MORAES

We are proud to announce that the Darwin Beach Educational Trail will be open on Fridays from 11am to 9pm. Stop by and check out the recently completed educational trail. Walk the trail, read the signs, learn more about the area, and enjoy the beach!

Thank you to the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science for their help in having the gate open this summer!

How to Get There? Head to Salt Waterfront Restaurant (grab a drink) and head to the outside deck. You'll be able to see the entrance to the beach on your right!

What an incredible World Ocean Day celebration!

We had so much fun sharing our passion with the community and connecting with so many ocean lovers through our activities. Thank you to for having us, we're so grateful to be part of such a fun day!

Happy World Ocean Day! 🌎

The ocean inspires MORAES research, fuels our conservation efforts, and reminds us of the importance of protecting South Florida's ecosystems. From monitoring sea turtle nests to restoring coastal habitats, every step of our work helps build a healthier future for our oceans.

Today is a reminder of how connected we are to the ocean, and how important it is to get involved in its restoration.

Celebrate Juneteenth at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park!

Come and join the community for the 3rd annual Juneteenth Beach Bash. The day will be filled with live music, local food, family activities, and celebration of Juneteenth. This is such an amazing opportunity to connect and reflect with one another!

📅 Saturday, June 13
📍 Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
🎟️ Free admission (RSVP encouraged)

We hope to see you there!

Recently we had the opportunity to visit DRC and continue working on our CASP project!

Through CASP, we’re focusing on studying general marine mammology in South Florida with a focus on bottlenose dolphins. We hope to provide DRC with imperative data for their research while also promoting ecosystem conservation off Grassy Key. It's always a great experience collaborating with DRC and spending time in the field.

We’re so excited to keep building on this project!

Here’s to an incredible first month of sea turtle nesting season on Virginia Key — we have 21 nests so far and many more to come!

Our wonderful volunteers have been out every morning monitoring and protecting nests as the nesting season begins. Every marked nest represents a step toward protecting these amazing animals and the biodiversity of our ocean.

Want to support our nesting program this season? Through our Adopt A Nest program, you can symbolically adopt a sea turtle nest and have your name placed on a protected nest stake while directly supporting conservation efforts.

For more information on our Adopt a Nest program, check out our website to explore how you can be a part of the change - Link in Bio!

Happy !

Change your dinner plans and stop by the Chipotle at 6290 S Dixie Hwy in South Miami for our fundraiser on Monday, June 1st, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. We're raising money to support MORAES, so download the flyer from the link below, mention the fundraiser at checkout, or order online for pickup using code PVPPV4H, and they'll donate 25% of the proceeds to the cause!

On May 20, 2026, MORAES will be attending the Biscayne Bay Marine Health Summit at Jungle Island. This event will bring together scientists, policymakers, educators, businesses, and community leaders committed to restoring and protecting South Florida’s marine ecosystem.

This year's event will feature expert panels, emerging science, discussions, networking opportunities, and more, all focused on the future of Biscayne Bay. Your voice matters in shaping a healthier, more resilient Bay!

📍 Jungle Island | Miami, FL
📅 Wednesday, May 20, 2026

We hope to see you there!

Endangered Species Day is a reminder that the biodiversity we love in South Florida isn’t guaranteed, it’s something we actively protect.

Endangered Species Day is a reminder that the biodiversity we love in South Florida isn’t guaranteed; it’s something we actively protect.
From sea turtles nesting along our beaches to the countless native plants and animals that make up our coastal ecosystems, every species plays a role in keeping these systems healthy and resilient. At MORAES, conservation means restoration, education, and community action. The work happening today helps ensure these species are still here tomorrow.

Take a moment to learn, get involved, and appreciate the wild spaces around you

Our first sea turtle nest of the season on Virginia Key

Each year, this moment is especially meaningful as we honor the legacy of Wendy Teas — Virginia Key’s sea turtle nesting permit holder for over 30 years and a longtime steward of this beach. Wendy dedicated so much of her life to protecting sea turtles and sharing her knowledge with those around her, and her impact continues to shape this program today.

Through her passion, guidance, and generosity, MORAES is able to continue this important work year after year. We’re grateful to carry on the tradition she cared so deeply about with every track, nest, and sunrise patrol this season.