Volunteer Spotlight: Luis Avendano

Our volunteer of the month is Luis Avendano. Luis always been ready and willing to do anything as a volunteer for Flamingo Gardens. When we say anything, we mean anything. Luis can be seen volunteering in every department imaginable, whether be assisting at the Café, cleaning the tram, picking up or composting, regulating parking, garden guiding, as well as so much more monthly. Luis has helped our Gift Shop, Food Services, Events, Rentals, Maintenance, Horticulture, and Animal Care Department. In particular this month he has worked diligently to ensure smooth operations for our Garden of Lights in which he has already given consecutive days and nights too us. Luis has volunteered over 460 hours here and is poised to do even more. We are very lucky to have him.

 

Volunteer Spotlight: Leland Upshaw

Our Volunteer of the Month for November is Leland Upshaw. Leland recently started volunteering here at Flamingo Gardens but has been apart of the Flamingo Gardens family for years. If you have been to Flamingo Gardens in the last month there is a big chance you’ve walked through those doors and been greeted by him. We love to have volunteers that provide the most pleasant experience for our guests and that is why Leland volunteering in Guest Services has been such an asset. He has volunteered 60 hours for us and has allowed everyone to better enjoy being here. Even our staff have taken to the positive and productive mindset Leland provides. Thank you for continuing a legacy of excellence in our guest services department.

Animal Care Supplies Needed

In the heart of our community lies a haven for wildlife – Flamingo Gardens, a sanctuary dedicated to the care and conservation of animals. Today, we bring your attention to an urgent matter that calls for the compassion and generosity of our community. The Flamingo Gardens Animal Care Department is facing a shortage of essential supplies needed to ensure the well-being of the diverse range of creatures under their protection.

The Animal Care Department is reaching out to our community for support. Your assistance can make a significant difference in the lives of these animals. Supplies can be dropped off at Guest Services between the hours of 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Daily. Here’s a list of urgently needed items:

Every contribution, big or small, plays a vital role in ensuring the Flamingo Gardens Animal Care Department can continue its crucial mission. By providing these supplies, you’re directly contributing to the comfort, health, and safety of the animals in our community.

Our community has always demonstrated a remarkable spirit of generosity and empathy. Now, more than ever, the Flamingo Gardens Animal Care Department needs our support. Let’s come together to ensure these beautiful creatures continue to receive the care and attention they deserve. Your kindness will not only make a difference in their lives but will also reaffirm the strength of our community’s commitment to the well-being of all its inhabitants, big and small.

Volunteer Spotlight: Kathy Harmon

The Volunteer of the Month for October is Kathy Harmon. Kathy has been such an involved and dedicated volunteer. Kathy has given us over 250 hours of volunteer time. This month she was a joy as always in the Wray Home but also helped us out in events. Kathy was extremely instrumental in our Harvest Fest event which as you know is one of our busiest times of the year. We are so thankful to have her with us and really rely on her consistency and skillset.

EcoTeers’ Environmental Adventures: Restoring Florida’s Ecosystems!

This October, EcoTeers embarked on a series of exciting and impactful projects aimed at restoring and preserving Florida’s natural beauty. From propagating mangroves to clearing invasive species, EcoTeers joined hands with local organizations to make a real difference in our environment. Let’s dive into the details of these remarkable initiatives.

October 7th – The MANGrove Project

On a bright morning, EcoTeers teamed up with MANG and VOLO for a special project dedicated to the restoration of Florida’s coastlines. The day began at 9 AM and continued until 1 PM, bringing together individuals with a shared passion for the environment. The team drove to MANG’s headquarters in West Palm Beach to learn about the crucial role that mangroves play in protecting our coastlines.

Mangroves, with their unique characteristics and ecological importance, were the center of attention. Participants were educated about the different types of mangroves, such as black, red, and white mangroves, and where they tend to grow along coastlines. This knowledge is vital for understanding the intricate web of life that these ecosystems support.

EcoTeers also worked alongside FXB, sharing their enthusiasm for environmental conservation with the younger generation. This experience was a great opportunity to inspire and educate the next wave of eco-warriors.

The project took place in honor of “Florida Climate Week,” emphasizing the significance of mangroves in mitigating climate change and safeguarding our coasts. Over the course of the day, EcoTeers were actively involved in propagating 1400 mangroves, which were later transferred to a pool/nursery, ensuring their continued growth and eventual planting along the coast. The promise of updates on the progress of these mangroves is something to look forward to as the team continues their environmental journey.

 

October 14th – Snake Warrior Island Natural Area

On the 14th of October, EcoTeers teamed up with Broward County Parks for a mission that involved removing invasive species and preserving the natural beauty of Snake Warrior Island Natural Area. Starting at 9 AM and continuing until noon, this project was a testament to the commitment of the EcoTeers in safeguarding the local ecosystem.

The goal of the day was to clear the natural areas of any garbage and remove invasive plants. EcoTeers were armed with determination and gloves, and they spent three hours meticulously removing invasive plants by hand. The team also ensured that the fencing surrounding the natural park was secure, providing protection to the area.

The results of their efforts were impressive. A total of three large garbage bags, weighing up to 75 pounds, were filled with invasive vines, weeds, and other unwanted plants. The removal of these invasive species helps restore the balance in the ecosystem, ensuring native plants and animals can thrive.

As an additional bonus, EcoTeers had the opportunity to explore the park’s trail, enhancing their knowledge of its natural history and observing the local wildlife. The sightings included snakes and aquatic birds, further connecting the team with the environment they were working to protect.

EcoTeers’ October initiatives exemplify the power of collaboration and dedication in the quest to preserve Florida’s precious ecosystems. Through partnerships with organizations like MANG, VOLO, and Broward County Parks, EcoTeers demonstrated their commitment to environmental conservation. Their work in propagating mangroves and removing invasive species is an investment in a greener and healthier future for Florida’s coastlines and natural areas. As EcoTeers continue their efforts, they serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of protecting the environment we cherish.

Volunteer Spotlight: Carson Carothers

Our Volunteer of the Month for September is Carson Carothers. Carson has been phenomenal for us this month. Carson dedicated 30 hours to us in which we saw him help with our Event set ups and breakdowns. Carson also took time out to volunteer in our animal care department which we really appreciate. He has been excellent at taking direction and seeing a task all the way through. Thank you, Carson, for your contributions to Flamingo Gardens this month.

Volunteer Spotlight: Kenny Patterson

Our Volunteer Spotlight for for August is Kenny Patterson. Kenny has contributed almost 30 hours this month. Kenny has helped in our café, been a guide for our Lego Exhibit, helped at tram, and assisted in maintenance.

Kenny will often volunteer for multiple shifts and cover a lot of ground with different departments throughout the day. He has also already committed to helping our events department in the ensuing month of September. We are very thankful to have a volunteer like Kenny who is willing to do what it takes to help in any way he can.

Busy August for Eco-Teers: Promoting Sustainability and Protecting Beaches

As summer draws to a close, the dedicated members of the Eco-Teers have been busier than ever, working tirelessly to promote environmental awareness and take meaningful actions to preserve our natural world. From educational events to beach cleanups, August has been a month filled with impactful initiatives that highlight the organization’s commitment to sustainability.

Promoting Eco-Friendly Back to School with Flamingo Gardens

One of the highlights of August was the Eco-Teers’ involvement in the “back to school” event at Flamingo Gardens. Representing the organization, members took the opportunity to engage with visitors and spread the word about Eco-Teers’ mission. Ashley, our Eco-teer coordinator, accompanied by Beth Jarvis part of our Special Programs Department and Anita Sobaram our Education Manager, distributed informative pamphlets about the organization’s activities and the upcoming events at Flamingo Gardens. In an effort to captivate young minds and foster curiosity, Eco-Teers brought butterflies and a patch of fur from Josh the bear. The kids were encouraged to ask questions and interact with these tangible reminders of the natural world.

Taking Action: Beach Cleanup Collaboration

Eco-Teers demonstrated their commitment to the environment through their participation in a Beach Cleanup collaboration with MODS. On a Saturday, August 12th, morning the team gathered at Dania Beach at Dr. Von D. Mizell – Eula Johnson State Park, armed with determination and trash bags. From 8 AM to 12 PM, they meticulously combed the beach shore and surrounding pavilions, collecting an impressive 29.6 pounds of microplastics. Among the most common items were bottle caps and beer cans, which, if left unchecked, could wreak havoc on marine life and coastal vegetation.

The team’s efforts extended beyond mere cleanup. Their collaboration with MODS took an innovative turn, as they provided bottle caps to contribute to the museum’s plastics project. This project is a testament to the power of collective efforts and creative initiatives aimed at turning waste into valuable resources.

The Eco-Teers’ dedication shows no sign of slowing down. With plans for more events on the horizon, their commitment to environmental conservation remains unwavering. As the end of August approaches, another event is in the works. Furthermore, September promises to be just as eventful, with two initiatives scheduled despite a brief absence during the first week and a half of the month

If you would like to join the Eco-teers and help make an impact in our community against pollution and climate change, contact Ashley at [email protected] or call 954-473-2955 for more information.

Official NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors™

We’re excited to share some fantastic news: Flamingo Gardens has taken a significant step towards enhancing community resilience and preparedness against extreme weather, water, and climate events. Flamingo Gardens has been accepted as a NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™, joining a network of organizations dedicated to fostering a Weather-Ready Nation.

Flamingo Gardens’ was encouraged to apply after a recent visit to the NOAA facility in Miami, FL by our Eco-teers. The NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ initiative is an endeavor that recognizes and celebrates partners of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) who are actively contributing to the nation’s readiness for unpredictable weather challenges. Flamingo Gardens’ commitment to this initiative reflects our dedication to strengthening the nation’s capacity to withstand and respond to extreme weather events.

As a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador, Flamingo Gardens is aligning itself with NOAA and other esteemed Ambassadors, forming a united front against the growing threats posed by extreme weather phenomena. This collaboration underscores the importance of preparedness, proactive response, and resilience-building at both local and national levels.

The NOAA Weather-Ready Nation logo, which Flamingo Gardens is now authorized to display, symbolizes our role as a key player in this initiative. This emblem will grace our digital platforms and print materials, serving as a visible reminder of our commitment to fostering awareness, education, and cooperation in the realm of weather and climate readiness.

Flamingo Gardens’ participation in the Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ initiative signifies more than just a title—it’s a pledge to contribute to the betterment of our communities. By incorporating the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation logo on our website and materials, Flamingo Gardens is not only demonstrating our partnership with NOAA but also providing a link to valuable resources available through the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation website. This creates an avenue for visitors to access information that can aid in their own preparedness efforts.


What’’s on the horizon? Flamingo Gardens will collaborate with a designated NOAA point of contact, who will offer insights, answer questions, and explore potential a variety of opportunities. This partnership is a two-way street, with both sides benefiting from the exchange of knowledge and expertise to further enhance our collective ability to tackle extreme weather challenges.

To learn more about the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ initiative, and to explore the valuable resources available, please visit the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation website at http ://www.weather.gov/wrn/.

Volunteer Spotlight: Gabriella Randall

Volunteer of the Month for July is Gabriella Randall. 

In this month Gabriella has amassed over 50 hours and has been so useful everywhere. She has worked in our gift shop, events, food services, and even maintenance. Gabriella takes initiative and points out areas of interest in which she can be an asset as a volunteer and that’s a quality we really love. She wants to be where ever she can make a direct and immediate impact and that is why we are so glad to have her.