March of Museums

Florida Secretary of State Announces Sixth Annual “March of Museums”

Flamingo Gardens has partnered with Florida Department of State on statewide initiative.

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee and the Florida Department of State announced the fifth annual “March of Museums” celebrating the variety and versatility of museums in Florida and the important services those museums provide to their communities. The initiative includes partner museums and cultural institutions throughout Florida that showcase the vast and diverse array of museums that populate the Sunshine State.

“As Florida’s Chief Cultural Officer, I’m proud highlight the important role that museums play in preserving Florida’s history and resources”, said Florida Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee. “With institutions focused on history, art, nature, and more, the diversity of participants in March of Museums illustrates the many aspects of Florida’s unique cultural landscape.”

The department is hosting MarchofMuseums.com, which offers a listing and map of museums by region, including Flamingo Gardens and other statewide partner museums. The website also highlights the mission, collections, and/or events of each institution during the month of March. The department encourages visitors and Floridians to take advantage of March of Museums initiative to spend some time at one of their favorite museums, or to discover a new museum, and to share their pictures on social media using #MarchOfMuseums. 

Genevieve Marcello, Director of Special Programs for Flamingo Gardens said, “March of Museums is an exciting opportunity to experience museums in our community. Be sure to check out our exciting March exhibits “Pollinator Investigation” and “Portrait of a Pollinator”.

Flamingo Gardens has partnered with the Florida Department of State to encourage Floridians and visitors to Florida to experience the many ways that museums serve the community. Visit MarchOfMuseums.com for more information.

Eco-teers Dune Restoration

On February 4th, the Eco-teers visited Charnow Park in Hollywood Beach, Florida. The focus of their work on dune restorations was a huge success! 3000 sea oats were planted in partnership with the Youth Environmental Alliance. The morning brought in tremendous amount of rain, but that did not stop the amazing volunteers from serving their community.

Sand dunes play an important role in our Florida beaches, providing habitat for several coastal species and protection from storms. The dunes are a naturally-occurring accumulation of wind-blown sand. As they grow they are colonized by plants such as sea oats, sand spurs and beach morning glory, to name a few.

The Eco-teers planted sea oats due to Its massive root system which is capable of holding soil and sand in place during extreme weather events such as hurricanes and tropical storms. This plant’s habitat puts it at the forefront of shoreline protection.

Acting as a wall, sand dunes help protect beaches and property from damage from high winds, storm surges, waves and tides. The dunes are the first line of defense for homes and businesses. it’s important to avoid walking on them as foot traffic in dunes tramples vegetation and causes erosion over time.

If you would like to make meaningful and impactful change in your community, please email the Eco-teer Coordinator, Glennys Navarrete, at [email protected] for an application and updates on the upcoming projects.

Access Program for Low-Income Families

Flamingo Gardens Announces Access Program for Low-Income Families Museums for All to increase accessibility of high-quality museum learning resources!

Today Flamingo Gardens announced that it has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. The program supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits visiting Flamingo Gardens for a minimal fee of $3 per person (Adults and Children), up to four people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Similar free and reduced admission is available to eligible members of the public at more than 850 museums across the country. Museums for All is part of the Flamingo Gardens’ broad commitment to seek, include, and welcome all audiences.

 Museums for All helps expand access to museums and also raise public awareness about how museums in the U.S. are reaching their entire communities. More than 850 institutions participate in the initiative, including art museums, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, history museums, and more. Participating museums are located nationwide, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) 

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 

About Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) 

The Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) champions children’s museums worldwide. With more than 460 members in 50 states and 16 countries, ACM leverages the collective knowledge of children’s museums through convening, sharing, and dissemination. Learn more at www.childrensmuseums.org.

Eco-teers Tree Tops Park Invasive Plant Removal

On Sunday, October 23, 2022, the Eco-teers volunteered at Tree Tops Park in Davie. The project focused on removing invasive plant species such as the air potato and the snake plant

These plant species spread ferociously and can displace and prevent native plant growth. A healthy plant community has a variety of shrubs and trees, but invasive plants cause biological pollution thus reducing plant diversity.

Glennys, Luisa, Ezequiel, and Bee of the Eco-teers successfully removed 384 pounds of these noxious weeds by shoveling out the roots from the ground while simultaneously pulling down any vines or clusters attached.

The fight continues at Tree Tops Park and much of Florida so the Eco-teers will be returning to help clear out more saturated areas. Would you like to participate in the next project? Email [email protected] to apply!