West Point Preserve Mangrove Paddle Cleanup 3/23/2024
THIS CLEANUP WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FEBRUARY 18, 2024. Join Key Biscayne Community Foundation’s Citizen Science Program, FillABag, Miami EcoAdventures, and Free Plastic for an impactful and unforgettable mangrove cleanup out of West Point Preserve in Key Biscayne! This will be a guided tour into Biscayne Bay and the mangroves along West Point Preserve on the Northwest side of Key Biscayne, in order to remove marine debris from this vital and hard-to-reach habitat. These types of cleanups are particularly important as mangroves host many vulnerable species and a nursery grounds for species that live within these vital and diverse ecosystems. Our event is funded through a generous grant from the Florida Inland Navigation District. We will have prizes to give away after the cleanup! For the cleanup, you will need to bring your own paddleboard/kayak, and life vest/personal floatation device, we will provide snacks and water. Parking will be in the back lot behind the Crossbridge (Presbyterian) Church at 160 Harbor Drive (just past the Presbyterian school heading south). Please see the red circle on the attached map and directions below. Kayak/paddle board rentals: A limited number of tandem (2-person) kayaks, single person kayaks, and paddleboards will be available for rent from PADL. Click here (link closes at 5:00pm 3/22/2024) to reserve your watercraft if you do not have your own; prices will vary depending on the type of watercraft you choose (tandem kayaks = $60, single kayaks = $40, paddle boards = $40). All PADL rentals include life jacket, whistle, and delivery/pickup at Peacock Park paddlecraft launch. You do not need to change the delivery address, this order link is specific to our cleanup and all watercraft/equipment will all be brought to West Point Preserve launch site. You can specify in the Order Notes “This is for the West Point Preserve cleanup on 3/23/2024.” No refunds can be issued for watercraft rentals for cancellations made after 3/21/2024 or for no-shows on the day of the cleanup. All participants will be provided:
- reusable gloves,
- buckets,
- bags,
- guidance on the water by a team of experienced local environmentalists.
Participants should wear sun protective clothing and closed-toed shoes that can get wet. Please bring water in a reuseable water bottle and wear reef-safe sunscreen. Children aged 9-17 are welcome as long as they are comfortable and safe being in the water, and are accompanied by a parent or guardian. We can provide Community Service Hours for students upon request, students will get a maxiumum of 3 hours of community service. Questions? Please contact Rumya at 305-361-2770 or [email protected]. Ticket sales end at 5:00pm 3/22/2024.
Ticket Information
Additional Details
Event Graphic or Flyer -
What Should Volunteers Bring? - Closed Toed Shoes, Water in a Resuable Bottle, Sunscreen, Insect Repellent, Hat & Sunglasses
What Will Be Provided? - Gloves, Garbage Bags, Water Refills, Pickers, Buckets
Meeting Spot Details - We will meet in the grassy area behind the Crossbridge (Presbyterian) Church on Key Biscayne.
Parking Info - Parking is available in the back lot behind the Crossbridge (Presbyterian) Church at 160 Harbor Drive. If entering the Key, you will take a right on Harbor Drive, go through the round-about, pass the entrance to St. Agnes School/Church on the right, then pass the Prebyterian School parking lot, and finally turn right into the Crossbridge Church lot. Then head to the back side of the lot behind the building.
Organizer
Our mission is to have citizen and professional scientists monitor and protect resources and to share information on the most critical natural resources of Key Biscayne and Virginia Key.
Established by the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, the Citizen Scientist Project seeks to have Key residents work with professional scientists to achieve four goals:
1) Learn about the natural resources of Key Biscayne and Virginia Key;
2) Experience the natural resources of the Key through participation in field trips;
3) Participate in citizen scientist projects, which are directed at protecting the natural resources of the Island; and
4) Suggest projects for the Citizen Scientist Project.