Xavier University's Alternative Breaks Program Spends their Spring Break with Outdoor Connections.

Outdoor Connections welcomed Xavier University’s Alternative Break Program this past week at their project site on Virginia Key in Miami, FL. These eight students took it upon themselves to spend their Spring Break differently. Instead of partying it up on South Beach, they decided to spend time caring for our beloved island of Virginia Key!

Over six truckloads of invasive plants such as Leather Leaf, Brazilian Pepper, and Scaevola were removed from Virginia Key North Point Park. Thank you to Marina and Ben from Citizens for a Better South Florida; their guidance and additional assistance was greatly appreciated! The area, located at the exit of the Virginia Key Mountain Bike Trails, will receive further attention from the City of Miami Park’s Department Naturalist. Eventually, a native planting event will be scheduled. Keep an eye out on our website and mailing list for future dates!

The students from Xavier University also participated in a shoreline clean-up and learned more about how plastic pollution is affecting our waters and coastal areas. Volunteer and Founder Scott Weatherstrip of the Surfrider Miami’s Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) swung by and informed us all on the recent findings of the BWTF and the importance of testing the waters of Biscayne Bay.

It’s been a busy week! The only thing keeping us going is Cafecito! Tomorrow we’re going Manatee spotting at our adventure hub, the Virginia Key Outdoor Center. Be sure to follow us on Instagram to keep updated on what we’re doing. Maybe we’ll share a manatee pic or two ;)