After nearly a year since signing off on a contract with the Village of Islamorada, Florida Bay Forever has announced the opening of the Florida Bay Eco-Center in the historic Russell Cottage, located at the Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve on Dec. 7. The site will house Florida Bay focused information and exhibits, retail space with unique gifts, and an office for the Islamorada-based environmental nonprofit.
“We are over the moon to be opening the doors to our local community and many visitors to the Florida Keys,” said Emma Haydocy, Florida Bay Forever executive director. “We wanted to create an inviting space where the public can gather to learn about the biodiversity of the Florida Keys, the perils facing Florida Bay, and what each and every one of us can do to ensure we have a thriving and resilient bay for generations to come.”
The center will be open to the public Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve remains open to the public seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The public is invited to attend a holiday open house at Green Turtle Hammock on Thursday, Dec. 30, from 1 to 5 p.m. The event will feature a book signing with seasonal resident, and Florida Bay advocate, Daniel Burkhardt.
Florida Bay Forever will kick off eco-tours, bird walks, sunset paddle tours, and other educational programs in January.
“The Village of Islamorada is thrilled to be able to offer the Green Turtle Hammock Preserve as a site where Florida Bay Forever can carry out their mission of conservation and environmental
stewardship within the Florida Keys community,” said Pete Frezza, environmental resources manager with the Village of Islamorada. “Located along the shores of Florida Bay, we feel this is a perfect location. We look forward to the years of environmental education, interpretation and advocacy that will result from this partnership.”
More information is at floridabayforever.org or 305-563-7970.
