Discover Coral Reefs School Program
This program has provided ocean education to over 100,000 Pre-K to 12th grade students in public schools, private schools, and homeschool groups, and are offered virtually (worldwide) or in person (throughout Monroe County, FL and selectively in South Florida). The Discover Coral Reefs School Program lessons cover various marine science topics and consist of a live presentation, optional hands-on activities, and a live Q&A session with one of Reef Relief’s experienced educators.
Currents & Creatures and New Wave Programs
The Currents & Creatures and New Wave programs are an extension of Reef Relief’s DCRSP, designed to work in-depth with local 5th and middle school students through recurrent quarterly classroom visits on STEM centered marine science lessons paired with corresponding activities and an outdoor learning component. These programs aim to expose students to the local environment to gain a deeper appreciation of it, while arming them with the knowledge in the classroom they need to understand and protect it.
Coral Camp
The Coral Camp Summer Program uses interactive activities and field trips to teach children 6-12 years of age about coral reefs, marine life and sustainability. Campers will experience hands-on learning, interactive games, and field trips to a variety of places such as the Key West Marine Park, the Key West Aquarium, and the living coral barrier reef. Each year Reef Relief offers scholarships sponsored by local businesses and community members so that children regardless of economic background have a chance to participate in this unique program. Over the summer, 225+ local and vacationing youth will take part in the program.
Reef Explorer Coral Camp
This advanced camp program is designed for the aspiring marine scientist 10-14 years of age. Over the course of the week, campers participate in daily upper-level marine science lessons, participate in several snorkel trips to the Florida Barrier Reef, and practice developing STEM skills by collecting scientific data such as fish counts, water quality monitoring, and ecosystem observations. This camp typically structured as a combination of day and overnight camp.
Community & Environmental Stewardship
Reef Relief leads Marine Debris Removal Projects throughout the Florida Keys. We have proudly partnered with many individuals, non-profits, governmental organizations, school groups, clubs, and more to keep our shorelines and communities debris free. Since 2010, we have cleaned up over 457,000lbs of trash.
As part of our Stormwater Education Project, Reef Relief leads Storm Drain Stenciling events in which we work with volunteers to add no dumping messaging to the drains to encourage the public to be more conscious about what they do with their waste, combating pollution and keeping our oceans clean. Since 2010, we have stenciled and maintained signage for over 8,000 storm drains.
Reef Relief has launched several Sustainability Initiatives partnered with many businesses in the Florida Keys to recognize and celebrate those providing sustainable alternatives. These include the Skip the Straw Florida Keys campaign, the “Protect Your Skin, Protect Our Reef” Responsible Sunscreen Initiative, and Plastic Free Key West.
Outreach
The distribution of over educational literature to Florida Keys locations including resorts, hotels and guesthouses, Chambers of Commerce, educational facilities, visitor centers and more are an important way to educate the public about our fragile ecosystem. Information found in the “Don’t Teach Your Trash to Swim” poster, “Florida Keys Ecosystems Guide for Kids” brochure, “Coral Reefs” brochure and the “Florida Keys is a No Discharge Zone for Boater Sewage” brochure are all important resources to inform the general public. Join in our efforts to improve and protect our coral reef ecosystem. You can also commonly find us at community events promoting reef conservation.
Policy Guidance
Reef Relief has made considerable progress to improve water quality and protect fish and wildlife of Florida’s coral reef ecosystems by working with environmental, scientific and governmental leaders in Florida. In 2012 Reef Relief became a member of the Everglades Coalition, dedicated to the full restoration of the Everglades ecosystem.
Reef Relief continues to monitor Federal and State activities on water quality, ocean policy, fisheries, and marine species. We have campaigned to spread awareness and have spoke in City Hall to the Key West City Commissioners and to Monroe County Commissioners to advocate for a variety of environmentally friendly policies.
Reef Relief Environmental Center
The Reef Relief Environmental Center introduces visitors, school groups, and community members to the coral reef ecosystem, it’s threats and what can be done to protect our marine world. A theater shows free daily films related to marine resource issues. A variety of brochures and other educational materials are available to learn more coral reefs and the issues affecting them. The center is located in the historic Old Town of Key West.
The Reef Relief Environmental Center is located at 631 Greene Street in Key West, FL. Open Monday – Friday. Hours 10am-4pm. Free admission.
*The Environmental Center is closed during summer for our Coral Camp Program
