Florida Keys
Wildlife Society
Supporting the National Wildlife Refuges of the Florida Keys through education, non-adversarial advocacy, volunteerism and fundraising
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Information on events may also be found on our Facebook page. Click the Icon to the left or go to : https://www.facebook.com/floridakeyswildlifesociety.
Photos from events can be found on our Facebook page as well as on the Photo gallery at the bottom of the Home page.
UPCOMING EVENT INFORMATION
Full Moon Kayak Excursions – New dates for Fall/Winter season 2022-2023!
Visit the Full Moon Kayak webpage for Dates & more information
This kayak excursion takes place in the waters surrounding the National Key Deer Refuge in Big Pine Key and surrounding areas. Beginning at the Old Wooden Bridge Marina, 1791 Bogie Road, Big Pine Key, kayaking across the water to No Name Key and north.
Our thanks go to Captain Bill Keogh, Big Pine Kayak Adventures for sponsoring this continuing Kayak excursion series.
Plan to arrive about 30 minutes early at the Old Wooden Bridge Marina, 1791 Bogie Road, Big Pine Key. Bring flashlight and water. No experience necessary.
** Please text or call Captain Bill, Big Pine Kayak Adventures on 305-872-7474 to discuss your preferences on kayaks (single or tandem) and what additional equipment to bring and to reserve your spot.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE $30 DONATION for your Reservation. Reservation includes kayak, gear and experienced guide. $30 donation supports Florida Keys Wildlife Society. Thank you!
Please note – we regret, no refunds will be provided unless the Excursion is cancelled by Florida Keys Wildlife Society.
Check the Events Calendar as well for dates. COVID-19 Social Distancing guidelines are recommended for all participants.
GOING WILD IN THE KEYS!
WINTER 2022-SPRING 2023 LECTURE SERIES
Our speaker line-up continues to be updated. Please visit the Lecture Series page to see updates to the line-up.
Location: Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Nature Center, 30587 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key
Time: All lectures start at 7pm. Followed by social time, Q&A , complimentary food and refreshments. Ends 8.30pm.
Sponsored by Community Foundation of the Florida Keys
Run with Deer 5K, Saturday February 18th, 8am – Big Pine Key
National Wildlife Refuge Week – October 2022
Learn more about this program celebrated across the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Join us as we celebrate the outdoors in the Florida Keys and enjoy the flora, fauna and wildlife of the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges.
Help us Celebrate 25 years!
2022 is the 25th Anniversary of the Friends Group for the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges. The group was formerly known as FAVOR (Friends and Volunteers of Refuges) and is now known as The Florida Keys Wildlife Society, . In celebration, there are a number of additional events scheduled for October that acknowledge our work with the Refuges and allow us to continue our mission of Outreach and Education.
NOTE: Events and activities are subject to change and/or cancellation depending on current status of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Schedule of Activities in honor of National Wildlife Refuge Week
- October 1 – An Evening with Ron Magill, Murray Nelson Government Center, Key Largo, 5-7pm
- October 8 – 8am Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge – Bird Walk. Meet at Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge HQ
- October 8 – 10am Nike Missile Site tour . Meet at Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge HQ
- October 11 – Evening lecture 6.30-8p, ‘A Paradise Threatened, Not Lost’, Nature Center, Big Pine Key
- October 14 – Morning bird watching – walking trip in the Lower Keys
- October 14 – Photo shoot in the Lower Keys
- October 15 – Native Plant Day and 25th Anniversary Celebration Open House, Nature Center, Big Pine Key, 10am – 1pm.
Click *HERE* to see more details on our National Wildlife Refuge Week page.
Sunday October 9, 2022: 4.00-10.00pm
Full Moon Party Fundraiser Benefiting Florida Keys Wildlife Society.
We are pleased to be the non-profit that will benefit from the Sandbar Rooftop Full Moon Party, Held at Sandbar Rooftop Bar, Whale Harbor Restaurant & Marina, 83413 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036.
There will be a great selection of Silent Auction Items – all proceeds benefit Florida Keys Wildlife Society.
Live music and entertainment. Fabulous rooftop views.
Celebrate World Oceans Day 2022!
Saturday June 11th Cleanup organized by Coast Love
Join in the cleanup organized by Coast Love on Saturday June 11th. Details in the flyer below.
Sunday June 12th – Celebration 10am – 2pm Big Pine Community Park, 31009 Atlantis Drive, Big Pine Key.
We will be at the Educational Village. Come by and say Hello.
Tropical Fruit Fiesta – Sat June 18th 2022,10am-2pm – Big Pine Community Park, 31009 Atlantis Drive, Big Pine Key.
Join Us! Come and visit us at our tent at the Tropical Fruit Fiesta.
Join Us! Long Beach Road Cleanup – Big Pine Key – Sunday December 12, 9am.
CoastLove, Surfrider Foundation Florida Keys, and Mote Marine Lab are joining forces with the National Key Deer Refuge and Florida Keys Wildlife Society to cleanup the coastlines along Long Beach Rd in Big Pine Key MM33.
Join us for a day of fun, sea, and sand while creating positive change!
Make sure to sign up and RSVP soon as space is limited.
This is a free family-friendly event. Cleanup is by land.
Directions: Long Beach Rd is on the ocean-side of Overseas Highway at MM33. Landmark – Big Pine Fishing Lodge at MM33. Turn at the Fishing Lodge – continue on Long Beach Road.
Parking: Park along Long Beach Road. Look for the CoastLove or Surfrider tents and signs.
Registration : Participants must register/RSVP on the Eventbrite link : www.eventbrite.com/e/long-beach-road-cleanup-tickets-214919519067
All participants must check-in at the registration area to sign waivers to participate.
What to bring:
● Reusable water bottle
● Reef safe sunscreen
● Closed-toed shoes
● Insect repellent
● Wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty and wet
● A smile
Reusable cleanup bags, gloves, hand sanitizer, and water are provided.
See CoastLove Facebook for more information: www.facebook.com/events/269276401686580
National Wildlife Refuge Week – October 2021
Learn more about this program celebrated across the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Join us as we celebrate the outdoors in the Florida Keys and enjoy the flora, fauna and wildlife of the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges.
NOTE: Events and activities are subject to change and/or cancellation depending on current status of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Schedule of Activities in the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge:
- October 12 – Let’s go Paddling! Morning Kayak trip in the Lower Keys
- October 15 – Morning bird watching – walking trip in the Lower Keys
- October 15 – Sunset photo shoot in the Lower Keys
- October 16 – Native Plant Day
- October 17 – Lets Talk Trash! Join us for a Clean-up in the Lower Keys
Click *HERE* to see more details on our National Wildlife Refuge Week page.
CANCELLED – 24th Annual Earth Day 5K walk/run – Saturday April 18th. 2020, 8am
- Location: McCoy Indigenous Park located at corner of Atlantic & White Streets, 1801 White St, Key West, FL 33040
- Packet Pick up & Pre – Registration on site: Friday, April 17th 5-7pm
- Race Day Packet Pickup & Registration on site: Saturday April 18th 7am
Save Money – Register Early! Save Time – Register Online! To register: www.southernmostrunners.com
- Participants 14 & over: $15 early registration – $20 Race Day
- Participants 13 & under: $10 early registration – $15 Race Day
- Free Earth Day T-shirt for Early Registrations
- Earth Friendly Prizes
- Food and Refreshments after the race
- Organized with Southernmost Runners
Proceeds benefit the Florida Keys Wildlife Society
Deer Humans – Art Exhibit by Lisa D. Watson, Studios of Key West, Eaton St, Key West
“The earth’s endangered and threatened animals and ecosystems don’t have a voice, so as an artist, I want to tell their story,” says Lisa Watson.
Lisa keeps sustainability at the forefront of her art. To avoid unnecessary waste and consumption, she uses 90 percent salvaged materials, like industrial wood and shredded documents. In the summer of 2019, a mega-development started destroying roughly 138 acres of Miami-Dade’s Pine Rockland Forest, which is home to more than 20 species of protected plants and animals,” she says. “I hope this show will bring awareness to this issue and inspire viewers to help protect our dwindling landscapes.”
“I named the show ‘Deer Humans,’ because in a way, this work is meant to be a series of love letters asking humans to please pay attention before we are gone.”
Lisa is also using her voice for nature, by donating 20 percent of her proceeds to the Florida Keys Wildlife Society. Her exhibition, of most unfortunate timing, runs through April, 2020, or maybe longer since no one can go see it in person. You can still see it virtually, and even buy a piece to support Lisa and FKWS at art-ldw.com/#/deerhumans. Email her at ldw4art@gmail.com for purchases.
Photo left: Work by Lisa Watson, “Grove,” pastel paper, security envelopes, adhesive, acrylic paint on salvaged panel, 11-¼ x 9 inches, $375
Nature Center Grand Opening – Saturday Feb 15th, 9.30am – 2pm
Saturday February 15 is the Grand Opening Celebration for the new Nature Center. The Center has been open since September. This is an official celebration to include seasonal volunteers and other members of the community. This is a free, family -friendly event.
Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Complex Nature Center, 30587 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043.
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