Estuaries, where freshwater and saltwater meet, are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, providing vital habitat, supporting fisheries, and offering natural protection from storms. Yet public understanding of these environments remains limited due to restricted access and awareness. Traditional outreach, while effective, is often hindered by distance, time, and resource constraints.

To help address these challenges, this project develops an immersive story map focused on the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) in Alabama. Established in 1986, Weeks Bay encompasses more than 6,000 acres of tidal wetlands, forests, pitcher plant bogs, and submerged aquatic vegetation. As a center for research, education, and stewardship, it provides an ideal setting for innovative virtual outreach.

The story map combines 360-degree video, interactive maps, and multimedia elements to create a virtual exploration of Weeks Bay’s habitats and scientific work. This format allows users to experience estuarine environments remotely, learn about ongoing monitoring and research, and better understand the ecological value of estuaries. By increasing accessibility and engagement, the project aims to strengthen scientific literacy and foster a sense of connection that supports conservation.

Drawing on research showing that immersive tools enhance environmental learning and retention, this project also provides a model that can be adapted for other sites within the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. In this presentation, we will describe the design of the Weeks Bay story map, share early insights into user engagement, and discuss its broader potential for environmental education and outreach. Through this approach, we seek to bridge the gap between estuarine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them, promoting informed stewardship and long-term sustainability.