Kayak volunteers to clear marine debris from Key Biscayne mangroves Friday
Miami Waterkeeper's ninth cleanup event launches from Rickenbacker Marina, targets stormwater-damaged habitat
Volunteers will paddle out from Rickenbacker Marina on Friday to pull marine debris from the mangroves and coastal habitats lining Key Biscayne's shoreline.
Miami Waterkeeper and Tripping Animals Brewing are hosting "Un Granito de Arena V. 9," the ninth installment of their recurring kayak cleanup series, at Gramps Getaway, 3301 Rickenbacker Causeway. The event, promoted by the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, is free.
Registration opens at 9:30 a.m., and kayaks launch at 10 a.m. The on-water cleanup runs about two hours and wraps up around noon. A happy hour at Gramps Getaway follows until 1 p.m.
Stormwater runoff threatens a bay worth billions
Biscayne Bay supports an estimated $64 billion in annual economic activity, according to a June Miami Waterkeeper stormwater report. But the bay is in decline. High nutrient levels from stormwater runoff are driving seagrass loss, algal blooms and habitat degradation in the waters off the causeway.
An earlier edition of the Un Granito de Arena series collected more than 130 pounds of trash in about an hour of on-water work, according to a SeaKeepers recap.
Grant funds nearly two dozen cleanup events over the coming year
The series is part of a broader effort. In December, Miami Waterkeeper received a matching grant of nearly $15,500 from the Foxwynd Foundation to fund 23 additional volunteer events over 12 months, targeting removal of nearly 1,000 pounds of marine debris and restoration of seven acres of native habitat.
"This partnership not only helps restore critical habitat but also empowers our community to take action for the water we all depend on," said Rachel Silverstein, CEO and Waterkeeper of Miami Waterkeeper, in the Foxwynd Foundation grant announcement.
Closed-toe shoes required; organizers provide gloves
Closed-toe shoes are required. Organizers recommend long sleeves, long pants, a refillable water bottle, a hat, sunblock and insect repellent. Miami Waterkeeper will provide gloves. The event may involve heavy lifting and requires kayak experience. It is weather-dependent and will be canceled with at least 24 hours' notice.
Volunteers who own a kayak or paddleboard can contact event organizer Erin Cover at Miami Waterkeeper to arrange participation. Parking is available in the lot in front of Gramps Getaway. Registered volunteers will receive additional logistics details from Cover.
Community service hours are available to volunteers.
Upcoming community events
- Friday — Un Granito de Arena V. 9 kayak cleanup, Gramps Getaway, 3301 Rickenbacker Causeway. Free. Registration at 9:30 a.m.; launch at 10 a.m. Details at miamiwaterkeeper.org.
