MORAES

MORAES is a South Florida nonprofit organization committed to our local marine environment through research and education.

05/28/2026

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!

05/25/2026

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!

05/18/2026

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!

05/15/2026

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

05/11/2026

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.

05/07/2026

This past weekend at the Youth Environmental Career Summit hosted by Miami Waterkeeper, students explored real pathways into environmental careers, heard from professionals, and started building connections that can shape their future.

We are so grateful to be part of a space that uplifts the next generation. Thank you to Miami Waterkeeper, Big, Blue & You, the amazing panel, and all the students who made it such a meaningful event!

05/04/2026

Happy ! Sea turtle nesting season is officially here!

From May through October, our beaches become critical habitat for sea turtles as they return to shore to nest. During those months, our team will be out on Virginia Key every morning conducting nesting surveys and monitoring the nests from when they're laid until the hatchlings make their way to the ocean.

Friendly reminder to keep our beaches clean, reduce artificial lighting at night, and respect marked nesting areas! Together, we can help ensure a safe journey from nest to ocean.

Check out our website in our bio for ways to get involved, from volunteering to symbolically adopting your own nest!

*All sea turtle activities are conducted by trained, permitted personnel under MTP 153*

04/30/2026

We had such an amazing time at Turtle Fest!

Altos Del Mar Park was full of energy! From educational games to bouncy houses and food trucks, there was truly something for everyone.

We loved connecting with the community alongside other amazing environmental organizations and sharing more about the importance of protecting sea turtles. So grateful to have been part of such a fun and successful event 🐢

04/27/2026

Happy !

We'd like to give a huge thank you to everyone who came out to Salt for MORAES's Darwin Beach Trail unveiling! It was so great to see the space active with people out on the trail, learning about our work and getting to see the newly finished educational signage, and spending time in the environment. A big thank you as well to those who took part in the City Nature Challenge — your observations contribute directly to documenting and understanding the biodiversity of this area! We really appreciate everyone who showed up and helped make the evening so special.

04/23/2026

Tomorrow’s the Big day!

Celebrate with us tomorrow — games, drinks, and raffles included! Join the City Nature Challenge on our sunset trail walk, and log the new diversity on iNaturalist 📸

📍 Salt Waterfront Restaurant
⏰ April 24 | 5–9 PM

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this project

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day!

The MORAES team is sharing their favorite photos of nature. Taken together, they show variety and beauty in things we typically overlook — small shifts in seasons, changes, and interactions that make up larger ecosystems. Most of this goes unnoticed unless you take your time to look for it!

Paying attention, whether it’s through documenting observations or just being more aware of your surroundings, is a basic but important step in understanding how these systems work and how they’re changing 🌎

Address

Key Biscayne, FL

Website

http://soflomoraes.com/

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