Florida Aquarium Volunteers 'Party For The Planet'

TAMPA, FL — More than 75 volunteers turned out for The Florida Aquarium's Party for the Planet Saturday.

Volunteers joined The Florida Aquarium's sixth annual Party for the Planet™, the largest combined Earth Day celebration in North America in conjunction with more than 100 other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.

The local festivities at McKay Bay Park provided an opportunity to connect with wildlife, learn about nature and become involved in protecting our shared planet for generations to come.

The family-friendly cleanup focused on picking up debris along the paved and nature trails, restoring habitats within the preserve, and removing invasive species in partnership with the city of Tampa’s Green Team.

There was also an ecovillage set up where participants could check out engaging presentations by The Florida Aquarium staff emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation.

Attendees explored community partners’ informational booths, and enjoyed artwork crafted from marine debris by Patel High School students.

McKay Bay Nature Park spans 38 acres and sits alongside McKay Bay, a vital ecosystem for seagrass and marine life in Tampa Bay. The park's strategic location near Downtown Tampa and the water underscores the importance of preventing litter to preserve our environment. As part of the cleanup efforts and Global Youth Action Month, the Aquarium continues its partnership with Learn and Serve students, who have played an integral role in past cleanup events at the park.

The Florida Aquarium’s Party for the Planet was supported through a grant from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums to help raise awareness about conservation, sustainable living practices and making our Earth a better place to live.

Visit The Florida Aquarium’s website to learn more about conservation efforts and critical research that is inspiring, facilitating and creating sustainable change.

About The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium actively participates in and promotes stewardship of the natural environment as part of our mission of conservation. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, The Florida Aquarium provides an opportunity to see thousands of aquatic and terrestrial animals, explore complex ecosystems, look for wild dolphins in Tampa Bay, play at the Splash Pad and more! More than a must-see attraction, The Florida Aquarium is focused on saving marine wildlife through conservation research and rescue efforts that help restore Florida’s sea turtle and coral populations. To learn more, follow us on social media at @floridaaquarium and visit flaquarium.org.