Temple Beth Am members conducted their annual Mitzvah Day, a day of “good deeds,” on Sunday, Feb. 24. Through their connection with the Deering Estate Foundation, they chose for their environmental project to participate in a mangrove cleanup at Deering Point, which is part of the Deering Estate.
Twenty Beth Am members, both adults and children, worked to collect and record the trash and debris that washes ashore and gets caught in the mangroves. Mangrove cleanups are beneficial to both the mangroves and the marine animals that count on the mangroves for protection. They also help to keep marine debris out of the oceans where other marine animals potentially could be harmed.
“I was happy that I could connect Temple Beth Am with the Deering Estate Foundation, as both organizations serve important roles in the community. It is personally fulfilling to be a part of both,” said Tom Cromer, who is a member of both the synagogue and the board of directors of the Foundation.
“We were so pleased that Temple Beth Am rolled up their sleeves to help us,” said Becky Roper Matkov, president of the Deering Estate Foundation. “On a larger scale, this project helps the National Ocean Conservancy, as ocean trash is a serious pollution problem that affects the health of people, wildlife and local economies. We are proud to be part of this effort.”
The Deering Estate Foundation is a 501(c)(3) with mission to raise funds and awareness to perpetuate Charles Deering’s legacy of conservation, community and culture. For more information or to arrange a similar project, contact Debbie Regent, director of Development at dregent@deeringestate.org or 305-235-1668, ext. 224.
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