To monitor, preserve, and protect the coral reef ecosystem of
South Florida through research, education, and public awareness.
Earth Day Kayak-A-Thon April 21, 2007
Charity West Palm and
Reef Rescue partnered
To focus attention on the environment. Twenty-eight kayakers, sponsored by over 150 contributors, raised donations to fund Reef Rescue coral reef advocacy programs.
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation underwrote the event. Corporate sponsors included Foreclosure.Com, Chariots of Palm Beach, Divers Direct, and LongView Investment Trust.
Kayakers received pledges from family, friends and co-workers who sponsored them. Adventure Times of North Palm Beach supplied kayaks. A Sea Tow team followed the kayakers and provided snacks and water.
The Lake Worth Lagoon is approximately 20 miles in length and is the largest estuary system in Palm Beach County. Although the lagoon is heavily urbanized, it is one of the most important estuarine systems in Florida. Restoration and protection of the diverse habitats within the LWL is crucial to the lagoon’s health. Currently the county is formulating a management plan for this important environmental asset.
The 14 mile trek along the Lake Worth Lagoon highlighted the need to protect the remaining mangroves and seagrass beds; essential habitat for manatees and nursery to local fish populations.
Mangroves serve very important functions in the ecology of South Florida. As well as providing habitat and nursery grounds for a wide variety of vertebrates and invertebrates, mangroves recycle nutrients.
Seagrass beds are nursery grounds for juvenile fish and are the primary food source for the Florida manatee.
Charity West Palm founder and CEO, Brian Lee (L) presents Ed Tichenor, PBCRR director and Chris Wilkins (R) Reef Rescue Kayak-a-thon project manager with a check from the 2007 Earth Day fundraiser for $7,000.00.
Due to the success of the 2007 Earth Day Kayak-a-thon, we are already making plans for 2008. You can go to the Charity West Palm web site to learn more about this and other events and sign-up for the 2008 Earth Day Kayak-a-thon.
Click here for the Palm Beach Post Kayak-a-thon news article.
“Thank you to all the kayakers, and especially the individual contributors, by working together we can actually see how we all make a difference. I look forward to working with you all again on the 2008 Earth Day Kayak-a-thon.”
Chris Wilkins,
PBCRR
Palm Beach County Reef Rescue
P.O. Box 207
Boynton Beach, FL 33425
(561) 699-8559