Eco-Teers: An End To Winter and Jump Into Spring!

As winter came to a close, Eco-Teers stayed busy with impactful projects, community engagement, and climate education. Here’s a look back at all we accomplished during February and March.

Pollinator Gardens & Rain Barrels

On February 6th, thirty butterflies were released into the newly renovated pollinator garden at Memorial Hospital’s pavilion garden, marking the beginning of a thriving ecosystem designed to support local pollinators and beautify the space.

Eco-Teers followed this success with another garden renovation at Memorial West on February 22nd. Alongside the renovation, a Rain Barrel was installed to promote sustainable water use, and an additional 20 native plants were added, bringing the total to around 50. These efforts enhance habitats for pollinators and contribute to local biodiversity.

Climate Education & Awareness

On February 25th, Eco-Teers attended a virtual Climate Seminar led by Dr. Michael Falkowski, Program Manager of The NASA Wildland Fire Program. His discussion focused on the influence of climate change and human activity on global fire regimes, highlighting how land-use changes, fossil fuel consumption, and ignition sources are driving catastrophic wildfires. Inspired by this seminar, Eco-Teers are more committed than ever to projects that protect and restore our environment.

Community Cleanups & Water Conservation

We kicked off March with the International Waterway Cleanup Project at Anne Kolb Nature Center/Hollywood North Beach on March 1st. As Broward County’s largest and longest-running cleanup initiative, Eco-Teers proudly removed approximately 220 pounds of waste—four full 60-gallon garbage bags—from local waterways, helping to preserve our precious ecosystems.

On March 8th, Eco-Teers participated in the City of Sunrise’s Water Matters Day, where we connected with community members and other organizations to share our efforts in conserving water. We also promoted our ongoing Rain Barrel installations—if your organization or business is interested, reach out to us at [email protected].

We wrapped up the month with Earth Hour on March 22nd. Eco-Teers spread awareness about this global movement, where landmarks worldwide go dark for one hour to emphasize the importance of reducing energy consumption. Originally started in Australia, Earth Hour serves as a powerful symbol of collective action against climate change.

Thank You to Our Volunteers and Supporters!

Eco-Teers would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all our volunteers and donors who make these projects possible. Your support allows us to continue our mission of depicting, preserving, and providing education about the natural and cultural heritage of South Florida and the Everglades.

If you’d like to join us, email our Eco-Teer Coordinator, Ashley Vieira, at [email protected] or call us at 954-473-2955 ext. 134. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on our environment—one project at a time.

Eco-teers: New Year, New Projects!

Saturday, January 25th, 2025

Over the weekend, our dedicated Eco-Teers participated in a multitude of environmental projects that have significantly impacted our communities and natural landscapes. From composting workshops to restoring native habitats and educating the public on sustainable practices, our volunteers have demonstrated commitment and passion for protecting the environment.

One notable project, this past Saturday, involved attending a compost workshop in Miami led by Francisco Torres. This hands-on workshop enlightened our volunteers on the correct process of composting and ways it can be incorporated into daily life. This educational project will assist in our sustainability initiatives and future developments.

Sunday, January 26th, 2025

Another significant initiative was our Butterfly Garden installment at the pavilion of Memorial Hospital – West on Sunday the 26th, where volunteers planted a large amount of host and nectar plants for pollinators. This not only improved aesthetics for patients and staff at the hospital, but it also fostered a sense of community and environmental stewardship as well as reintroducing wildlife such as butterflies, birds, and native insects while providing shade.

In addition to hands-on projects, our volunteers have been instrumental in organizing educational workshops and outreach programs. These initiatives have raised awareness about environmental issues and equipped individuals with the knowledge and tools to make a positive difference in their own lives and communities.

We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our donors and volunteers, whose generous contributions have made these projects possible. Their financial support has provided the necessary resources for equipment, materials, and logistical needs, ensuring the success of our endeavors. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. Your efforts are making a lasting impact on our environment and inspiring others to join in our mission for a greener, healthier planet.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Join us for our next adventure!

February Events:

  • February 1st, 2025 (Saturday) – Eco Action Day at Fern Forest
    • Eco-Teers will be removing invasives and waste. This project will be from 9AM to 12PM.
Location: 201 S Lyons Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33063
  • February 2nd, 2025 (Sunday) – Rain Barrell Install & Annual Gala
    • Eco-Teers will also be installing a rain barrel for the grant project to the memorial butterfly garden, installations to be announced with details in another email. I’m estimating for this same weekend, if not, the following.
    • Our Annual Food & Wine Gala, volunteers needed, sign up on signup.com
  • February 8th/9th 2025 (This weekend) – Volunteers will be installing another butterfly garden for Broward County Animal Care Dept. Humane Society was hoping to have their own butterfly garden at one of the shelters in honor of the animals. Date/Time pending. 
  • February 25th, 2025 (Tuesday) – Climate Change Seminar
    • Dr. Michael Falkowski, Program Manager of the NASA Wildland Fire Program, will address how climate change and human activity are changing fire regimes worldwide. 
Location: Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, FL 33149

March Events:

  • March 1st, 2025 (Saturday) – Water Way Clean Up
    • EcoTeers will be participating in a waterway cleanup at Anne Kolb Nature Center from 9am to 12pm. More details to come!
  • March 22nd, 2025 (Saturday) – Native Plant Day, UF IFAS will be hosting a rain barrel workshop at Castellow Hammock Park and Nature Center

    • Learn about water conservation at the Rain Barrel Workshop during Native Plant Day on Saturday, March 22, hosted by the UF IFAS Miami-Dade Urban Horticulture Program. Held at one of Miami-Dade County’s scenic nature centers, this workshop highlights the benefits of rain barrels for sustainable gardening and provides practical tips on their use.

Register here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rain-barrel-workshop-at-native-plant-day-tickets-1087084672519

If you would like to join the Eco-teers for our next project, contact Ashley at [email protected] or call 954-473-2955 for more information.

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.

Ashley Vieira Eco-teer Coordinator and Genevieve Marcello Sr. Director of Programs

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]

Flamingo Gardens Announces Receipt of The Community Foundation of Broward’s 40 for 40: Spread the Love Grant

Davie, Florida – Flamingo Gardens is proud to announce that the Flamingo Gardens’ Eco-teers are a proud recipient of the Community Foundation of Broward’s 40 for 40: Spread the Love Grant.
To celebrate its 40th Anniversary, the Community Foundation awarded a total of $400,000 to 40 Broward County nonprofits, investing in projects and initiatives that make life in Broward better and supporting innovative and impactful opportunities for nonprofits to help our community.
Among the eligibility requirements for the grant was a call for creative ideas to incorporate the number 40, while staying true to the organization’s mission. In celebration of the Community Foundation of Broward’s 40 years and their inaugural funding of the Flamingo Gardens’ Eco-teers, they will install 40 rain barrels across the county in their honor. Over the course of the next year, the Eco-teers will identify and secure placement for 40 rain barrels at community gardens, schools, businesses, and non-profits throughout Broward County. Materials will be provided at no cost to the partner agencies, and the members of the Eco-teers will install each of the rain barrels and provide training and routine maintenance.

Conservation of water via rain barrels is important to fostering sustainable water management practices and mitigating environmental impacts in communities. By capturing and utilizing rainwater, rain barrels significantly contribute to several key benefits such as reducing costs for both household and commercial water usage, preventing drought, decreasing resilience on water municipalities, preventing pollutants due to runoff, and reducing flooding. By far the biggest impact this project will have will be in terms of educating the public. The long-term goal of the project is to give back to the community, monitor water usage vs. water conservation efforts, and track where larger-scale adjustments can be made.

Like all Community Foundation grants, this new anniversary-themed wave of support is made possible by the dedicated Fundholders who partner with the Foundation to create charitable funds to fuel their philanthropy. The Community Foundation now shepherds 532 charitable funds and over 40 years they have provided more than $190 million in support for: student achievement, the arts, career readiness, seniors in need, HIV/AIDs prevention, equity and social justice, environmental resilience, health care, affordable housing, disaster relief, empowering nonprofits and much more.

Flamingo Gardens is grateful to the Community Foundation of Broward for its on-going support of projects and programs and looks forward to carrying out this new program – Celebrating Sustainability – 40 Rain Barrels for Broward – in their honor.

If you would like more information on joining the Eco-teers, or if your school, small business, or non-profit is interested in receiving a rain barrel, please contact Ashley Vieria at [email protected].

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.

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.

Eco-teers: Garden for Wildlife Habitats

Ecoteer’s participated with the City of Sunrise today in a “Garden for Wildlife Habitats” workshop with the hopes of getting the general public to certify their neighborhoods as “wildlife friendly habitats”. This event was held at Flamingo Park and lasted from 10 AM to 12PM. Part of encouraging the public to understand and create a wildlife friendly garden required informing them on how to initiate and maintain such an environment. They were educated on the importance of native plants (coontie, milkweed, salvia, etc.), how to grow them, and where to properly purchase natives as opposed to their look-alike invasive counterparts. This presentation also included the growth cycle and instructions on how to care for each of the many species. Much of the invitees, including EcoTeers, were lucky enough to take home a plant or two to grow in their own gardens and reintroduce wildlife back to formerly populated areas. It was estimated that we had 30-45 attendees and over 15 committed to certifying their neighborhoods online. We have also learned that our heat zone for Broward County has moved from a 10B to now an 11 so that directly correlates with the types of species that will thrive in our environment. This information will be a lead into our following projects toward the end of May and Early June. I’m looking forward to sharing all of those details with you as we grow the number of projects we practice monthly.

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!

Eco-teers: Environmental Stewardship

In the spirit of environmental awareness and community engagement, Flamingo Gardens recently hosted a series of events aimed at promoting water conservation and combating invasive plant species. Here’s a brief recap of the activities that took place:

March 9th – “Water Matters Month” Event at Tree Tops Park:

The Flamingo Gardens EcoTeers, alongside representatives from the Horticulture/Education department, set up separate booths at Tree Tops Park. The EcoTeers were on a mission to educate the public about water conservation while also recruiting volunteers for various outreach programs. It was a collaborative effort to spread awareness and inspire action towards preserving our precious water resources.

March 13th – Invasive Plant Removal with NSU:

Led by Professor Kevin Dibert, a group of 11 volunteers from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) joined forces with Flamingo Gardens to tackle the removal of “Wandering Dude” invasive plants along the tram trail and by the back lake. This hands-on approach to conservation not only helped in preserving the native ecosystem but also strengthened the bond between the community and nature.

March 22nd-24th – Rainwater Collection for a Cause:

In a proactive move to harness natural resources, two barrels were strategically placed within the gardens to collect rainwater during a thunderstorm. The collected water, totaling an impressive 35-40 gallons, will be repurposed and donated to Sue Chalmers, who leads a reconstruction project at Southgate Meadows. This initiative not only showcases Flamingo Gardens’ commitment to sustainability but also underscores the importance of resourcefulness in environmental stewardship.

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. For more information about the Eco-teers go to:
https://flamingogardens.org/clubs-classes/eco-teers-club/

EcoAction at Central Broward Regional Park

Saturday February 24th 2023, EcoTeers participated in an EcoAction event day at one of our natural parks. Central Broward Regional Park held an invasives/waste removal from 9AM to 12PM. We were able to remove up to 100 pounds of Oyster Plant (Tradescantia Spathacea) also known for causing itching and irritating the skin of anyone who may touch the sap.

We also removed 150 pounds of plastic and other waste found at the park. Some objects to note (bottles, a bag full of dog toys stuck inside a bush, paper, straws, etc.). Volunteers were also educated on some of our native plants growing in the park such as our Smilax Vines and our Carolina Willow.

A total of 5 volunteers participated from Flamingo Gardens EcoTeers not including our Coordinator. As a whole 13 volunteers participated in making the park look safe and presentable for others walking through and for our wildlife. We look forward to participating in other EcoAction dates and to any prospective volunteers who wish to join.

For those looking forward to future events,

March is Water Matters Month in Broward County so we will be holding/.participating in events that align with water conservation purposes.

  • March 2nd will be a PUBLIC waterway cleanup, there will be a mass cleanup of our natural parks and waterways from 9AM to 12PM in honor of water matters month. We encourage all our EcoTeers to participate on their own if they are able. Anyone who wishes to participate in the public cleanup can find more information here: https://waterwaycleanup.org/
     
  • March 9th – Flamingo Gardens “EcoTeer” coordinator will be holding a booth for recruitment and education purposes at Tree Tops Park to celebrate “World Water Day” on March 22nd. Those who wish to apply as a volunteer or who have questions are welcome to visit. Our horticulture team will also be attendance at another booth during this event.
  • March 10th – EcoTeers will be hosting their very own waterway cleanup in honor of Broward County’s annual team cleanup. This event will be held at Dania Beach pier/marina from 9am-12pm. We’re looking forward to seeing our EcoTeers and any new faces who plan on attending.