Conservation Workshop Series

Oyster ecology, local history and shell-based art come together in a hands-on conservation workshop series at Deering Estate. Held on the second Sunday of each month, the Conservation Workshop Series explores South Florida’s natural resources through talks and activities led by conservation professionals. The June 14 session, “On the Half Shell: Oyster Talk,” takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. and focuses on the history, ecology and merroir of oysters in Biscayne Bay.

Led by Shley Suarez-Burgos, a certified Oyster Specialist with the Oyster Master Guild and Oyster Sommelier with The Lazy Oyster, the June workshop includes a guided discussion of oysters’ role in the South Florida coastal environment along with an art activity using recycled shells. The workshop is open to all ages and takes place in the Visitor Center Exhibit Room at Deering Estate.

Upcoming workshops include:

• June 14: “On the Half Shell: Oyster Talk” with Shley Suarez-Burgos
• July 12: “Guardians of the Green: An Inside Look at Miami-Dade Parks Natural Areas Management” with Heather Tedlow, Miami-Dade Parks Manager of Natural Areas
• August 9: “Plant Conservation in South Florida” with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
• September 13: Miami-Dade County Office of Historic Preservation
• October 11: “NABA Miami Blue: Pollinator Workshop” with Adam Skowronsk of the North American Butterfly Association’s Miami Blue Chapter
• November 8: “Igniting Conservation Through Fun and Education” with Tropical Audubon Society
• December 13: Diamondback Terrapin Update

Admission is $5 per person, with free admission for children 12 and under. Deering Estate Foundation members receive a 10% discount.