Connect and Protect

Divers can help preserve the Florida Keys’ native reef fish populations during the fun, socially distanced Reef Environmental Education Foundation 2020 Lionfish Derby. Scheduled Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 10-13, the derby challenges participants to capture and remove as many non-native lionfish as possible from Keys waters.

"Florida Keys: Protecting Paradise," an hourlong television special that explores Keys sustainability efforts and the people dedicated to protecting the island chain's unique natural environment, is to debut on the Discovery Channel, Sunday, Dec. 29, at 8 a.m. ET/PT and 7 a.m. CT/MT.

Patrick Garvey owns and operates Big Pine Key’s 2-acre fruit farm Grimal Grove, billed as the first breadfruit grove in the continental United States. Breadfruit is a starchy cantaloupe-sized fruit that can be used like a potato, bread or even as a custard when ripe.

Harboring the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, the Florida Keys are largely devoted to maintaining the region’s offshore environment.

Film aficionados can immerse themselves in cinematic offerings during the eighth annual Key West Film Festival from Wednesday, Nov. 20, through Sunday, Nov. 24, showcasing intriguing Florida, Cuba, LGBTQ and ecological themes.

With the global “Protect Our Species” theme for Earth Day 2019, it’s easy to participate in a variety of meaningful, memorable activities to “Connect & Protect” in the rich natural environment of the Florida Keys & Key West.

Ocean aficionados can celebrate the unique marine environment of the Florida Keys, which includes the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, during Mote Marine Laboratory’s 2019 Ocean Fest in Key West. 

Award-winning Chef Michelle Bernstein showcases the culinary and atmospheric flavors of the Florida Keys in an hour-long television special scheduled to premiere Feb. 1 on public television stations nationwide.