Animal Ambassadors

Only in the Keys: Lobster Selfies, Stargazing and MUCH More

In the Florida Keys, it’s common for locals and savvy visitors to greet the news of some particularly offbeat happening by grinning and murmuring, “Only in the Keys.” The four-word phrase is a standard response by people hearing about everything from a costume contest for pets to mermaids attending a local music festival.

By |2023-06-07T10:25:42-04:00June 7, 2023|

We’re Different in the Keys

We do things differently in the Florida Keys. Maybe it’s because the island chain attracts individualists — fans of the eccentric. But whatever the reason, our activities and celebrations tend to have an offbeat twist that’s pure “Keys.” And nothing illustrates it better than the way we recently commemorated Groundhog Day and Valentine’s Day.

By |2023-03-15T17:01:58-04:00March 15, 2023|

Happy 20th Birthday to the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory!

Help celebrate the 20th “birthday” of the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory Saturday, Jan. 21, with a family fun day and free admission to the renowned attraction. But if you can’t be there in January, don’t worry — the conservatory is open year-round for daily explorations, guided twilight tours and small-group “flamingle” encounters.

By |2023-01-18T12:51:43-05:00January 18, 2023|

Explore Heritage, Culture and Nature in Marathon

The community of Marathon boasts a warm family-friendly flair and a variety of cozy inns, waterfront resorts, marinas and casual dining emporiums. The Middle Keys area also features plentiful creative spaces, natural attractions, scenic parks, trails, sightseeing spots and historic sites that make for an appealing blend of heritage, culture and nature.

By |2022-09-21T15:29:16-04:00September 21, 2022|

Lemurs, Armadillos and More: Keys Sheriff’s Animal Farm

A unique refuge on the grounds of the Sheriff’s Office detention center near Key West shelters some surprising creatures: about 150 domestic and exotic animals from 45 species, ranging from armadillos to Kramer the emu. Benefiting both the animals and inmates who help care for them, the facility welcomes visitors twice each month.

By |2022-05-18T12:07:16-04:00May 18, 2022|

Eco-Experience Bucket List: Lower Keys and Key West

Encouraging actions that support the environment is a vital element of the Florida Keys’ commitment to protecting the island chain’s natural resources. And from Big Pine Key to Key West, visitors can find a wide variety of positive environmental activities and attractions that illustrate how to share that commitment — while making lasting memories.

By |2022-04-13T16:36:44-04:00April 13, 2022|

Wander the Keys’ Wide-Open Spaces

Florida Keys visitors can discover a place embracing sustainability and the preservation of environmental wonders, filled with hammocks and rainforest areas, sandy beaches and on-the-water relaxation, and unique opportunities for world-class bird watching. Whether on land or water, the Keys’ natural world provides the rejuvenation that comes from time spent outdoors.

By |2022-03-02T12:30:25-05:00March 2, 2022|

How to Become a Steward of the Keys

The Florida Keys offer scores of earth- and sea-friendly options for visitors to enjoy, guided by residents who cherish their close-to-nature lifestyle and strive to preserve it. They include sustainable fishing and dive charter operators, coral restoration innovators, trailblazers in “voluntourism,” wildlife rehabilitation experts and leaders of eco-tours and cultural excursions.

By |2022-01-26T13:25:19-05:00January 26, 2022|

Jordan Budnik: Steward of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

Jordan Budnik is the executive director of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Tavernier, a nonprofit facility that takes in over 900 native birds in need of rehabilitation every year. Driven by a lifelong fascination with avian species, she’s passionate about advocating for wildlife and encouraging people to protect the environment.

By |2021-10-27T17:54:48-04:00October 27, 2021|

Harry Appel: Steward of the Keys’ Endangered Wildlife

Harry Appel co-owns Big Pine Key’s eco-friendly, boutique Deer Run on the Atlantic, the Florida Keys’ only “Four-Palm” Green Lodging Property — a designation earned for a steadfast commitment to protecting natural resources. An avid animal activist, he’s president of the nonprofit Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys and is a Key Deer Protection Alliance advisor.

By |2021-09-29T16:55:01-04:00September 29, 2021|
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