Eco-Teers on a Mission: Fighting Invasive Species and Cleaning Our Coasts

September was a busy month for Eco-Teers, and we are proud to share two incredible stories of teamwork, environmental conservation, and the passion that fuels our efforts.

Battling the Rosary Pea: Invasive Species Removal Success

On September 7, 2024, a group of Eco-Teers took on a daunting task: removing the invasive Rosary Pea vine from Miramar Pineland Park. While its small, delicate flowers may look beautiful, don’t be fooled—this vine is one of the most dangerous invasive species in Florida.

Native to India, the Rosary Pea (Abrus precatorius) vine has wreaked havoc along the coasts and in parts of South and Central Florida. What makes it so harmful? First, its aggressive climbing habit allows it to choke out native plants, robbing trees of sunlight and nutrients as it spirals all the way up to their branches. Second, its vibrant seeds contain one of the most toxic substances on the planet: abrin. Even a small dose can be fatal to both humans and livestock.

For these reasons, the Rosary Pea vine is classified as highly invasive, and the mission to remove it was urgent. Armed with gloves, clippers, and the support of public and park naturalists, Eco-Teers managed to remove an astonishing 400 pounds of this dangerous vine. This hard-won victory didn’t just clear space for native plants to thrive again, but it also eliminated a direct threat to the park’s wildlife and visitors.

Our success that day underscores an essential point: protecting local ecosystems from invasive species is as critical as it is rewarding.

Cleaning Up Dania Beach: A Coastal Effort for a Cleaner Future

Just two weeks later, on September 21, 2024, Eco-Teers took their environmental mission to the shore for the International Coastal Cleanup at Dania Beach. This global event, hosted by the Marine Environmental Education Center (MEEC) and supported by American Express, brought together a diverse group of volunteers, all dedicated to one common goal—preserving our coastline.

The event was a true celebration of community spirit, with 95 volunteers (Eco-Teers and AMEX) stepping up to the challenge. The day kicked off at 9 AM, and for the next five hours, participants scoured the beach for debris—everything from packaging materials to discarded fishing gear. Each piece of trash collected was carefully logged using Ocean Conservancy’s Clean Swell app, a tool that helps track pollution data and monitor environmental trends.

For those unable to use the app, we provided forms to ensure that every bit of data was reported back to Ocean Conservancy. This information is vital for future conservation planning and to give us a clearer picture of the types of debris that plague our beaches.

The generosity of American Express didn’t stop at providing volunteers. They also supplied refreshments to keep the team going under the Florida sun, which was much needed as the hours rolled by. All in all, it was a day of triumph: we collected a total of 194 pounds of trash, with the Eco-Teers themselves clearing 40 pounds. It may seem like a small dent in the grand scheme of things, but as the 2022 Beach Cleanup Annual Report points out, while the average person may collect 1.95 pounds of trash, together, we can achieve enormous results—just like the 9,000 pounds of trash cleared worldwide in 2022.

The Power of Community Engagement

Both of these events highlighted something important: the immense power of community in environmental conservation. Whether it’s removing invasive species that threaten our ecosystems or cleaning our beaches to keep marine life safe, our collective efforts make a real difference.

These projects wouldn’t have been possible without our volunteers, partners, and the financial support of The Community Foundation of Broward and Publix Supermarket. Their contributions enable us to continue fighting for the health and beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes.

Get Involved with Eco-Teers

If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to be part of future projects like these, we welcome you to join us. Our work is ongoing, and there’s always an opportunity to lend a hand. To volunteer with Flamingo Gardens and/or Eco-Teers, reach out to us:

[email protected]
[email protected]

We’d love to have you on board as we continue our mission to protect and restore Florida’s unique ecosystems.

Learn More About Ocean Conservancy

Interested in tracking the types of debris found in beach cleanups or want to learn how to get involved? Check out these helpful resources from Ocean Conservancy:

Conclusion

September was a month of incredible achievements for Eco-Teers. From removing hundreds of pounds of invasive plants to cleaning up our coastlines, these events proved how much can be accomplished when communities come together with a shared purpose. As we look forward to future projects, we remain committed to our mission of environmental stewardship, one vine, and one piece of trash at a time.

Volunteer Spotlight: Gail Santini

Our Volunteer of the Month for September is Gail Santini. Gail is one of the most dedicated volunteers we’ve ever had. She has amassed so many hours in crucial areas for Flamingo Gardens. Over the course of her time here she has been a staple in the Wray Home where she has given our guests a phenomenal tour year in and year out. Gail is also apart of our Orchidteers Club and if you’ve seen our beautiful orchids you understand why she is such a valuable volunteer to us. It should also be noted that she can always be counted on for special events none more important than our Gala in the Gardens that she is always present for. Gail we couldn’t be more thankful for having such a versatile and well intentioned volunteer.

Volunteer Spotlight: Diane Rogers

Our Volunteer of the Month for August is Diane Rogers. Diane is a longstanding volunteer and member of Flamingo Gardens. She works with our Orchidteers and is always pleasant to be around. She is consistent, judicious, dependable, and relatable. Diane always works well with other volunteers and regularly is known to get incoming Orchidteers acclimated to the rigorous but rewarding work that they do. Diane can be counted on to make anyone feel at home here at Flamino Gardens and that is a major reason why we appreciate her so much. She has volunteered over 1200 hours with us. We are so grateful to have Diane here and look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.

Volunteer Spotlight: Sevval Karatas

Our Volunteer of the Month for July is Sevval Karatas. Sevval has done so much for us this month. She has already volunteered 50 hours in the month of July and has been all smiles in doing so.

She can often be found greeting guest in our gift shop or assisting younger children in the gallery with our Dino exhibit. Her versatility has been applauded as she has helped serve in our Flamingo Café as well. Her warm personality, cheerful attitude, and humble demeanor have given the guests a special experience and we are thankful to have her.

Eco-teers Tackle Invasive Species and Environmental Cleanup

Saturday, July 6th, 2024 – Invasive Species Removal at Long Key Natural Area

On July 6th, Eco-teers actively engaged in an invasive species removal initiative at Long Key Natural Area and Nature Center. Our volunteers dedicated three hours to the careful extraction of an estimated 250-300 pounds of snake plants from their roots. Snake plants, notorious for their invasive nature once established in soil, possess a rapid spreading capability that threatens our native flora. These plants form very compact infestations and create their own monoculture, making them a significant threat to the local ecosystem.

How You Can Safely Remove Snake Plants from Your Backyard

If you have snake plants in your backyard, here’s how you can safely remove them:

  1. Pull or dig out all the roots, which look like carrots. Be careful, as these plants break easily and can reappear if not pulled from the root.
  2. Pull down any vines or clusters attached to the plants.
  3. Shovel out the roots from the ground to ensure complete removal.

According to the University of Florida, “The mother-in-law’s tongue and S. hyacinthoides are two varieties of snake plants that are considered invasive. The UF/IFAS north-central-south Florida zone assessment considers this group of plants to have a high invasion risk.” Learn more from the University of Florida here.

Friday, July 19th, 2024 – Cleanup at Eula Johnson State Park and Dania Beach

On Friday, July 19th, the Eco-teers spent three hours cleaning Eula Johnson State Park and Dania Beach. Despite the rain and small turnout, they managed to collect 30.6 pounds of microplastics and other waste. These items harm the natural environment by disrupting nutrient cycling, sediment structure, and microbial communities. They also pose a threat to wildlife and contribute to the gradual contamination of our food sources.

Saturday, July 20th, 2024 – Extreme Weather Training in North Miami

On Saturday, July 20th, Ashley Vieira, our Eco-teer Coordinator, and Melissa Auld, Sr. Director of Operations, attended the Extreme Weather Training in North Miami. This event was presented by the CLEO Institute in partnership with the Miami-Dade Department of Emergency Management, Miami-Dade County CERT, and Miami Climate Alliance. The training focused on life-saving strategies to thrive in extreme heat, storms, and other weather challenges, equipping our team with valuable knowledge to better serve our community in times of need.

Join Us!

Join us in our efforts to protect and preserve our natural environments! Together, we can make a difference. For those looking to join EcoTeers/Flamingo Garden’s Volunteers, our coordinator will be attending the “Back to School” booth on August 3rd from 10 AM to 3 PM at Sunrise Athletic Complex, located at 11501 NW 44th Street, Sunrise, 33351.

Stay tuned for more updates on our upcoming events and initiatives.

Volunteer Spotlight: Geoffrey Dix

Our Volunteer of the Month for June is Geoffrey Dix. Jeff as he likes to be called has been volunteering with us since May and already has over 112 hours. He has helped in our Wray and our Gallery since we’ve had our Dinosaurs Around the World Exhibit. The place you can see him the most is the Tram. He spends a lot of time keeping that area clean, assisting guests, and providing optimal hospitality. He is always eager and willing to do what we ask and remains in good spirits about every task. It has been great to have him here.

Volunteer Spotlight: Ilene Shatkin

Our Volunteer of the Month for May is Ilene Shatkin.

Ilene is one of the kindest and most dedicated volunteers we’ve ever had. Ilene has specifically volunteered with the Orchidteers which is a group we established in 2017. When you see the orchids we have here in the gardens, you understand why the Orchidteers are such an integral part of Flamingo Gardens. Ilene is a major part of that group. In her time since becoming a volunteer she has already volunteered about 850 hours of her time and with the consistency she displays those hours are always climbing. We are lucky to have her and she is extremely valued. It is so important to have volunteers like her.

Quiet Hour with the Dinosaurs

Tuesdays through August 27, 2024

Tuesdays through August 27, 2024

Flamingo Gardens is introducing a serene and inclusive experience for visitors with sensory sensitivities. Every Tuesday, from 9am to 10am, the gardens will host “Quiet Hour with the Dinosaurs.” During this special time, the sound and motion of the animatronic dinosaurs will be turned off, allowing guests to explore the lush landscapes in a tranquil environment.

This thoughtful initiative ensures that everyone can enjoy the beauty and wonder of Flamingo Gardens without the potential overwhelm of loud noises and sudden movements. Visitors can wander through the gardens, soaking in the natural sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling, creating a peaceful and immersive experience.

“Quiet Hour with the Dinosaurs” is a perfect opportunity for families and individuals who prefer a calmer setting to connect with nature and enjoy the impressive dinosaur displays at their own pace. Whether you’re a regular visitor or planning your first trip, this inclusive hour offers a unique and considerate way to experience Flamingo Gardens.

Join us every Tuesday at 9am for a tranquil journey through time and nature, designed with sensory sensitivities in mind. Discover the harmony of the past and present in a space where everyone can feel comfortable and welcome.

Volunteer Spotlight: Aliyah Guerrero

The Volunteer of the Month for April is Aliyah Guerrero. Aliyah started volunteering less than 2 months ago but already has about 80 hours completed. She always has a smile on her face and does every job exactly how we need. Most notably she has been seen as a guide in our Wray. Aliyah was willing to step up at a time where we really needed her and fill in the gaps to help us continue to move in an organized manner and we are so thankful to her for that. 

Eco-teers: April Adventures and Future Endeavors

Greetings, fellow eco-enthusiasts! It’s time for a peek behind the scenes of our EcoTeers initiatives. As we navigate through April and into May, our calendar has been bustling with activity and anticipation. Here’s a snapshot of what’s been happening and what lies ahead:

Earth Day Reflections:

While Earth Day events were not on our immediate agenda due to a flurry of other eco-engagements, the spirit of environmental stewardship thrives within our EcoTeers community. Instead, we channeled our energy into a special project, collaborating with Dominique on her pollinator garden. It’s an extra endeavor that aligns perfectly with the ethos of Earth Day – nurturing our precious pollinators and celebrating the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Outreach and Recruitment:

April 6th marked an exciting opportunity for outreach as we manned a booth alongside Beth Jarvis. Our mission? To recruit passionate volunteers for upcoming events, including the Orchid and Bonsai Festivals. Engaging with high school and college environmental groups opened doors for future collaborations, amplifying the impact of our projects and fostering a sense of community among environmental advocates.

Climate Conversations and Eco-Art:

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for Saturday, April 27th! We’re thrilled to be part of a Climate Conversation Seminar at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. With the generous support of the Community Foundation of Broward and other donors, this event promises to ignite meaningful discussions and inspire action. Plus, we’ll have the opportunity to delve into the world of eco-art, exploring creative avenues for environmental advocacy.

Upcoming EcoTeer Project:

May holds even more excitement in store! On May 11th, join us at Flamingo Park Hall for an EcoTeer project dedicated to creating a wildlife-friendly habitat. Together, we’ll learn and lend a hand in attracting and reintroducing local butterflies, insects, and birds. Don’t miss out – registration is required, so reach out to Ashley Vieira at [email protected]g for more information.

Expressing Gratitude:

Last but certainly not least, a heartfelt thank you to the Community Foundation of Broward. Your support fuels our endeavors and amplifies our impact within the community. Look out for a revised “Thank you” in your inbox soon – it’s our small way of expressing immense gratitude for your partnership in our mission.

As we bid farewell to April and embrace the opportunities that May brings, let’s continue to tread lightly on this beautiful planet we call home. Together, as EcoTeers, we have the power to enact change, one project, one conversation, one step at a time.

Until next time, let’s keep the green spirit alive and thriving!