Melissa Auld - Flamingo Gardens

2025 Photo Contest Winners Are In!

The results are in! Thank you to all who participated in our 2025 photo contest. Congratulations!

5 – Judges Recognition Awards – Each receiving $25 (Photographers in Alphabetical Order)

In the Spotlight by Cecelia Anzalone

Magnificent by Patricia Diaz

Peeking Out by Dr. Carol Marinas

Splish Splash by Debra Martins

Sway by Ronni Puglisi

3rd Place winner of $50

Regal by Patricia Diaz

2^nd Place winner of $75

Judera Bug Sunbathing Over a Leaf by Claudia Masella

1^st Place winner of $100

Morning Breakfast by Debra Martins

Best Digitally Enhanced Photo winner of $100

Illuminated Wood Stork by Brittany Mason

People’s Choice Award Winner of $100

Sacred Light by Michael Giacobbe

Best in Show Overall – Winner of $150

(Judge really felt this photo embodied the essence of the theme end the competition)

Phantom by Steve Pressman

Volunteer Spotlight: Joshua Hernandez

Our Volunteer of the Month for March is Joshua Hernandez. Joshua has completed over 100 hours for Flamingo Gardens. Most days Joshua can be seen clearing out a wide ranging amount of invasive plants species. He also is eager to learn and will give you tons of information on the various invasive plants as well as other plants he encounters. As of late Joshua has also been assisting our Orchidteers. He is reliable, dependable, gracious, and dedicated. We are very happy to have Joshua as a volunteer.

Discover Wellness at Flamingo Gardens:A Month of Mindfulness, Nature, and Renewal

March is Wellness Month at Flamingo Gardens, —an ideal time to reconnect with nature, refresh your mind, and restore your spirit. Prioritizing wellness is essential and what better place to do so than amidst the serene beauty of Flamingo Gardens?

The Healing Power of Nature

Nature has a profound impact on our health and well-being. It has the magical power to calm and heal, to recharge and rejuvenate, and to inspire! Simply breathing in fresh air, the aromas of blooming flowers, and listening to the leaves rustle in the breeze can have a deeply relaxing effect. Time spent in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and even boost the immune system. Sunlight improves sleep quality, eases fatigue, and lifts the mood.
Despite these benefits, being in nature isn’t always natural for us, and taking time for self-care can feel even less so. Self-care is one of the most important things we can do for the body, mind, and soul, yet it’s often the first thing we neglect. Self-care looks different for everyone; it begins with discovering what brings you peace and serenity, then making it a priority in your daily life.

A Month of Wellness Activities

This March, Flamingo Gardens is celebrating the healing benefits of nature with evening classes designed to help you connect with the peace and serenity of the gardens while staying active. Instead of focusing on the hour of sleep you may lose to Daylight Saving Time, change your perspective—embrace the extra sunlight and fresh air you’ve gained. Whether it’s a meditative walk through the trees in a Forest Bathing session or breaking a sweat in a yoga or Pilates class, discover what brings you peace and serenity:Yoga in the Gardens – Stretch, breathe, and find inner peace surrounded by lush tropical flora in our yoga and Pilates classes.

Yoga in the Gardens – Stretch, breathe, and find inner peace surrounded by lush tropical flora in our yoga and Pilates classes.
Guided Meditation Walks – Slow down, center yourself, and cultivate mindfulness as you explore tranquil pathways during Forest Bathing sessions.
Wellness Workshops – Learn from wellness experts about nutrition, holistic healing, and self-care through our aromatherapy classes or at the Wellness Fair.

The Wellness Fair – March 20th

Still exploring what self-care means for you? Join us on Thursday, March 20th for our Flamingo Gardens & Life Market Wellness Fair, featuring live music, vegan and plant-based food, sound healing, crystals, candles, teas, wellness providers, and more. Whether you’re interested in holistic therapies, fitness, or mental well-being, this event offers something for everyone to discover to help with their own self-care. The Wellness Fair is in the Entry Courtyard at Flamingo Gardens from 3:00pm to 8:00pm and is FREE! No admission fee required!

Plan Your Visit

Wellness Month at Flamingo Gardens is the perfect opportunity to unwind, de-stress, and invest in your well-being. Turn off, unplug, and disconnect—so you can connect with nature and reconnect with yourself!
For more information about Wellness Month activities and the Wellness Fair, click here.
We look forward to seeing you on the path to wellness!

Volunteer Spotlight: Jose Quintanilla

Our Volunteer of the Month for February is Jose Quintanilla. Jose has totaled nearly 200 hours since volunteering with us and has been helpful in every way. Primarily guiding in our Gallery with our various exhibits, Jose is quick to work and extremely proactive. He helps with our event setups as well and can always be called upon to do anything Hospitality related. His demeanor always puts our guests in the best mood and he is extremely gracious while doing so. We are so thankful to have him volunteering here and we look forward to the future volunteer projects he will be apart of.

Volunteer Spotlight: Larnell Pinson

We are thrilled to celebrate Larnell Pinson as our Volunteer of the Month! Larnell joined the Flamingo Gardens volunteer team late last year, and from the moment she started, she has been an incredible asset to our organization.

In just a short time, Larnell contributed over 500 hours of her time, consistently showing up with dedication and a positive attitude. She initially made a significant impact with our exhibits before lending her talents to our special events. During our Garden of Lights, Larnell went above and beyond, assisting both during the day and into the evening. No matter where she was needed, she stepped in with enthusiasm and skill.

However, it was in Animal Care where Larnell truly shone. Her extensive prior knowledge allowed her to make a remarkable impact in the department, earning the respect and admiration of our team. In fact, she was so exceptional that she has officially transitioned from volunteer to a permanent member of our Animal Care Team!

While we’ll miss having Larnell as a volunteer, we are so excited to see all that she will accomplish in her new role. Congratulations, Larnell, and thank you for everything you’ve done to make Flamingo Gardens a better place!

Volunteer Spotlight: Ryan Xu

Our Volunteer of the Month is Ryan Xu. Ryan is one of the most courteous and respectful volunteers we’ve ever had. In his time here he has already amassed over 70+ hours. Ryan most notably volunteers with our Orchidteers. He can be seen watering the orchids as well as well as getting his hands dirty. This month Ryan has also helped us with Garden of Lights which as you know is one of the most momentous events we have here at Flamingo Garden. It has a been pleasure to have him volunteer with us.

EcoTeers’: A Month of Environmental Impact

This November, EcoTeers continued their mission to protect Florida’s ecosystems through a series of impactful projects. From creating a haven for pollinators to combating invasive species, their efforts highlighted the importance of community action in fostering sustainability.

Revitalizing the Butterfly Garden

On November 9, EcoTeers partnered with Barbara Goleman Senior High School’s Bionomics Club to enhance their butterfly garden. This space, established in August, serves as an educational platform for students to learn about native plants and wildlife conservation. Volunteers added native plants such as lantanas and blue porterweeds and enriched the soil with fertilized potting mix. The two-hour transformation boosted the garden’s ecological and aesthetic value, providing a thriving environment for pollinators and a resource for environmental education.

Restoring Balance at Woodmont Natural Area

On November 16, EcoTeers targeted invasive species at Woodmont Natural Area. After a guided tour by a park naturalist, volunteers identified and removed rosary pea, bitter gourd, and air potato vines—aggressive plants that outcompete native species. The team also learned about the air potato beetle, a biological control agent used to weaken this invasive plant. In just three hours, EcoTeers collected three 50-gallon bags of invasive plants, contributing significantly to the area’s ecological health.

Preserving A.D. Barnes Nature Center

On November 23 saw EcoTeers at A.D. Barnes Nature Center, where they removed 40 pounds of invasive air potato and oyster plants. These species threaten native flora and disrupt ecosystems by monopolizing resources. The team also redistributed pine needles, creating a natural walkway that enhanced the park’s appearance and functionality. By removing invasive plants and improving the environment, EcoTeers supported biodiversity and promoted a healthier landscape for Florida’s native species.

Join Us in Making a Difference
Each project this month demonstrated the transformative power of collective action. EcoTeers are deeply grateful for the dedication of their volunteers and the support of their donors, whose contributions drive these efforts forward.

Want to get involved? Contact Ashley Vieira, EcoTeer Coordinator, at [email protected] to learn about upcoming projects and opportunities to make an impact.

Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future for Florida’s ecosystems!

Volunteer Spotlight: Sol Rua

Our Volunteer of the Month for November Sol Rua. Sol has primarily been volunteering in Animal Care for the past few months and has made a serious impact. She is punctual and takes such great directives and is always ready for the tasks. We feel particularly proud of her as a volunteer because she was nominated by multiple staff members to be the volunteer of the month and when a suggestion comes so highly recommended you just must listen to it. Sol has in a short time already volunteered for over 65 hours and we couldn’t be more appreciative. She helps Flamingo Gardens be strong in mind, body and Sol.

Eco-Teers: “40 for 40: Spread the Love” Grant and Invasive Removal!

Flamingo Gardens is thrilled to announce that our Eco-teers program has been honored with the “40 for 40: Spread the Love” grant from the Community Foundation of Broward! To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Community Foundation awarded a total of $400,000 to 40 innovative nonprofits across Broward County, and we’re excited to be one of them. This grant will support a project that embodies our commitment to sustainability: 40 Rain Barrels for Broward.

In line with the grant’s creative requirement to incorporate “40,” the Eco-teers will install 40 rain barrels throughout the county to highlight the Foundation’s 40 years of impact and support for sustainable practices. Over the coming year, our Eco-teers will work with community gardens, schools, businesses, and nonprofits across Broward County to identify locations for these rain barrels. Our team will install and maintain each rain barrel and provide training to our partners—all at no cost to these organizations.

Why rain barrels? They’re an incredibly effective tool for sustainable water management, which is vital in our South Florida climate. By capturing and using rainwater, these barrels reduce water costs, prevent runoff pollution, lower demand on local water supplies, and reduce flood risks. More importantly, this project will raise community awareness of water conservation and showcase practical steps we can take together for a more resilient environment.

But the impact goes beyond just water conservation. One of our long-term goals is to track how much water we’re saving collectively and look for other large-scale opportunities to support Broward County’s sustainability efforts. This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the Community Foundation’s dedicated Fundholders who partner to create funds that fuel projects like this. Their support over the last 40 years has provided more than $190 million for causes ranging from student achievement and arts education to environmental resilience and social justice.

In addition to launching this rain barrel project, our Eco-teers have been hard at work. Saturday October 5th, they tackled an invasive species removal project at Fern Forest Nature Center, targeting Sida cordifolia (flannel weed) and Urena lobata (Caesar’s weed). These invasive plants, which threaten local ecosystems, were removed to restore balance to the area. Over three hours, our Eco-teers cleared nearly 100 pounds of invasive species by the root, helping to protect and rejuvenate native plant life.

We’re incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation of Broward for their continued support and are looking forward to rolling out Celebrating Sustainability: 40 Rain Barrels for Broward! To all our supporters and partners, thank you for helping us create a healthier, more sustainable Broward County.

More updates to come on future projects/events if you follow us on Instagram!
Instagram: ecoteers.fg

To volunteer with Flamingo Gardens and/or EcoTeers,
contact us at:
[email protected] or [email protected]

Volunteer Spotlight: Cesar Barraza

Our Volunteer of the Month for October is Cesar Barraza. Cesar is a phenomenal volunteer with a colorful and energetic personality. Cesar is a renaissance man and has volunteered everywhere at Flamingo Gardens. From our Café to the Wray Home, to parking, to the gift shop on any given day Ceasar could be volunteering. Where he most notably volunteers for us are on our event days. He puts the festive in festivities and always is hardworking and making a conscious effort to elevate the experience our guests. Cesar has cleaned our Hay Ride for Harvest Fest and has even dressed up in costume for us. No matter the event he has been ready and willing to do what is asked of him. Cesar has over 360 hours volunteering. We have depended on him time and time again and we are so gracious that he continues to be a shining example of what volunteering at Flamingo Gardens should mean.

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