September's Florida Chapter Volunteer of the Month

September Volunteer of the Month!

Congratulations to our September Volunteer of the Month, Steve Vincenti! Steve's primary role is Dune Restoration Coordinator for the Miami Chapter. As part of their mission to protect our coastlines, Surfrider Miami is playing an active role in restoring a critical and very fragile habitat in South Florida – their coastal dunes. The dunes serve as a buffer against hurricane activity and provide critical habitat for several native plant and animal species. Much of the dune habitat in South Florida has been either altered or decimated by development and an influx of invasive species. In partnership with city officials, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and plant biologists, Surfrider Miami is working to restore their dunes by removing invasive and exotic plant species, and replacing them with native species that are better adapted to the environment and help attract a diversity of wildlife. Together, the Chapter has restored over 7 acres of precious dune habitat! As Dune Restoration Coordinator Steve oversees the coordination, logistics, and organization of all restoration events.

Miami Chapter Chair Scott Stripling noted, "Although we had initially planned to cut back this year to 5 or 6 of our own restoration events, thanks to Steve we have already done at least 7 to date, with 3 more planned for the near future. Steve is also representing us at monthly city meetings and reporting back to the board with valuable insight on current issues. Miami Beach is currently suffering through a modest sewage line break that is circulating through the Miami Beach waterways, and Steve has been the point man on providing daily email updates. As our dedicated dune coordinator, Steve has made our restoration program one of the most successful in our Chapter."  Thank you for your many contributions, Steve!