Events

✨ Exciting things are happening this Saturday, May 2nd!

  🏃‍♀️ Start your morning with the 5th Annual Pasco Way Walk/Run at Treasure Village Montessori School (8 AM), supporting Florida Keys student scholarships and celebrating a meaningful cause in our community.

📚🍻 Then wind down your evening at Books & Brews (5–9 PM) at the Florida Keys Brewing Company—a fun, relaxed night in partnership with Palmheart Press!!

Two events. One amazing day. Join us!

🦜 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. 🌅🕊️

🌳 Guided Hike at Green Turtle Hammock

Friday May 15th • 8:30 AM and 10:00 am

  &

Saturday May 16th @ 10 am

📍 Meet at 81224 Oversea 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!!

🚧 TEMPORARY CLOSURE 🚧

Russel Cottage and Florida Bay Forever’s visitor center/educational retail space at the Green Turtle Hammock will be closed from April 6 – May 10 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 👀 🥾

REEF Fish & Friends Seminar

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

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


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: mead@REEF.org

Everyday!!

🌿 Come Explore with Florida Bay Forever! 🌿 Discover Green Turtle Hammock

Step into the magic of a Hardwood Hammock Nature Preserve and hike through this rare and beautiful unique habitat

🧭 Explore Our Programs & Activities

We offer a variety of free, hands-on programs designed for students, teachers, families, locals, and visitors alike. Whether you’re planning a school field trip, a community group outing, or you’re a visitor looking to explore the real Florida Keys, we’ve got an adventure for you!

🌱 Environmental Education Highlights

  • 🌿 Mangrove Restoration – Help plant and care for mangroves on-site or at your school garden.

  • 🌳 Guided Hikes – Learn native tree ID, cultural history, and traditional uses.

  • 🦉 Bird walks with our friends from the Wild Bird Center
  • 💦 Solution Hole & Erosion Experiment – A fun, hands-on look at how Florida’s limestone landscape forms.

  • 🧭 Map-Reading Adventure – Practice navigation and compass skills right on the trail.

  • 🌊 Water Quality Testing – Discover how clean water connects the Everglades to Florida Bay.

🌎 Site Features

🪵 Nature trails through diverse habitats
🛶 Kayak launch and bayside access
🏖️ Picnic and gathering areas
🏡 Pavilion (open!!!!)
⏱️ Flexible programs: 1-hour or full-day options

👩‍🏫 For Teachers, Students & Volunteers

We’re proud to support environmental education and community engagement across the Keys!

🍎 Teachers can earn service hours for certification or recertification.
🎓 Learn about becoming a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) or about our Tutoring Services!!
🌿 Students can volunteer or earn community service hours while protecting Florida Bay.

📞 Let’s Plan Your Field Trip or Group Visit!
Contact: Jodie Cerra, Executive Director
📧 jodie@floridabayforever.org
📱 561-818-5341

🌟 Join the Adventure!

Whether you live here in the Keys or you’re visiting from afar, you’re invited to explore, learn, and fall in love with this special place.

💚 Together, we’re building something special in the heart of the Keys—join us and help protect Florida Bay for future generations.

 

 

Hours

Park:
Open Daily 8am-5pm

Gift Shop & Eco Center:

Sunday -Thursday 10 am to 2 pm
Friday and Saturday  9 am to 4 pm

FLORIDA BAY FOREVER

PO BOX 1283, ISLAMORADA, FL 33036
UNITED STATES

Want to volunteer at Florida Bay Forever events and programs?

(305) 509-7545
INFO@FLORIDABAYFOREVER.ORG

Florida Bay Forever is a grassroots registered nonprofit 501c3 organization.
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Unifying the Voices of Monroe County
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Photography used in this site provided by Captain Troy Wheatley and Anthony Sleiman.

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