Celebrate Manatee Appreciation Day at Deering Estate!
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, join us for a day of discovery along Biscayne Bay, where the boat basin at Deering Estate offers one of Miami’s best spots to observe manatees in their natural habitat. The combination of fresh water and the bay’s calm conditions creates an ideal environment for manatees to gather and interact. While you’re here, keep an eye out for other fascinating marine life, including sea turtles, rays, sharks, and dolphins.
This special day is all about raising awareness of manatees – learn about their habitats, the challenges they face, and how we can help protect these gentle giants for generations to come.
Other activities include:
Outdoor art installation & Meet the Artist: “The Manatees’ Concern” by David Valiente
Artist David Valiente will also be onsite during Manatee Appreciation Day to share insights about his work and its powerful message of conservation.
This sculpture in three parts depicts the head, torso, and tail of a manatee, as if it were resurfacing from the water, as these creatures are often seen at the Deering Estate Boat Basin. The manatee’s body is covered with text and drawings expressing environmental concerns, including phrases such as “Protect Habitat” and “Fertilizer and Pesticides Runoff,” combined with graffiti-like imagery that calls attention to the threats they face.
Flowy fabrics in shades of blue and green surround the sculpture, evoking the water the manatee inhabits, while natural elements from the site are incorporated to ground the piece. Seaweed and a plastic bag in the manatee’s mouth further highlight the environmental pressures on these animals, particularly water pollution.
Valiente created the work to convey an urgent message about the continued need to protect and preserve species, emphasizing threats such as habitat loss, boat collisions, and pollution. The piece is both artistic and didactic, encouraging reflection on the delicate balance between humans and the natural world.
The artist further states that “the manatee is a species of concern that requires continued conservation attention and action. The Florida manatee is currently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act; however, conservationists are concerned about ongoing threats, including boat strikes, habitat loss, and pollution. Despite the challenges, there are efforts underway to protect manatees, including habitat restoration projects and regulations on boat speeds and designated protection zones.”
‘The Manatees’ Concern,’ 2026, aluminum mesh, Venetian plaster, burlap, compound, color pigment, ink, and textile.
University of Miami Rosenstiel School – Marine Mammal Science
Join graduate students studying marine mammal science at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School for an interactive mock manatee rescue! Participants will learn what happens during a manatee stranding response and can take part in the rescue process. You’ll also discover how scientists collect and use stranding data and photo identification to monitor and protect manatees.
Natural Areas Tour at 12:30 p.m.
Take a guided hike through Deering Estate’s protected natural areas with our naturalist staff. Along the way, learn about native plants and wildlife, and visit the historic Cutler Burial Mound.
Stroll the Mangrove Boardwalk
Enjoy a peaceful walk through a unique ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife. The boardwalk is open daily for self-guided access.
Shop for Souvenirs
Stop by the Main Gate Ticket Booth or the Gift Shop at the Visitor Center for Deering Estate keepsakes including adorable manatee plushies!
Manatee Gift Basket
Show your APPRECIATION for the Manatees and make a donation to the Deering Estate Foundation for a chance to win a fun Manatee Gift Basket. Winner will be notified by Monday, March 30, 2026.
https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E155795&id=113
Program partners: University of Miami Mammal Program & Save the Manatee Club
Manatee Image: Wendie Whitton
Visit the website for more information:
https://deeringestate.org/events/manatee-appreciation-day/ https://deeringestate.org/events/manatee-appreciation-day/
You may also like the following events from Deering Estate:
Also check out other
Arts events in Cutler,
Nonprofit events in Cutler.
