J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station
Goshen College’s J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station is located in the middle of the Florida Keys, approximately 2 hours south from Miami. Located in the city of Layton, Florida, the facility provides students and researchers with direct access to diverse marine ecosystems such as mangrove estuaries, sponge reefs, mudflats, seagrass beds, and of course coral reefs.
Completed in 1986, the station has been integral to Goshen College’s marine biology program, offering hands-on field-based learning experiences. Students engage in immersive field courses such as Marine Biology, Marine Ecology and Marine Conservation. Course activities include morning lectures and daily snorkeling excursions. Students also complete an internship with local marine organizations and an independent thesis research project.
In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused significant damage to the station, leading to extensive renovations. These improvements included updating the living quarters and enhancing the facility’s resilience to future storms. The station now features modernized accommodations, including two dorm-style student bedrooms with shared bathrooms, a full kitchen with an induction stove and convection oven, as well as common areas for dining, relaxing, and learning. The instructor room has a private bathroom. The station has a boat ramp and a 58 ft boat dock that provides access to Florida Bay or the Atlantic Ocean. Outdoor showers and rinse bins are available to clean gear after a day in the field.
Facility Rental
The station is available to school groups (high school to higher ed), non-profit organizations, and government agencies for various field-based research and educational activities. The maximum capacity of the station is 13, including one adult group leader.
Potential activities include:
- Field-based Research Projects
- Hands-on Educational Activities
- Specialty Classes (i.e. SCUBA, Photography)
- Professional Development for Educators
- Training Retreat for Non-Profit Organizations
- Lifelong Learning
- Creating Collaborative Learning Community
Contact Phil Allman, Station Director, at pallman@goshen.edu if you have questions about the marine biology program, research opportunities, or the station.
Contact Cynthia Good Kaufmann, Director of Planning and Events, at events@goshen.edu to inquire about station availability, current rates, and securing a reservation.