There are many ways you can choose to support REEF, through a generous monetary donation, attending one of our events, or shopping to support REEF. As you look forward to the upcoming holidays, make sure you check out our online store. We have many new products, including trendy sustainable items like tie-dye Silipints and metal straws, plus all of your favorite REEF gear, ID guidebooks, and REEF surveying supplies. Stay tuned for our holiday packages, where you will be sure to find a gift for anyone.
This year’s annual REEF Fest was a whirlwind of diving, social gatherings, and conservation-themed seminars. From September 20-23, over 250 REEF supporters from around the world joined us in Key Largo, Florida, to celebrate marine conservation and REEF’s 25th anniversary. The four days were full of keynote speakers, delicious food, REEF fish surveys, and the opportunity to mingle with fellow ocean enthusiasts.
Many of us have hearts of gold and desire to make a difference for our favorite charity.
One of the options to consider is funding the purchase of a life insurance policy, which offers the charity an effective way to ensure long-term projects can be funded. Life insurance policies can result in a substantial gift to a charity at a relatively small cost and provide the donor with charitable income tax deductions and charitable estate tax deductions. Typically, a person can purchase a policy up to age 70, and depending on the face amount, keep the premiums affordable.
This summer, we continued making improvements to the REEF Headquarters and campus in Key Largo, Florida. What was once a grass-filled plot next to the HQ building is now peppered with native plants and a beautiful Mosquito Fish pond. The Native Plants Trail, which loops through the garden, includes informational signage that identifies native and invasive species, and educates readers about the history of the Florida Keys. Another new addition is a solar panel charging station and an electric car charging station.
Did you know that REEF hosts twelve Marine Conservation Interns each year? This important program is vital to REEF's success and serves as a formative experience for these young adults. As a new feature in our newsletter, we will periodically check in with intern alumni to see where they are now and how their time at REEF impacted their journey. This month we visited with Laura Palomino.
When were you a REEF intern?
Purchase your VIP passes or register a team today! For complete event details, visit www.REEF.org/lionfish/derbies.
Lad Akins, a longstanding REEF staff member, who most recently served as Director of Special Projects, is no longer with REEF. Lad was instrumental in establishing REEF as an organization, was REEF’s first Executive Director, and spearheaded work on controlling invasive lionfish in the western Atlantic. The tremendous impact he has had in marine conservation through REEF’s projects leaves a lasting legacy. We wish Lad the best in his future endeavors.
Warm greetings! I’d like to introduce myself; I am REEF’s new Executive Director, starting in this role Aug. 20th. Since then, I have been getting to know REEF’s wonderful staff, members, Board, and programs, and I am so excited to be part of the REEF community! Here’s a bit about me: I’m a third-generation oceanographer (from Scripps Institution of Oceanography) and fish geek, with 27 years of experience in marine and freshwater conservation, research, policy, and education.