Events

REEF Fish & Friends Seminar

Check out the recording of the presentation! 🎥
I think you’ll really enjoy it!

https://www.youtube.com/live/5gqZkZIbyac

Featuring Jodie Cerra – Executive Director, Florida Bay Forever

Join us for an evening of ocean learning and community connection at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo!

REEF Fish & Friends is a free seminar series featuring engaging ocean-themed presentations from guest speakers, snorkelers, divers, anglers, and marine life enthusiasts are all welcome.

This month’s speaker, Jodie Cerra, Executive Director of Florida Bay Forever, will share insights about Florida Bay, local ecosystems, and how our community can help protect these unique waters.

This program is made possible through the generous support of REEF members.

For more information or to get involved: meade@REEF.org

🚧 TEMPORARY CLOSURES 🚧

Russell Cottage and Florida Bay Forever’s visitor center/educational rental space at the Green Turtle Hammock will be closed from April 1 – June 1st while the Village conducts maintenance on the Russell Cottage building.

The Village plans to keep the rest of the preserve, the trails, picnic area, kayak launch, and pavilion, open throughout the work.

Florida Bay Forever will continue offering guided hikes and environmental education programs during the closure.

✨ We’re excited for their improvements and can’t wait to welcome you back when the work is complete!

A heartfelt thank you to the Village for their continued collaboration, hard work, and commitment to providing local non-profits with meaningful space. We truly appreciate their ongoing and past support of Florida Bay Forever and our mission to protect and restore Florida Bay.

Stay tuned for reopening updates! 🌿

See you on the trails 🥾🍂

🌳 Guided Hike at Green Turtle Hammock

📅 Friday May 15th • 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM
&
Saturday May 16th @ 10 AM

📍 Meet at 81224 Overseas Hwy Islamorada

Join us for a guided hike through one of Islamorada’s hidden treasures! Discover the beauty and history of the hardwood hammock as we explore native trees, cultural connections, and traditional plant uses.

🌿 Led by Jodie from Florida Bay Forever, this walk blends nature, science, and storytelling — offering a deeper look at the plants that shape our coastal ecosystems.

👀 Bring:
• Binoculars (if you have them)
• Water
• Your excitement + curiosity!

🌎 All ages welcome — great for families, locals, and visitors alike.

💚 Discover, explore, and protect Florida Bay — one hike at a time!!

🦜 BIRD WALK 🦜

📅 Friday May 16th • 8:30 AM

🌿 Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve

Join us for a guided bird walk led by the amazing Sarah from the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center!

Sarah is knowledgeable, kind, and an incredible educator who brings the wonder of our local birdlife to life.

👀 Bring:
• Binoculars (if you have them)
• Water
• Your excitement + curiosity!

🌸 All ages welcome — families, locals, and visitors alike.

📍 Meet at: 81224 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada

💚 Discover, explore & help protect Florida Bay — one bird at a time. 🌅🕊️

🌿 Mangrove Cleanup & Restoration Day 🌊

📅 Saturday, May 23, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 87001-87185 Old Highway, Islamorada
(Directly across from Founders Park)

💙 Hosted by Florida Bay Forever, Pascal’s Way & CoastLove

Florida Bay Forever, Pascal’s Way, and CoastLove are teaming up on Saturday, May 23, 2026, 9 am to 12 pm for a community mangrove cleanup and restoration event along the Old Highway in Islamorada (87001-87185 Old Highway, across from Founders Park).

Join us as we remove debris from sensitive mangrove shorelines, help protect our waters, and give back to the incredible community we call home.

We’ll also be showcasing mangrove nursery boxes that will grow propagules for future restoration projects and educational outreach throughout the Keys. Stop by our educational tent to learn why mangroves are so important for water quality, wildlife, erosion control, and protecting our coastlines.

Whether you can stay for an hour or the whole event, every helping hand matters. Bring friends, family, and your love for the Keys as we work together to protect the places we all treasure. 💙

Can’t attend in person? You can still support the mission by following our organizations, joining our newsletters, sharing the event, or making a donation to Florida Bay Forever, Pascal’s Way, and/or CoastLove. Every bit of support helps grow conservation and education efforts throughout the Florida Keys.

Let’s work together to protect the waters and shorelines we all love.