For the fourth year in a row, the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival (IOFF) returns to South Florida with its Traveling Program, in celebration of World Ocean Day, to screen some of the best, award-winning films of the IOFF 21st Anniversary.

On June 8th, please join Blue Scholars and ARTSail for a special night of impact speakers and films at the UM Rosenstiel School. Part 2 of the World Ocean Day Celebration, the evening kicks off at 5:00PM with the SALT Waterfront cocktail reception followed at 6:15PM by the Sheroes of the Ocean panel discussion. At 7:30PM, a curated selection of films from around the world will explore the beauty and energy of the ocean, and connect us to its remarkable inhabitants and staunch advocates, all while inspiring us to act on their behalf. Check out the selection of films to be screened in Miami below and be sure to secure your tickets today!

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2024

5:00PM - 9:00PM

UM Rosenstiel School

4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Virginia Key

Shark Researchers: A New Approach to Shark Conservation

Arnau Argemi Gonzalez (Spain) 3 min

How can we convert Belizean fisherman, who have long relied on shark fishing for their livelihoods, into advocates for shark conservation? This film a transformative opportunity, introducing alternative livelihoods benefitting both the sharks and the local communities.

Konstantinus’ Legacy - Awakening the Love for Nature

Daniel Bichsel (Germany) 6 min

Pause, take a deep breath, and walk along with Konstantinus as he guides you through the lavish nature of Batanta Island, Indonesia. Let his passion and love for the environment inspire you. The natural world isn’t just a story to be told. It’s our home. It’s our shared world, worth dedicating one’s life to protect. Watch as Konstantinus does just that.

The Granny Grommets

Leah Rustomjee (Australia) 9 min

As young girls they missed out on the “Surfing Generation”, but it’s never too late, and this enthusiastic pod recently grabbed their boards and took to the waves, where they found a wonderful camaraderie - and horizontal surfing that’s easier on the legs.

A Disappearing Forest

Tyler Schiffman (USA) 9 min

“Within the last decade, 96% of the kelp forests along California’s coast have disappeared. If that many trees disappeared, it would be front-page news everywhere.” Urgently narrated by Greg Downie, a commercial urchin diver who, with the disappearance of red sea urchin, has lost his livelihood. This film educates us about the interdependence of kelp forests, sea-stars, urchins, and the people who play a role in keeping the ecosystem in balance.

Kingdom of Ice: Antarctica’s Leopard Seals

Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier, Andy Mann & SeaLegacy (USA) 10 min

This bite-sized film takes a “Gary Larsen-esque” look at one of Antarctica’s most fearsome predators, leopard seals. The bane of hapless penguins, they confront divers with a fearless ferocity and razor-sharp teeth. The humans soon discover they are objects of special interest: but as pals… or prey? See how one encounter revealed our “role” in their world (prepare to be humbled).

Tahlequah the Whale: A Dance of Grief

Daniel Kreizberg (Lithuania) 15 min

This film intertwines the heart-wrenching journey of orca mother Tahlequah, carrying her deceased newborn across the Salish Sea in July 2018, with broader human tales of loss. Woven into the film’s rich orchestral tapestry are the authentic orca archival sounds, captured by underwater hydrophones. With stunning frame-by-frame animation, this poignant story explores grief, resilience, and our collective responsibility towards the planet’s future.

With the Tide

Chelsey J. Jolly (USA) 25 min

Yakutat, with 400 residents, sits at the mouth of Yakutat Bay north of Glacier Bay, Alaska. Home to the Tlingit people for centuries, the region offers fishing, hunting and wild natural beauty, but not much for teenagers––until one native resident returns from college and introduces them to the pleasures of joyful, spirit-strengthening surfing, right where they live. Whole families become involved, contributing boards, wetsuits, and a mix of Tlingit traditions.

Join us for the 4th Annual World Ocean Day Celebration!

We are thrilled to invite you to our 4th Annual World Ocean Day Celebration, where we will come together to honor and protect our planet's most precious resource: the ocean. Presented by Ocean Bank, and coordinated by Blue Scholars and ARTSail, more than 20 local and national organizations and artists are collaborating to make this another unforgettable day of community engagement and volunteer impact. Let's come together to celebrate the beauty and importance of our shared ocean and commit to taking action to safeguard it for future generations. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of a global movement for ocean conservation.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2024

8:00AM - 12:00PM

35th Street BEACH

COLLINS AVEnue & 35th Street, MIAMI BEACH

~ Public FREE Event ~

WATER RECREATION AND ENGAGEMENT

8:00AM - 9:00AM

• 30min Ocean Mile Challenge Exhibition Swim with Full Circle Coaching >>> REGISTER HERE <<<

8:30AM - 9:30AM

• Pilates on the Beach with Pilates for the People >>> REGISTER HERE <<<

9:00AM - 10:00AM

• Ceremonial Paddle-Out with Surfrider Miami (personal paddle-craft required) >>> REGISTER HERE <<<

• Youth Ocean Swim Instruction with Breathe and Splash Swim School >>> PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT FORM HERE <<<

COMMUNITY SERVICE AND IMPACT

10:00AM - 12:00PM

• Beach Cleanup with Clean Miami Beach and The International SeaKeepers Society >>> REGISTER HERE <<<

• Dune Restoration with Surfrider Miami >>> REGISTER HERE <<<

• Water Quality Testing with Blue Water Task Force and EarthEcho International

ocean ART

8:00AM - 12:00PM

• Tidal Tapestry: Exploring Sea-Life Patterns by Maria Useche, former YoungArts recipient

• Weaving with Water by Deborah Mitchell, in collaboration with Breakthrough Miami, Overtown Youth Center, and The Motivational Edge

We can’t wait to see you on the beach! Arrive early and bring your beach umbrella.

Public parking located at 36th St, 34th St, and 27th St.

Water station provided so BYO reusable bottle. Event hydration, in refillable aluminum bottles, courtesy of Open Water. REDUCE-REUSE-RECYCLE!

5:00PM - 9:00PM

Um Rosenstiel school

4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Virginia Key

~ Public TICKETED Event ~

IMPACT SPEAKERS AND FILMS >>> PURCHASE tickets <<<

5:00PM - 6:00PM

• SALT Waterfront Cocktail Reception with Ocean Art & Water Dance Performance

6:00PM - 9:00PM

• Sheroes of the Ocean Panel

  Dr. Lisa Beal - Professor of Oceanography, Department of Ocean Sciences, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science

  Dr. Karlisa Callwood - Marine scientist, National Geographic Explorer, and fisheries expert

  Anya Freeman - Founder and CEO, Kind Designs

  Deborah Mitchell - Conservation artist and Master Naturalist

  Cyan Simmons - Ports & Communities Liaison, Ocean Conservancy

  Ombretta Agro Andruff (Moderator) - Founder / Executive Director, ARTSail Residency & Research Initiative

• International Ocean Film Festival (film program can be found HERE)

Presenting Sponsor

Celebration Sponsor

Activation SPONSORs

The Ocean Art Project is funded in part by a grant from Miami-Dade County, with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Food & Beverage SPONSORS

COLLABORATING PARTNERS

Presented by Blue Scholars and The Barnacle Society, and in partnership with several amazing organizations, the 4th annual Biscayne Bay Celebration will take place on December 9th. Open to the public and fun for the whole family, activities include on the water recreation, education, art, volunteer impact and entertainment.

BONUS! Participating park and island cleanup volunteers will receive FREE entry into the evening Moonlight Concert at The Barnacle Historic State Park.

PEACOCK PARK, 9:00AM - 12:00PM (free)

2820 McFarlane Rd, Coconut Grove

9AM - 10AM

• Stand Up Paddleboard & Kayak Demo with PADL

• Pilates in the Park with Pilates For The People

• Rehabilitated Bird Release with Pelican Harbor Seabird Station

9AM - 12PM

• Park Art with Endangered Species Art Flags by Beatriz Chachamovits

10AM - 12PM

• Kids Art with Sophia Lacroix and GEN2050

• Bioblitz Bingo with Frost Science MUVE and iNaturalist

• STEM Saturday with FIU’s Green Family Foundation NeighborhoodHELP

• Park & Island Cleanup with Debris Free Oceans and Coconut Grove Sailing Club

 >>> REGISTER 1) PARK CLEANUP or 2) ISLAND CLEANUP <<<

THE BARNACLE, 6:00PM - 10:00PM

(free for cleanup volunteers, otherwise $10-$20)

>>> PURCHASE TICKETS <<<

3485 Main Highway, Coconut Grove

6PM - 10PM

• Bayfront Picnic (BYO) with Endangered Species Art Flags by Beatriz Chachamovits

• Bespoke Poetry & Spoken Word by The Biscayne Poet

• Live Music by Bryant Del Toro, Thad & Piper Foote and Not Yet Published

THANK YOU SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Celebration Sponsors

Activation Sponsors

Food & Beverage Sponsors

Collaborating Partners

Are you ready for Give Miami Day?

Early Giving Opens November 13!

For the second year in a row, a gracious Blue Scholars Board Member will generously match up to $10,000 in donations! Make twice the impact and help us reach our goal of $30,000.

Give Miami Day is an annual giving movement to celebrate community-serving organizations, like Blue Scholars Initiative, and increase generosity in Greater Miami through online giving. Give Miami Day helps raise awareness about the critical role we all play in our community and inspires everyone to give. Together, we can create a thriving and stronger Miami for all.

Join Blue Scholars, Big Blue & You and Sereia Films for the world's largest, one-day volunteer effort for our oceans and waterways, and show your commitment to reducing marine debris, along with millions of volunteers from across the globe! At our Watson Island site, sponsored by Coastal Waste & Recycling, the Miami Yacht Club and Jungle Island are partnering to host cleanup volunteers from both land and water to remove debris, conduct citizen science and raise awareness to help #SaveBiscayneBay. With a full lineup of additional offerings, including a volunteer lunch and live music, an impactful and enjoyable experience will be had by all.

12:00PM - 2:00PM

Waterfront lunch & lounge + live music

courtesy of Miami Yacht Club

For the third year in a row, the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival returns to Miami Beach in celebration of World Ocean Day. This year, however, Blue Scholars has joined forces with a group of ocean loving NGOs to launch the IOFF Florida Tour, screening some of the best, award-winning films of the IOFF 20th Anniversary celebration.

On June 3rd, please join Blue Scholars and ARTSail for a special night of impact speakers and films at the W South Beach. Part of the World Ocean Weekend Celebration, the evening kicks off at 5:00PM with the Sheroes of the Ocean panel and reception. At 7:00PM, IOFF Director Ana Blanco will introduce the films that will take us around the world to witness the beauty and energy of the ocean, and connect us to its remarkable inhabitants and staunch advocates, all while inspiring us to act on their behalf. Check out the selection of films below to be screened in Miami Beach and be sure to reserve your tickets today!

SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2023

5:00PM - 9:00PM

W SOUTH BEACH

2201 COLLINS AVE, MIAMI BEACH

~ Purchase TICKETS ~

Blue Carbon

Paul Nicklen (USA) 3 min

Narrated by Cristina Mittemeier, co-founder of SeaLegacy, and the 2021 IOFF Ocean Champion, this film reminds us of the importance of our oceans in heeding the call of the UN Decade of the Ocean for Sustainable Development. This short film emphasizes that the relationship between our ocean, the air, and the land is critical for a successful blue economy and healthy ecosystems – but only if we act now.

HUFF

David Mangum (USA) 7 min

Discover the beauty and mysteries of the Florida Everglades through the eyes of Steve, a legendary tarpon guide and longtime resident of the area who discovered fishing at the age of 10. Over the years he has seen how the quiet landscape of wildlife and lush mangroves have changed. An intimate story of the connections we make with nature and how the bond holds over time.

And Yet, I Remain

Rick Wall (South Africa) 8 min

A South African body-surfer who loses his leg to a great white shark, later returns to the sea as a freediver to heal. Beneath the surface, he forms a deeper relationship with the sea and the species that took his limb. He discovers a sense of humility and connectedness he had not previously known, and learns that acceptance is not resignation.

Hypnotise

Ste Everington (Australia) 4 min

Hypnotize is a visual orchestra, a film to enjoy through the senses. A sunken ship, transformed by 17 years beneath the waves, has become part of the habitat of some 200 species of fish. Dive in and enjoy the beauty, rhythm, and visual feast of this short movie.

Back to the Sea

Jack Gordon (USA) 6 min

Unable to swim and afraid of the deep, Aunofo Havea Funaki began her seafaring life at age 25. Seventeen years later she became the first licensed female captain in Polynesia. As she reconciles and honors her father’s whaling heritage, she is transforming how younger generations in Tonga relate to the sea through ecotourism instead of slaughter. “The whales connect us to our history.”

Bottle Cap

Marie Hyon and Marco Spier (USA) 5 min

Fiddler crabs are distinctive for their two claws of unequal size. When Shelton, a fiddler crab, finds a plastic bottle cap he is elated that he has found the perfect prosthesis—or is it? The usefulness and bounty of plastic may not be what Shelton thinks.

Washed Ashore

Ley Heimgartner & Cameron Nielsen (USA) 16 min

Since 2019, 500 gray whales have washed ashore along their annual West Coast migration route, succumbing either to starvation, net entanglement or ship strike. Biologists from Canada, the US and Mexico are trying to learn why so many are being affected.

Seagrass for Sea Change

Whitney Beer-Kerr (Australia) 12 min

Posidonia seagrasses, which are an important habitat, an effective form of carbon capture, and a stabilizing factor for the shoreline, are diminishing worldwide. Boat moorings with dragging chains destroy seagrass meadows. This film documents a pilot program to restore the seagrasses in Botany Bay, Sydney, by replacing the moorings and enlisting the public to collect seagrass shoots for replanting.

Gender Outlaw, a bodysurfing story

Peter Williams & Tyler Wilde (USA) 16 min

Tyler Wilde is a bodysurfer and physical education teacher in Manhattan Beach, CA. When Tyler discovered the sport of bodysurfing and joined the “Gillis Beach Bodysurfing Association” he was faced with challenges of personal sex change and acceptance, both physical and emotional. Unexpectedly, Tyler’s classroom students and surfing friends provided Tyler with inspiration and support while he reconciled with his new identity.

The Ocean Solution

Darcy Hennessey Turenne (USA) 14 min

Farming under the sea? Meet Bren Smith, the ocean farming pioneer whose vertical kelp and shellfish farms are transforming the way food is produced. He discovered a new method of restorative ocean farming, producing large quantities of nutritious food while fighting the climate crisis, cleaning the ocean, creating aquatic habitat, and sustaining his organic sea-fairing way of life.

Celebrate Earth Day with eMerge Americas and the #MiamiTech community!

Join us as we come together as a #MiamiTech community to help keep our parks and ocean clean while having fun! This event is supported by BITMAIN, is in partnership with eMerge Americas and is benefiting Blue Scholars Initiative. We will have yoga, family activities, park cleanup, food, music and much more. Bring the whole family and have fun while doing good!

REGISTER >>

SATURDAY, April 22, 2023

9:30AM - 12:30PM

COLLINS PARk

2100 Collins Avenue, MIAMI BEACH

~ Public FREE Event ~

9:30AM - 10:30AM

• Yoga in the Park with Virginia Ansaldi

10:30AM - 11:00AM

• Special Remarks with coffee, juice and pastries

11:00AM - 12:30PM

• Park Cleanup with Blue Scholars Initiative

• Vertical Oyster Gardening with Watershed Action Lab

• Fish School with Sereia Films

• Marine Life Coloring with FIKARI

• + Program Information from Miami Beach Rising Above

Presented by Blue Scholars and The Barnacle Society, and in partnership with several amazing organizations, the 3rd annual Biscayne Bay Experience & Celebration will take place on December 10th. Open to the public and fun for the whole family, activities include on the water recreation, education, art, volunteer impact and entertainment.

BONUS! Participating beach cleanup and coastal enhancement volunteers will receive free entry into the evening's bay celebration at The Barnacle Historic State Park.

Link below to register for specific activities and/or purchase your celebration tickets today.

BAY EXPERIENCE, 8:00AM - 12:00PM (free)

Hobie Beach - Rickenbacker Cswy (opposite MAST Academy), Key Biscayne

8AM - 9AM

• Beach Yoga & Pilates Fusion with Blue Scholars Initiative and Pilates For The People >>> REGISTER <<<

• Bay Swim with Full Circle Coaching >>> REGISTER <<<

9AM - 10AM

• Bay Paddle with Blue Scholars Initiative >>> REGISTER <<<

• Youth Bay Swim Instruction with Ocaquatics Swim School (ages 4+, under 4 w/parent) >>> REGISTER <<<

9AM - 11AM

• Virtual Reality Experience with Rescue a Reef

10AM - 12PM

• Beach Cleanup with The International SeaKeepers Society and the Plastic Fisherman >>> REGISTER <<<

• Coastal Enhancement of Darwin Beach with MORAES >>> REGISTER <<<

BAY CELEBRATION, 6:00PM - 10:00PM

(free for cleanup/enhancement volunteers, otherwise $10-$20)

>>> PURCHASE TICKETS <<<

The Barnacle - 3485 Main Highway, Coconut Grove

6PM - 10PM

• Bayfront Picnic (BYO) with #SaveBiscayneBay Art Banners by AMLgMATD

• Live Music by The Keith Johns Band, Members Only and Monchy Business

THANK YOU SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Celebration Sponsor: Rickenbacker Marina

Activation Sponsors: TUUCI, Litus Music, Daniel Flores & Rebecca John, Miami-Dade County and Newton Bay

Food & Beverage Sponsors: SALT Waterfront Restaurant, The Salty and Radiate Kombucha

Collaborating Partners: Full Circle Coaching, Ocaquatics Swim School, Pilates For The People, Rescue a Reef, The International SeaKeepers Society, Plastic Fisherman, MORAES, Florida State Parks, Monchy Business, Members Only and AMLgMATD

Give Miami Day is the second of our three annual giving days, with a combined fundraising goal of $25,000. Support on November 17th will provide free marine science education to South Florida youth. Early giving begins on the 14th, with up to $10,000 generously matched by a Blue Scholars Board Member!!!

Join Blue Scholars and Big Blue & You for the world's largest, one-day volunteer effort for our oceans and waterways, and show your commitment to reducing marine debris, along with millions of volunteers from across the globe! At our Watson Island site, sponsored by Coastal Waste & Recycling, the Miami Yacht Club and Jungle Island are partnering to host cleanup volunteers from both land and water to remove debris, conduct citizen science and raise awareness to help #SaveBiscayneBay. With a full lineup of additional offerings, including children's art activities, a volunteer lunch and live music, an impactful and enjoyable experience will be had by all.

12:00PM - 2:00PM

Waterfront lunch & lounge + water activities courtesy of the Miami Yacht Club

Soul-Folk Music by DeBlois Milledge

Join us as we come together as a #MiamiTech community to help keep our parks and bay clean while having fun! This event is presented by Algorand, is in partnership with eMerge Americas & Miami Tech Life and is benefiting Blue Scholars. We will have pilates, family activities, park & bay cleanup, food, music and much more, as well as a surprise announcement by the City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. 

Bring the whole family and have fun while doing good! 

Full Schedule: 

• 9-10am, Waterfront Pilates w/ Pilates for the People

• 9-11am, Park & Bay Cleanup w/ SENDIT4THESEA

• 10-1pm, Arts & Crafts w/ Miami Children’s Museum

• 10-1pm, Water Quality Testing w/ Miami Waterkeeper and EarthEcho International

• 10-1pm, Vertical Oyster Garden Workshop w/ Watershed Action Lab

• 11-1pm, Special Remarks & Lunch by Sidewalk Salads

Please join us on Saturday, December 11th, the final day of The 12 Days of Biscayne Bay, to celebrate Miami’s crown jewel. With support from Miami-Dade County, Blue Scholars Initiative and partner organizations will host the second annual Biscayne Bay Experience to raise awareness and promote community engagement and volunteer impact. Event activities are free and open to the public but require advance registration to participate.

Saturday, December 11, 2021

8:00AM - 12:00PM

On the water recreation and engagement

• 8am - 9am, Waterfront Yoga with Blue Scholars Initiative >>> REGISTER <<<

• 8am - 9am, Exhibition Swim with Full Circle Coaching >>> CANCELED <<<

• 9am - 10am, Bay Paddle Tour with Blue Scholars Initiative >>> REGISTER <<<

Community service and impact

• 10am - 12pm, Beach Cleanup with The International SeaKeepers Society & Fill A Bag >>> REGISTER <<<

• 10am - 12pm, Coastal Restoration with MORAES (located at Darwin Beach/RSMAS) >>> REGISTER <<<

Partners

With support from

Give Miami Day is the second of our three annual giving days, with a combined fundraising goal of $25,000. Support on November 18th will provide free marine science education to South Florida youth.

Early giving begins on the 15th with up to $5,000 generously matched by Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. and The Brand Family.

Environmental and climate-focused organizations are the least funded of all issues, yet the most important for our well-being. Earth Gives, with its signature giving day on October 7, 2021 aims to change that by catalyzing investments in this specific nonprofit community.

This is the first of our three annual giving days that will help Blue Scholars rebound from the financial impacts incurred over the last 18 months. Early giving is underway so please donate to Blue Scholars, now through Oct. 7th. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Whoever said being an Ocean Steward isn't cool or fun hasn't been to a Blue Scholars coastal cleanup before. 

In honor of the Ocean Conservancy's 36th Annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) and World Water Monitoring Day on Saturday, September 18th, Blue Scholars Initiative invites you to join us for an engaging, educational and yes, FUN cleanup and celebration, sponsored by Coastal Waste & Recycling. The ICC is the world's largest, one-day volunteer effort for our oceans and waterways, providing an opportunity to help reduce marine debris in conjunction with millions of volunteers around the world! 

VolunteerCleanup.org organizes Miami-Dade County’s local participation in this global event with 45+ simultaneous shoreline cleanups all around the county, with each site being led by fantastic partner organizations in our network of cleanup hosts. The Miami-Dade ICC is a collaborative effort made possible by the generous support of our title sponsor Covanta, with additional support from Banesco USA, Blackstone Charitable Foundation, Miami-Dade County RER-DERM, Pubbelly Sushi, WPLG Local 10, and with special thanks to the Benjamin & Gloria Joannou, Jr. Family Conservation Fund.

In partnership with Miami Yacht Club, Jungle Island and the City of Miami, Blue Scholars will lead ~100 volunteers both from land and water (by paddle-craft) along the shores of Watson Island to remove debris, conduct citizen science and raise awareness to help #SaveBiscayneBay. With a full lineup of additional offerings, including a volunteer lunch and live music, you won't want to miss this cleanup experience. 

Kicking things off at 8am, Meredith Bass will lead interested volunteers in a waterfront yoga session to start the day with a stretch, deep inhale and opportunity to set your Ocean Hero intentions. At 9am, ALL registered volunteers will receive cleanup supplies (buckets/gloves), instructions and safety guidelines from the Blue Scholars team. The cleanup and sort will run from 9am-11am, while the data count, discussion, weigh-in and group photo will follow from 11am-12pm. In addition, partner organizations, JudyDayCo, Surfrider Miami and EarthEcho International, will conduct arts & crafts and water quality testing to further engage and educate participants of all ages from 11am-1pm.

At 12pm, the celebration begins! Miami Yacht Club, Rotary Club of Miami, Biscayne Bay Brewing, Publix and Hungry Harvest will come together to provide a waterfront lunch for participating volunteers, while Miami’s musical talents, DeBlois Milledge and Joe Contillo, fill the air with their Soul-Folk tunes. Cleanup volunteers will be invited to sit back, relax and lounge with us until 3pm when the sea breeze will fill our sails and whisk us away. 

Registration for this cleanup site is FULL but you can find another site HERE. If possible, please have guests in your party individually register so we can ensure they receive all of the information about the event and we can accurately plan for turnout. Separate registration for the yoga session is also required and can be completed through Eventbrite.

Volunteer details: 

• Free parking will be located in the neighboring Jungle Island parking garage. Signs will be posted to direct volunteers.

• Check-in will be located at the entrance to the Miami Yacht Club at 1001 MacArthur Causeway. All volunteers MUST check-in and sign a waiver.

• This event is suitable for ages 6+. Youth, ages 15 and under, MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian. If you are 16-17 years old and coming without a parent or guardian, you must have a parent/guardian Print, Sign and Return the waiver in advance.

• Masked or Vaxed! Due to the rise in COVID cases, please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated. If you are experiencing, or have recently experienced, any related symptoms, please do not participate in this event.

• Dress for the weather and wear appropriate foot-wear. This particular shoreline is rocky with trees so you must wear closed-toe shoes like sneakers (no flip-flops or sandals).

• Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent and sun protection (sunglasses, hat and lightweight long-sleeve clothing) are recommended.

• If you have gloves, bring them. We will provide gloves but cannot guarantee they will be in your size. We suggest reusable work, garden or dish gloves.

• Bring water in a reusable container. Let’s reduce waste and refuse single-use disposable plastic water bottles. Refilling stations will be available.

• Community service hours are provided and a certificate will be emailed following the event. Please bring any forms that require our signature.

Paddle-craft volunteer details: 

• You must supply your own personal paddle-craft (SUP, kayak, canoe) and flotation device, and be skilled to operate forward motion, stopping, turning and balance.

• Wear appropriate clothing that can get wet, as well as provide sun protection. Some wading on unstable ground or in the water may be necessary to collect trash.

• Understand that this event is weather dependent. If conditions on the water are not suitable for paddling, volunteer participants will be advised to not enter the water and instead, remain on land to participate.

About International Coastal Cleanup:

Scientists estimate that more than 17 billion pounds of plastic enters our ocean every year threatening marine life from corals polyps to sharks, the health of people, and local economies. Over the past 36 years, Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup has brought together nearly 13 million people from over 150 countries to collect nearly 250 million pounds of trash along our coastlines and waterways. Every year during Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, volunteers comb lakes, rivers and beaches around the world for trash picking up everything imaginable along the world’s shorelines: cigarette butts, food wrappers, abandoned fishing gear and even automobiles and kitchen appliances.

By volunteering at ICC, you will be actively participating in a global citizen science project, not only by removing marine debris, but by also cataloguing and tallying what you find using the Ocean Conservancy’s data collection cards or Clean Swell app. The resulting item-by-item, location-by-location Ocean Trash Index that Ocean Conservancy compiles each year provides the only global snapshot of the marine debris littering coasts and waterways around the world.

Blue Scholars is thrilled to participate in the #SaveBiscayneBay panel discussion on Wednesday, July 14th in the Miami Design District, and grateful to benefit from a portion of Quinaz Studio’s Bay Store proceeds.

It's that time of year again! The One Tree Planted team and Million Trees Miami will be planting trees at Miami-Dade County's Coral Estates Park on Saturday, April 24th from 9am - 12pm. So, grab some gloves and join the cause! 

Meeting point: Coral Estates Park, 1405 SW 97th Ave, Miami, FL

What to bring:

• Long Pants

• Closed toe shoes

• Reusable water bottle

• Sun protection

• Gloves (If you have)

• Shovels (If you have)

• Light snacks (Granola bars and water will be provided)

Children under 16 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult/guardian. The guardian will need to sign a waiver. One Tree Planted and its respective planting partners are taking all necessary precautions at our tree planting events. This includes reduced numbers of volunteers, social distancing, masks, and no sharing of planting equipment. While nature still needs your support, we ask that all volunteers comply with their respective state guidelines, have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days, or have any symptoms including cough, sore throat, fever, etc.

See you there!

Join SeaKeepers, Blue Scholars Initiative, and MUVE on February 13th to clean Virginia Key Beach by land and sea!

IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE YOU MUST COMPLETE TWO ITEMS:

1) EVERY participant must complete a liability waiver!! Complete HERE or email Maggie@Seakeepers.org. You will not be allowed to participate without this form signed. 

2) This event has limited capacity!! If you RSVP, please also sign up for a shift:

 CLEANUP BY LAND: REGISTRATION CLOSED!

 CLEANUP BY PADDLE: REGISTRATION CLOSED! We will not be providing watercraft - please bring your own!

FOR THOSE ON LAND: Groups of 10 volunteers will meet at the following times in the parking lot next to the bike trails at the end of Arthur Lamb Jr Rd. During each time slot, there is space for 10 volunteers.

1:45 - 2:45 pm 

2:00 - 3:00pm

2:45 - 3:45pm

3:00 - 4:00pm

FOR CHECK-IN:

- To enter the park, tell the gate keeper you are attending a beach cleanup and the fee will be waived.

- For contact-less check-in, bring your smart phone to the event. 

- Please wear a mask at the check-in table to get the cleanup supplies.

- Be safe! Please adhere to social distancing guidelines and maintain at least 6ft from other volunteers. 

Supplies you should bring:

🦈 Mask & Gloves (you must wear a mask at the check-in table, and please bring your own gloves if you need them for the cleanup)

🦈 Reusable water bottle with water (no single-use plastic bottles!)

🦈 Reef-safe Sunscreen

🦈 Comfortable shoes (we will be walking to the site!)

🦈 A kayak or paddle board, as we will NOT be providing them

🦈 Download the iPhone Application "Clean Swell" beforehand

🦈 Follow our Instagram pages and join us on our journeys! @seakeepers 

We will provide:

🦈 Biodegradable garbage bags/buckets

🦈 Extra gloves

🦈 Scale 

🦈 Hand Sanitizer

🦈 Community Service Hours / Service Learning Hours

*** We WILL be sending all details by email 2-3 days before the event, or sooner if the event fills up. Contact Maggie@SeaKeepers.org with any questions ***

The Marine debris isn't an ocean problem - it's a people problem, be part of the solution!

Middle Schoolers,

Join us for an unforgettable educational beach cleanup with #teamocean to help protect the environment.

Join Blue Scholars Initiative and The International SeaKeepers Society for a full Biscayne Bay experience on Saturday, December 12th as we celebrate the final day of GIVING BAY DAY and "The 12 Days of Biscayne Bay". Participate in one or both events that include a 6.5-mile paddle* around Virginia Key and a shoreline cleanup along Hobie Beach. 

7-9:30am Biscayne Bay Paddle with Blue Scholars - arrive early!

10-12:00pm Hobie Beach Cleanup with SeaKeepers

WHERE TO MEET: Parking lot directly across from the Marine Stadium - on the south side of Rickenbacker Causeway. (The second right turn after the bridge.)

IMPORTANT: Please link above or below for more information. Separate advance registration is required. Also, all attendees are required to follow CDC guidelines to protect yourself and others.

*Paddlers must provide their own paddle craft, lifejacket, whistle, water and be capable of paddling for up to 3-hours. A support boat will accompany the paddlers for safety needs.

Not only are your dollars being generously matched by the law firm of Cole, Scott and Kissane but between 11am - 12pm on November 19th, The Miami Foundation is offering bonus dollars for our donors during the Education & Youth POWER HOUR. Please consider supporting our mission to engage, educate and empower youth for many years to come.