SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis recently journeyed to the far end of the greater Everglades ecosystem to participate in the I.CARE (Islamorada Conservation and Restoration Education) Trash Derby to remove trash from coral reefs and waterways.

Sponsored by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the effort brought volunteers from Key Largo to Key West to remove trash and debris from coral reefs and waterways.

“Like the Caloosahatchee Estuary, the Florida Keys rely on a healthy Everglades system to ensure that they receive the clean water necessary for their ecosystems to thrive,” DePaolis said. “SCCF is working with partners to ensure that Everglades recovery stays on track through the necessary legislative and funding hurdles, but it is important for everyone to identify how they can work to protect the environment in their own communities and those of their neighbors. ”

The event brought together diverse stakeholders all united around protecting the ecosystems they call home that rely on the health of the Everglades.