FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 2, 2015
BISCAYNE
BAY AQUATIC PRESERVES PADDLES OUT TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
~Island excursion and eco-art project will celebrate the beauty and history of the preserves~
MIAMI – A celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Biscayne
Bay Aquatic Preserves will conclude with the “Paddle Out! Biscayne Bay” event, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, leaving from the Pelican Harbor Marina boat ramp and traveling
via boat and paddlecrafts to Helker’s Island in the northern part of the
aquatic preserves.
International eco-artist Xavier Cortada will lead an eco-art installation
on the island with participants displaying eco-action inspired artwork created
by children from across the country on flags donated by the event sponsor, Miami-based
company TUUCI. The students from various schools who painted the flags were
asked to pledge an eco-action — a personal commitment to help Biscayne Bay not
just survive, but thrive, for the next 40 years.
During the “Paddle Out! Biscayne Bay” adventure paddle,
registered participants will be invited to travel via kayak along a six-mile
route roundtrip in the bay to Helker’s Island. The afternoon will feature food
trucks, live music and opportunities to become part of the Friends of Biscayne
Bay.
The ticket cost to take a catamaran ride to the island is $35
per person and participants will receive a naturalist-guided tour with a view
of the eco-art project installation in action and will stop to view an active
bird rookery. For participants bringing their own paddle equipment or using one
of the donated kayaks and safety equipment, the cost is $40 per person. Both
tickets include a morning snack and access to the after party at the Pelican
Harbor Marina.
The kayak waves will launch at 8 a.m., 8:45 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Catamaran cruises will depart at 10:00 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. All kayak and cruise
participants are asked to arrive and check-in one hour before their departure
time. Once registered, staff will work with participants to choose the best
time slot for them depending on experience, comfort level and other key
factors.
WHAT: Paddle
Out! Biscayne Bay event
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 10
7 a.m. -
1 p.m. Adventure Paddle
1 p.m. - 4 p.m. After Party
WHERE: Pelican Harbor Marina
1275 NE 79th St.
Miami, FL 33138
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