Sometimes, making a difference for the ocean starts with getting your hands dirty.
This September, REEF interns, volunteers, and community members came together for International Coastal Cleanup Day at the Ocean Forest Restoration site in Dagny Johnson State Park. The morning was a chance to get into the field and take direct action to care for the coastal environment we all share.
Armed with cleanup supplies and a willingness to get a little muddy, participants worked together to remove litter from the site. Every piece of trash collected was one less piece of debris that could make its way into the surrounding waterways and impact Florida Keys wildlife and habitats. Healthy oceans depend on healthy coastlines, and protecting those environments takes all of us.
For REEF, International Coastal Cleanup Day also reflects something we value year-round: conservation is more meaningful when people have the opportunity to participate. Whether you are conducting fish surveys, learning about invasive species, or picking up litter along the coast, hands-on experiences can turn an appreciation for the ocean into meaningful action.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped care for this special place in the Florida Keys. Thank you for getting your hands dirty, lending a hand, and helping keep our local coast clean and healthy!