Guy Harvey Foundation and Coastal Conservation Association Florida join forces to expand conservation education for Florida students and teachers

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – In a move aimed at strengthening environmental education and coastal conservation in Florida, the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF) and Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida have announced a new partnership that promises to expand learning opportunities for educators and students while promoting long-term stewardship of the state’s critical marine ecosystems.

The partnership, unveiled on February 10, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, aligns two of Florida’s leading conservation organizations with a shared vision of protecting coastal habitats while inspiring the next generation of ocean advocates. Together, the organizations plan to enhance educational programming, highlight ecosystem restoration efforts, and provide tangible resources for teachers across the state.

Under the agreement, the Guy Harvey Foundation has developed new, co-branded educational content that integrates CCA Florida’s hands-on restoration initiatives. The lessons focus on the vital ecological role of oysters, clams, salt marshes, and mangroves in maintaining healthy coastal waters. These habitats are essential not only for marine life but also for the protection of shorelines, water quality, and local economies reliant on Florida’s fisheries and tourism industries. The materials will be incorporated into GHF’s existing conservation education programs, giving educators practical tools to introduce students to ecosystem science and the importance of active stewardship.

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“This partnership with CCA represents a powerful alignment of shared values, education, conservation and long-term stewardship of our coastal ecosystems,” said Jessica Harvey, CEO of the Guy Harvey Foundation. “By combining our educational expertise with CCA’s restoration-focused mission, we are creating meaningful pathways for teachers, students and young leaders to understand, protect and advocate for Florida’s vital marine habitats.”

A major component of the collaboration involves the Guy Harvey Conservation Education Training (CET) sessions for teachers, sponsored by CCA Florida. These immersive professional development sessions provide educators with all necessary materials, classroom supplies, and instructional content to inspire students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) subjects with a conservation focus. Last year, teachers attended a CCA-sponsored CET at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve in Ponte Vedra Beach. Following the training, participants are certified as Guy Harvey Conservation Educators, equipped to bring ecosystem science into classrooms and foster environmental awareness among students. Grants are also available to support field trips and classroom supplies, allowing teachers to expand their educational reach even further.

In addition to teacher training, the partnership includes support for youth programs, most notably a $25,000 Youth Scholarship sponsored by GHF in the 2026 CCA Florida STAR Youth Fishing Competition. This funding strengthens opportunities for young Floridians to participate in conservation-focused activities while developing skills and leadership in environmental stewardship.

“Partnering with the Guy Harvey Foundation allows us to amplify the impact of conservation beyond the water and into the classroom,” said CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski. “By connecting hands-on ecosystem restoration with meaningful education and teacher training, we are investing in the next generation of conservation leaders.”

Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to deepen public understanding of Florida’s coastal ecosystems and inspire proactive conservation efforts. Educators gain access to innovative resources and professional development, students develop a stronger connection to marine environments, and communities benefit from increased awareness of the importance of healthy coastal habitats.

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For more information about the Guy Harvey Foundation’s conservation, research, and education initiatives, visit www.GuyHarveyFoundation.org and follow @GuyHarveyOcean on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Details about CCA Florida and its programs are available at www.ccaflorida.org.

By combining education, hands-on restoration, and youth engagement, the partnership sets a model for how nonprofit organizations can work together to protect natural resources while nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders. The effort highlights the essential connection between classroom learning, field-based experience, and meaningful community impact in safeguarding Florida’s oceans and coasts.