Miami Waterkeeper is kicking off the new year with two clean-up and restoration events simultaneously at Virginia Key and Crandon Marinas.
Both events are scheduled for 9:30 a.m., on Jan. 10.
In the first event, Miami Waterkeeper is teaming up with the city of Miami Parks and Recreation Department for Habitat Restoration at Virginia Key. Volunteers will meet up near Mable Fentress Miller Walking Trail at Arthur Lamb Jr. Road.
Volunteers will remove invasive plants such as Scaevola and Sansevieria species from Dune Habitat.
For safety precautions, participants will use loppers, hand clippers and spading forks to haul debris through an uneven slope ground.
The volunteer work requires heavy lifting and teenagers and older groups are commended for the jobs. The younger groups will be monitored at all times by designated guardians and students can earn community service hours for the volunteer work.
Participants must register 15 minutes before the event starts and are required to wear closed-toe shoes and long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Gloves will be provided.
Also, participants should bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during the event.
To register in advance, please call or email erin@miamiwaterkeeper.org.
The second event by Miami Waterkeeper is in partnership with Miami EcoAdventures for Kayak clean-up day at the Crandon Marias.
Volunteers will meet up at 4000 Crandon Boulevard in Key Biscayne before they hit the water on kayaks to conduct a marine debris clean-up in the coastal area and surrounding mangrove habitats.
Heavy lifting and experience on a kayak are required for the event, and like the Virginia Key Habitat Restoration, designated guardians will monitor teens at all times during the event for safety reasons.
Closed-toe shoes are required and long-sleeved shirts are and long pants are recommended (clothes that can get wet). A hat, sunblock, and insect repellent are also recommended. Gloves will be provided.
The kayak clean-up is weather dependent and the event will be canceled with at least 24 hours notice if inclement weather is anticipated.
The kayak clean-up lasts will be launching from Crandon Marina on Key Biscayne
This event is free and registration includes a two-hour kayak clean-up with kayak, paddles, PFDs, water and a Miami Waterkeeper staff guide.
To register in advance, call 305-905-0856 or email erin@miamiwaterkeeper.org.
Donations are greatly welcomed and can be made at this link.