Miami-Dade County Parks Sea Turtle Conservation Program awarded Florida Sea Turtle Grants

The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department is proud to announce that its Sea Turtle Conservation Program received a $16,000 Conservation and $17,000 Education grant from the Florida Sea Turtle Grants Program. These funds will support the expansion of Miami-Dade Parks’ Mobile Conservation Unit and enhance its marine science education outreach. 

“Miami-Dade County is proud to play a vital role in protecting our treasured wildlife, including the endangered sea turtles that nest on our shores” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This grant supports not only conservation efforts, but also critical education that inspires the next generation of environmental stewards. Investing in wildlife protection is an investment in our environment, our resilience, and the health of our community for years to come.” 

The grants were awarded through a competitive process to Florida-based organizations focused on preserving sea turtle populations and their habitats. The funding will equip mobile trailers that offer vital workspace and storage for biologists and educational staff year-round. These grants also support the growth of conservation initiatives, with an emphasis on reaching Title I schools in Miami-Dade County. Each program will receive a fully outfitted mobile unit, designed to store and transport educational materials for school visits, community outreach, and public events.

 “For more than 40 years, Miami-Dade Parks has proudly led sea turtle conservation efforts in our county,” said the Director of the Miami-Dade County Parks Department. “Educating our community about sea turtle protection and the importance of coastal conservation is central to our mission. Through our Sea Turtle Conservation Program, we safeguard 17 miles of shoreline, support critical nesting activity, and provide hands-on learning experiences that inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.”

The Miami-Dade County Parks Sea Turtle Conservation Program, founded in 1980, is a cornerstone of the department’s dedication to environmental stewardship and wildlife preservation. Today, Park’s Sea Turtle Conservation team protects and nurtures sea turtle populations by actively monitoring and safeguarding vital nesting habitats along all Miami-Dade's coastline—from Golden Beach in the north to the Village of Key Biscayne in the south. Spanning seven municipalities and two county beach parks, Crandon and Haulover, the program plays a vital role in protecting endangered sea turtles, whose numbers are a recognized indicator of the health of the world’s oceans. 

The State of Florida Sea Turtle Grant Program is funded by the sales of the "Helping Sea Turtles Survive" specialty license plate. Since its launch, the specialty plate has raised vital funds for two key initiatives that support Florida’s sea turtles: the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission's Marine Turtle Protection Program and the Sea Turtle Grants Program, which provides financial support for local conservation projects.

To learn more about the Sea Turtle Grants Program and the "Helping Sea Turtles Survive" specialty license plate, please visit www.helpingseaturtles.org.

Note: If you find a dead, sick, or injured sea turtle, please call FWC's 24-hour Wildlife Alert at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922.)

For more information about the Miami-Dade County Sea Turtle Conservation Program, visit the web page.

About Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces:

Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is among the three largest park systems in the United States, consisting of more than 300 parks and 40,000+ acres of parks and natural areas, comprised of active, passive parklands and nature preserves. It is one of the most unique and diverse park and recreation systems in the world, focused on placemaking, health and fitness, and conservation and stewardship.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X, or visit our website for the latest news and updates from Miami-Dade County Parks!