August 2025 Recap: Eco-Teers in Action

August 2025 Recap: Eco-Teers in Action

August was an inspiring month for the Eco-Teers, filled with community connection, hands-on conservation, and exciting collaborations. From welcoming new volunteers to celebrating partnerships, we saw the power of people coming together for a greener, more sustainable future. Here’s a look back at what we accomplished:

August 2nd – Volunteer/Eco-Teer Booth at Sunrise Athletic Complex

Our booth at the Sunrise Athletic Complex was buzzing with curiosity and conversation! Designed to welcome new members into the Eco-Teers community, the booth also sparked meaningful discussions around sustainability, conservation, and eco-conscious living.

Visitors had the chance to:

Learn about Eco-Teers’ projects and volunteer opportunities

Join in interactive eco-activities

Chat with experienced volunteers and our Eco-Teer Coordinator

Take home free resources on waste reduction, climate action, and local environmental issues

We were thrilled to connect with so many people of all ages who shared our vision for a healthier planet.

August 3rd – Monthly Volunteer Orientation at Flamingo Gardens

Volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do, and our August orientation at Flamingo Gardens reflected that.

The session gave new volunteers the chance to connect, learn, and feel prepared to make a real difference through environmental stewardship and teamwork.

Next up: Our upcoming orientation will take place on September 28th, 2025 at 11 AM. Interested in joining? Email us at [email protected]
or [email protected] to sign up.

August 23rd – Surfrider Collaboration & Dedication

Collaboration made us stronger — and our recent partnership with the Surfrider Foundation proved just that! Together, we celebrated the official dedication of the Children’s Outdoor Classroom at Flamingo Gardens as an “Ocean Friendly” space.

This recognition highlighted the classroom as a place rooted in sustainable practices, native biodiversity, and environmental education.

With Surfrider volunteers by our side, we:

Cleared large sections of invasive cat’s claw and pothos

Strategically removed roots and vines to prevent regrowth

Restored space for native species to thrive

Shared hands-on eco-restoration techniques with new volunteers

In addition, Eco-Teers introduced new rain barrels for water conservation — a perfect tie-in to Surfrider’s mission of reducing runoff and preventing water pollution.

This collaboration brought new energy, perspective, and community members into our ecosystem restoration efforts. While Surfrider is widely known for coastal protection, their land-to-sea vision aligned beautifully with Eco-Teers’ mission right here in our own backyard.

For more information about Surfrider Foundation of Broward click here!

August 30th – Together We Stand

Eco-Teers attended a project at Together We Stand nonprofit organization in Hollywood from 10am to 1pm.

Eco-Teers learned about the importance of Hydroponics vs. Aquaponics and how to install that into their sustainability practices.

In a time of climate instability, rising food costs, and urban sprawl, communities are looking for resilient, local solutions to feed themselves and reconnect people to the land. Approaches like aquaponics, hydroponics, native planting, and invasive removal aren’t just ecological tools — they are also community tools, helping people come together around shared purpose and place.

Aquaponics & Hydroponics: Growing Together Without Soil

What they are:

Hydroponics: Growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution without soil.

Aquaponics: A closed-loop system that combines hydroponics with fish farming. Fish waste fertilizes the plants; plants clean the water for the fish.

Eco-Teers assisted in removing overgrown plants invasive and native to learn how an aquaponic table works and the purpose of it. They also assisted in replanting natives and restructuring native habitats.

Whether you’re joining through Eco-Teers, Flamingo Gardens, or both, our monthly orientation is your first step into a rewarding journey of environmental stewardship and community collaboration.

Ready to take part?

Our next Orientation will take place September 28th 2025 at 11am.

You can reach us at [email protected] OR [email protected]

Upcoming Eco-teer Events

September Events:

September 14th 2025 – ADOPT – A – DUNE

Partnership with Surfrider on a sea oat planting project. Join us from 8am to 12pm while we reconstruct a native dune in Pompano.

September 20th 2025 – Happy International Coastal Cleanup Day!

From 9am to 12pm we will be dividing up and cleaning Hugh Taylor Birch State Park AND Pompano Pier!

September 27th 2025 – Happy National Public Lands Day!

October Events:

EcoAction Days start again!! Stay tuned.

Volunteer Spotlight: Michael Newman

Our Volunteer of the Month for August is Michael Newman. Michael has been here volunteering everywhere this month. He can be seen in our Cafe and Gift-Shop mostly. Michael is all smiles and so pleasant. He’s particularly gifted at making guests feel welcome and we are extremely grateful for his presence.

Volunteer Spotlight: Sebastian Reano

Our Volunteer of the Month for July is Sebastian Reano. Sebastian has been here all summer volunteering and he has done some of everything. Most frequently he has been a guide in the gallery encouraging guests to engage with our latest exhibit. He has also volunteered at the Tram, Cafe, Aviary, Gift Shop and assisted in keeping our sanctuary clean. We want to thank Sebastian and recognize the hard work and consistency he’s had all summer. We appreciate you.

Volunteer Spotlight: Valentina Resnick

Our Volunteer of the Month for June is Valentina Resnick. Valentina has done a phenomenal job volunteering in our Animal Care Department. Throughout the months she has come highly recommended and has received numerous compliments from our staff. She is an eager and effective volunteer who has done everything asked of her in that department. Valentina has been so superbly exceptional that this is last time she can ever be the volunteer of the month because Animal Care loved her so much that she has now been hired as an employee. For all the hard work, time and effort she put into volunteering, we want to say Thank You Valentina. Welcome to the team.

Volunteer Spotlight: Jack Hayes

Our Volunteer of the Month for May is Jack Hayes. Jack comes to Flamingo Gardens with such a humble demeanor ready to give his all.

Jack can often be seen assisting in the Gallery with the various exhibits on display. He also routinely makes the flamingo food bags that our guests love.

Jack does every task we need graciously. This year he has been so welcoming and willing to learn how to be effective in many departments and has even shown to be able to help in our Food Services.

Volunteers like Jack keep us going and grounded and we are thankful to have him.

Volunteer Spotlight: Tal Leshem

Out Volunteer of the Month is Tal Leshem. Tal is an incredible volunteer who has primarily volunteered with our Eco-teers.

Tal is a regular at Eco-teer events, has an exemplary attitude, and takes so much initiative. Whether it’s helping with a booth, doing a clean up, or really any task at all Tal has been a devoted member of the Eco-teers.

Consistent involvement from valued Eco-teers has been integral in Flamingo Gardens making our mark in the community in a larger way and Tal has been a huge part of that. We’ve been made better by having Tal as a part of our team.

 

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

2nd Place winner of $75

Judera Bug Sunbathing Over a Leaf by Claudia Masella

1st 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.