Hi friends! Reef the fox here with this week’s “Reef’s Report.”
Well, we are in the home stretch for our new baby fox to arrive. Mom leaves to go get him on Aug. 11 and will be home Aug. 12. I have been practicing being a very good boy, although it’s not going so well. But I am trying. I can definitely say that I have not been biting so much. Screaming is who I am, so that hasn’t changed much and, unfortunately, I have taken to lifting my leg on things that I think are mine, which is everything. But other than that, I have been perfect.
Our friends at Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) are hosting a fish identification class in the John Pennekamp State Park Visitor Center and Aquarium on Thursday, Aug. 4 at 11 a.m. and next Thursday, Aug. 11, at the same time. During this program, visitors will learn how to identify common fish species of the Florida Keys and learn how to become involved in citizen science projects. The program is free with paid park admission. You know I live right across the street from Pennekamp and I’ve never even been there? How weird.
Then on Friday, Aug. 5 from 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., REEF and Rainbow Reef Dive Center are hosting a fish survey dive trip. The event begins with a morning class and orientation at 9:15 a.m., followed by a two-tank afternoon dive trip to find and survey all of the amazing species that can be found on our reefs. It will include a starter pack for your fish survey adventures including a dive slate, underwater survey materials and a quick reference for Fish ID in the Tropical Western Atlantic. Cost for the class, materials and dives is $125. You can also obtain your Fish ID certification as part of this process. Simply complete a PADI knowledge review that will be provided by an instructor and you can add to your collection of PADI specialties with an extra certification charge. Children are welcome. They need to be at least 10 years old to dive (certified Juniors) and can participate in expanding their knowledge of marine life. Call to reserve your spot: (305) 451-7171.
You see what I did there, right? It is all reef themed.
Anywho, we have got quite a few incredible businesses to sponsor our fundraiser in December and are looking for a few more $100 sponsors as well as silent auction donation items. If you are interested in either, you can send me an email at reef@pawsitivebeginnings.org or check out our website on the event page to learn more.
Be sure to look at the adoptable animals that appear on this page of the paper next to my column, you may just fall in love and find your new best friend!
So that’s all for this week. Until next time, Reef, over and out!
