The Miami Community ResilientSea project is a holistic sustainability-based citizen science or community science initiative that unites science, education, and grassroots action to restore habitats and advance climate resilience across Miami-Dade County. The project is a collaboration between key organizations including The CLEO Institute, Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science, Rescue a Reef program, Debris Free Oceans, Phillip and Patricia Frost Frost Museum of Science and Miami Waterkeeper to address urgent climate and environmental challenges through inclusive engagement, ecological restoration, and community empowerment. .
Dune Restoration with the Frost Science Museum
We will plant important native dune plants at the beach to strengthen shoreline ecosystems, reduce erosion, and protect communities, all while engaging community members in hands-on restoration activities.
Coral Restoration with Rescue a Reef
Through on shore and offshore citizen science activities with Rescue a Reef, community members will assist with coral gardening and reef restoration efforts to help rebuild degraded coral reef habitats critical to South Florida’s economy and marine biodiversity.
Community Enhancement with Debris Free Oceans and Miami Waterkeeper
We will host informational and social community cleanups that offer engaging, place-based learning experiences. This includes shoreline and inland cleanups, educational events, and workshops—that connect residents with the coastline and empower them to become environmental stewards.
Climate Education Training and Advocacy with the CLEO Institute
We will facilitate community-centered training on climate resilience, policy and advocacy, equipping residents with the tools to engage in local decision making and shape policies that affect their neighborhoods.
Coming to a community near you! Community science gets you involved in scientific research, monitoring, and active participation in activities that address community-defined needs and concerns about their environment. From supporting hands-on habitat restoration (i.e., replanting) activities to participating in climate education workshops, there are many ways to be part of Miami’s Community ResilientSea Project. Whether you're a student, educator, artist, nature lover, advocate, or simply a concerned community member, your time and voice matter in shaping healthier, more resilient coastlines and communities in Miami.
Join our email list to stay up to date on events, publications, and news! If you have any inquiries, please email the project team at miamiresilientsea@miami.edu.
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The Miami ResilientSea Project will improve the health of coastal environments, strengthen community knowledge and action around climate issues, and inspire new pathways for local stewardship. Communities including Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove, Little Havana, Overtown, Little Haiti, Allapattah, and others alike are the focus of the Miami ResilientSea Project. These communities are at added risk of climate-related impacts like flooding and extreme heat but often lack the resources to prepare and respond. They have historically had limited access to environmental decision-making too, so this project aims to address these issues!
The project will build trust and shared knowledge through hands-on science, while addressing environmental vulnerabilities and preparing Miami communities for a changing climate |
Project Team
Born in Haiti, Gloria joins Miami ResilientSea with an extensive background in natural resources, environment and community development. She completed her Bachelors in Ecology from Rutgers University and her PhD in Natural Resources from Cornell University. With her strong ties to the Miami community, she steers the project’s implementation. In her free time, you can find her hosting fundraising events throughout South Florida, working out, or exploring new places.
A double University of Miami alum, Dalton graduated with a Master of Professional Science degree in Marine Biology and Ecology and Master of Science in Education degree in Community Psychology to help research and understand the dynamics of communities, coral conservation, and social change. In addition to the Miami ReslientSea project, he also oversees the Rescue a Reef Program through UM’s Coral Restoration Lab. In his free time, Dalton enjoys spending time outside with friends and supporting local conservation organizations.
Mya is a budding environmental educator with a mission to empower all communities to establish and foster a beneficial mutualistic relationship between humans their environment. She completed her Bachelors in Natural Resource Management from The Ohio State University and is completing her MPS in Environmental Science and Policy focusing on Coastal Zone Management. In her free time, Mya enjoys scuba diving and exploring the parks in Miami-Dade county.
Project Team
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Gloria Blaise, PhD |
Dalton Hesley, MS, MPS |
Mya Garrison |
Born in Haiti, Gloria joins Miami ResilientSea with an extensive background in natural resources, environment and community development. She completed her Bachelors in Ecology from Rutgers University and her PhD in natural Resources from Cornell University. With her strong ties to the Miami community, she steers the project’s implementation. In her free time, you can find her hosting fundraising events throughout South Florida, working out, or exploring new places. | A double University of Miami alum, Dalton graduated with a Master of Professional Science degree in Marine Biology and Ecology and Master of Science in Education degree in Community Psychology to help research and understand the dynamics of communities, coral conservation, and social change. In addition to the Miami ReslientSea project, he also oversees the Rescue a Reef Program through UM’s Coral Restoration Lab. In his free time, Dalton enjoys spending time outside with friends and supporting local conservation organizations. | Mya is a budding environmental educator with a mission to empower all communities to establish and foster a beneficial mutualistic relationship between humans their environment. She completed her Bachelors in Natural Resource Management from The Ohio State University and is completing her MPS in Environmental Science and Policy focusing on Coastal Zone Management. In her free time, Mya enjoys scuba diving and exploring the parks in Miami-Dade county. |
Our partners are some of Miami's leading organizations in ocean conservation and climate action. Together, we combine efforts for greater impact!
We proudly collaborate with several of Miami’s key stakeholders across marine, coastal, and community engagement. Please contact us directly if you are interested in collaborating with the project too!
This project is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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