and Bob have worked hard to eliminate plastic from their lives, choosing reusable metaI straws, reusable drinking containers  and bamboo utensils when they picnic and travel.  They also fill up at least one garbage bag with trash every time they visit the beach.

Charlene likes to set goals for herself. In the last two years, she’s lost 110 pounds, and built up the strength to swim across Gregg Lake and back without a break. Her next goal is to swim the lake lengthwise. She enjoys lap swimming, kayaking, biking and golf, too.  “Volunteering for FOS has impacted my life in many good ways,” says Charlene. “I’m so glad to be able to share it with our visitors.”

Charlene Morrison Snapshot

Born in: Massachusetts

New England sports fanatic: B’Sox, Pats, Celtics and Bruins, win or lose!

Family time: 2 daughters in New Hampshire

Hobbies: Golf, reading, crocheting, silk art

Good reads: What Unites Us by Dan Rather; Becoming by Michelle Obama; A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum