Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

How Part of the Atlantic Ocean Became a State Park- May Delicate Balance of Nature
2026-05-18 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | John Pennekamp Visitor Center and Aquarium, 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL, 33037, United States
“How Part of the Atlantic Ocean Became a State Park,” will be delivered by Elena Muratori, Park Services Specialist at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Our reception will begin at 6:30pm and the lecture will start promptly at 7:30pm. Join us via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84127680116
While the idea to preserve the coral reefs offshore of south Florida dates back to the time of Everglades National Park’s conception, it did not become a reality until President Eisenhower’s era. Muratori will present an engaging history of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, along with some present-day changes.
Celebrating 30 years with the Florida Park Service this month, Elena Muratori has worked at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for 25 of those years. A Florida Park Services Specialist, Elena grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina. She graduated from Florida’s New College as an environmental studies major, working as a reference librarian to pay for her education. Elena also earned an M.S. degree in counseling psychology at Florida State University. A former paralegal for a civil rights law firm, she helped manage a food co-op and health food store and was a paid peace and justice activist. As an activist, she learned how to manage and motivate volunteers — a useful skill since she oversees volunteers in her park service job. After frequent long weekend drives to Key Largo to snorkel and dive, Elena moved to Miami’s Coconut Grove from northern Florida and volunteered at the Barnacle Historic State Park in Coconut Grove. She was hired there, and later as a state park ranger at Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne. Elena’s Keys community activities have included steering Pennekamp’s 50th birthday celebration in 2010 and advising Coral Shores High School’s Student Peace Alliance, supporting students to get Monroe County parks designated as “peace parks” with plaques throughout the Keys. She hopes to always communicate by example the importance of caring for each other and the environment where we live. If we humans can understand that we are part of this ecosystem — not separate from it — and that everything we do has an effect, that would be world-changing.
Our reception will begin at 6:30pm and the lecture will start promptly at 7:30pm. Join us via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84127680116

May Park Programs
2026-04-30 08:00 - 17:00
May Schedule (1)

April Delicate Balance of Nature- Lion Fish
2026-04-27 18:30 - 20:30

Community Paddle
2026-04-08 17:30 - 19:30 | Paddle the Florida Keys, 90773 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL, 33070, United States

March Programs
2026-03-02 - 2026-03-31

February Delicate Balance of Nature- Flamingos
2026-02-23 18:30 - 20:30
Join us for a very special lecture on flamingos given by Jerry Lorenz.
In late August 2023, Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a category 3 hurricane in the big bend region of Florida. Along with the devastation typical of such storms, Idalia also brought along hundreds of American Flamingos that were unceremoniously scattered across the eastern US as far north as Wisconsin to Pennsylvania. In this presentation, Jerry Lorenz presents not only the fate of these flamingos but also the convoluted history of this iconic and once abundant species in Florida; how and why it was largely extirpated in the United States more than a hundred years ago and why, until recently, the State of Florida considered it to be non-native species. He also explains why it finally seems to be re-establishing a resident population in the state centered here in Florida Keys, Florida Bay and the Everglades.
Jerome J. Lorenz is an estuarine ecologist whose research focuses on the impact of water management in the southern Everglades on the coastal ecosystems of Florida Bay. Specifically, he focused on the linkages between fresh water deliveries from the Everglades, the abundance of aquatic plants and prey fishes in the mangroves and the success of nesting Roseate Spoonbills and other wading birds in Florida Bay. In 2000, Jerry became Research Director at Audubon Florida’s Everglades Science Center after completion of his Ph.D. from University of Miami. He was promoted to Research Director for Audubon Florida in 2005. Beginning in about 2015, he also began participating in research into the potential re-establishment of flamingo populations in southern Florida. After more than 35 years directing long-term ecological studies in the Keys, he retired from Audubon in April 2025 but continues to participate in the study of water birds in the Keys, particularly the pink ones.
We will start with a reception at 6:30pm and begin our lecture promptly at 7:30pm. Join us via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83999152613

Flamingo Paint Class- February Friends Night Out
2026-02-21 13:00 - 15:00
Tickets:
https://donorbox.org/events/903261

February Programs
2026-02-01 08:00 - 2026-02-28 17:00
February Schedule

Native Plant Day
2026-01-31 09:00 - 12:00

March Delicate Balance Of Nature- Sea Turtles, Manatees, and Whales
2026-01-28 08:00 - 17:00
Join us and our speaker, Tom Frankovich, for a sea turtle lecture as we being nesting season.
Marine megafauna are an evolutionary playground for microalgae. Whales, manatees and sea turtles host rich algal communities that live on their skin and other body parts. The “epizoic” algae consist of single-celled diatoms and turfs of specialized seaweeds. Many of these beautiful organisms are species that only live attached to their host. Being that these organisms are tied to their endangered hosts, they are also threatened by extinction. My presentation will introduce you to new worlds, many of which were only recently discovered, on the bodies of dolphins, sea turtles and Florida manatees.
From Tom:I am a marine biologist and I study marine plants and algae. The algal communities I study are quite diverse and encompass a broad range of size and habitats from microscopic phytoplankton to macroscopic seaweeds and seagrasses and include unique environments such as the skin of manatees, sea turtles and whales. Most of my research is conducted in the estuaries of South Florida but I also collaborate with international scientists to study algal communities across the globe. Current research projects include phytoplankton and water quality monitoring in the St. Lucie estuary, seagrass and macroalgal dynamics in Everglades National Park, and the taxonomy of epizoic diatoms on marine vertebrates. Research Associate Professor – Florida International University
The reception will begin at 6:30pm and the lecture will start promptly at 7:30pm. Join us via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82583264496

January Delicate Balance of Nature with Dr. Erinn Muller
2026-01-26 18:30 - 20:30 | John Pennekamp Visitor Center and Aquarium, 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL, 33037, United States
The pre-lecture reception begins at 6:30 pm followed by the lecture at 7:30 pm. Oceanside. There is no charge to attend the reception or program. Our guest speaker is Dr. Erinn Muller, Associate Vice President for Research, SeniorScientist, and the Coral Health and Disease Program Manager at Mote Marine Laboratoryin Sarasota, Florida. Dr. Muller’s topic is “Beyond the Bleaching: Resilience,Restoration, and Banking on Corals Future.” She will share research findings on recentstress events impacting Florida’s coral reef with a focus on threatened coral species. Dr.Muller will also discuss practical applications of this research for coral restoration andthe importance of Mote’s International Coral Gene Bank.For more information or additional accessibility needs, contact Elena Muratori, ParkServices Specialist, at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, at 305-676-3786.

First Day Hikes
2026-01-01 09:30 - 15:00

January 2026 Programs
2026-01-01 08:00 - 2026-02-01 17:00
January 2026 Schedule

Campfire Series- December 6 through February 28
2025-12-06 18:00 - 2026-02-28 18:00
Campfire Nights Return to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park!
Join the fun at John Pennekamp State Park’s Campfire Program, held every Saturday night from December 6 through February 28 at the Campfire Circle near Snook Pavilion. Each evening starts 15 minutes after sunset and features a fascinating topic about the park’s unique natural and cultural treasures, shared under the stars beside a cozy fire. Guests can enjoy roasting marshmallows and making s’mores as part of this classic Florida Keys tradition. Attendees are encouraged to wear long sleeves and bring bug spray and must arrive before the Park gates close at sunset. S’more supplies are provided by the Friends of John Pennekamp SP for a suggested $5 donation.

December Programs
2025-12-01 08:00 - 2025-12-31 17:00

Wednesday Nature Walks with Susan Kolterman- 9:30am
2025-11-05 09:30 - 2025-11-26 09:30

November Programs
2025-11-01 08:00 - 2025-11-30 17:00

Halloween at Pennekamp
2025-10-25 17:30 - 20:30 | John Pennekamp Visitor Center and Aquarium, 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL, 33037, United States
Join us for the fifth annual Halloween at Pennekamp on Saturday, October 25th from 5:30PM to 8:30PM!
This year’s event features:Trunk or Treat at Cannon Beach Parking Lots 5:30PM to 8:00PMA-scare-ium 5:30PM to 8:30PMSpooky Trail (without scare actors) 5:30PM to 6:30PMSpooky Trail (with scare actors) 6:45PM to 8:30PMMermaid Meet & GreetCaptain Coral ShowsNew this year: music and food trucks
This year’s event will be free to enter thanks to a generous donation by our event sponsor, First State Bank of the Florida Keys. We will be accepting donations to benefit Friends of John Pennekamp SP. Get your broomsticks and peg legs ready for this frightfully good time. We can’t wait to see you there!

October Programs
2025-10-02 08:00 - 2025-10-31 17:00

August Events (Click here for details)
2025-08-01 08:00 - 2025-08-31 17:00

July Friends Night Out - Cornhole Tournament
2025-07-17 17:30 - 19:30 | dive bar tavernier, 200 Florida Ave, Tavernier, FL, 33070, United States
The Dive Bar in Tavernier (200 Florida Ave) is hosting the July Friends Night Out on July 17! Come join us for some friendly competition at the corn hole tournament. Or if relaxing is more your style, just grab a pint of one of their local brews on tap and enjoy the live music, sunset, and tasty offerings from Bites on the Bay with your state park Friends. Entry for the corn hole tournament is $10. The first place winners get bragging rights and their bar tab paid for courtesy of the Dive Bar. Second place gets half off their bar tab. Proceeds from the tournament benefit on-going Park fundraising goals, such as our beach renourishment project.

Bring your best game and join us at 5:30. Corn hole tournament starts at 6:00. Hope to see you there!

July Programs
2025-07-01 08:00 - 2025-07-31 18:00

Friends Night Out - June
2025-06-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Islamorada brewery & distillery, 82229 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL, 33036, United States
Join the Friends of Pennekamp SP for Friends Night Out at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery. Meet and mingle with other park enthusiasts and paint an oyster shell with artist MJ. There is a $20 registration fee for painting (half gets donated to the park!). Register for painting using the QR code in event flyer or this link: https://square.link/u/JVT7xtM8?src=sheet”
There is no fee to come enjoy the venue, enjoy free tastings and talk to other Friends! Islamorada Brewery & Distillery has donated a $25 gift card so we’ll be having a drawing by chance.
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June Programs
2025-06-01 - 2025-06-30
Check out of Facebook page for up-to-date info on all our activities!

Friends Night Out - May
2025-05-21 17:30 - 19:30 | The Catch, 102041 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL, 33037, United States
Join the Friends of Pennekamp SP for Friends Night Out at The Catch, May 21 at 5:30 PM. Meet and mingle with other park enthusiasts and learn how to weave a palm frond basket with Melanie Valle.
Join us at The Catch (MM 102) or Friends Night Out at The Catch, May 21 at 5:30 PM. Meet and mingle with other park enthusiasts and learn how to weave a palm frond hanging basket with Melanie Valle. We will have a drawing for a $50 gift certificate, generously donated to us by The Catch. Advance registration with $20 donation requested. INDICATE THE NUMER OF TICKET YOU NEED TO ACTIVATE THE REGISTRATION BUTTON.

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May Programs at Pennekamp
2025-05-01 08:00 - 2025-05-31 17:00

Friends Night Out - April
2025-04-28 17:30 - 19:30 | Caribbean Club, 104080 Overseas Hwy,, Key Largo
Friends’ Night Out is next Monday, April 28th. Come hang out at the Upper Keys oldest bar, the Caribbean Club, to admire the view, listen to music, and connect with other park enthusiasts. At the end of the evening we’ll be raffling off a $100 gift certificate from Caribbean Club. It’s a great opportunity to make new Friends while supporting our local business partners. We’ll be there from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. We can’t wait to see you there!

Ocean Forest Clean-Up
2025-03-08 09:00 - 13:00 | RSVP for Info
Join Coastlove, John Pennekamp State Park, FDEP, FWC and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary as we roll up our sleeves and head back to Ocean Forest for another epic cleanup event. Ocean Forest is an undeveloped area in the Upper Florida Keys and home to many important and endangered species. You will not want to miss this exciting day!

Make sure you RSVP to save your spot. Special instructions, site directions and parking information will be emailed to prior to the event.

RSVP here: https://www.coastlove.org/…/ocean-forest-upper-keys…

Be sure to bring your reusable bottle to refill.

A special thanks to all of our partners and Keys Sanitary Services for their continued support!

March Program Schedule
2025-03-01 08:00 - 2025-04-01 17:00

January 2025 Programs
2025-01-01 08:00 - 2025-01-31 17:00
January 2025 Schedule
