Coral Stewardship Runs within the Household

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Dee Dee Vaughan Smause, co-founder of Plant a Million Corals alongside her mother and father, Dr. Dave Vaughan and Donna Vaughan, is passionately dedicated to restoring coral reefs and preserving marine biodiversity within the Florida Keys. Her efforts have helped the group to make important strides in coral restoration — whereas aiming to plant a million corals to rejuvenate the area’s underwater ecosystems.

Her work with nonprofit organizations has satisfied Dee Dee that small, collective actions can drive important change.

Dee Dee’s journey into the nonprofit sector stems from her perception that “one particular person could make a distinction of their neighborhood.” Her intensive work in catastrophe response, volunteer recruitment, and fundraising outfitted her with the abilities to sort out large-scale environmental challenges. Amongst different positions, she performed a vital function as growth officer for the Florida Keys Neighborhood Land Belief, serving to broaden inexpensive housing efforts whereas honing her media and donor relations abilities.

Reflecting on her path, she mentioned, “When, as a household, we determined to begin Plant a Million Corals, it was as if my profession trajectory had been quietly coaching me for the wants of this group.”

The concept for Plant a Million Corals emerged from the Vaughans’ deep connection to the ocean and their dedication to defending its fragile ecosystems.

“The ocean has all the time been part of me. My father, being a marine biologist, actually formed virtually each facet of my younger life,” mentioned Dee Dee. “I grew up with morning fishing journeys on the Indian River Lagoon with my dad earlier than faculty, and browsing and crusing after class and on weekends. The ocean has all the time been there to calm me down and convey me again up.”

Her father’s groundbreaking discovery of coral micro-fragmentation know-how, Dee Dee defined, grew to become the inspiration of their work. Collaborating with marine scientists and environmentalists, they based the group to handle the alarming decline of coral reefs.

Couple in Lower Florida Keys

Dee Dee’s husband Jason Smause can be working with Plant a Million Corals.

“There have been already superb analysis establishments and organizations engaged on restoration, however there wasn’t a large-scale cultivation program with objectives to make coral restoration inexpensive,” she mentioned. “As a household, we knew this was one thing we may work collectively to attain.”

Dee Dee’s husband Jason Smause, who has a background in business diving and development, joined the staff after this system’s inception — making it much more of a household effort.

What motivates Dee Dee most is seeing the influence their work has on others.

“Everybody is aware of that coral reefs, right here within the Keys and world wide, are in bother,” she mentioned. “However after I can inform somebody that not solely is there hope for our reefs, however that change can occur of their lifetime, the reduction and pleasure is palpable.”

She finds nice satisfaction in sharing Plant a Million Corals’ message of hope and seeing the way it resonates with folks. The group’s objective is to supply a million corals yearly for the Florida Reef Tract by the tip of 2025. Moreover, Plant a Million Corals gives coral restoration workshops to coach contributors in coral husbandry, replica, illness mitigation and extra.

Woman and dog Lower Florida Keys

Dee Dee relaxes by spending time on or within the waters of the Florida Keys — generally with canine companion Bela.

“We wish to make coral restoration inexpensive, accessible and scalable,” Dee Dee mentioned.

As Plant a Million Corals works towards its objective of restoring reefs, she stays steadfast in her perception that small, collective actions can drive important change. As well as, she’s hopeful that the group’s work will encourage others to become involved in environmental conservation.

Her recommendation: “Volunteer! There are such a lot of organizations that profit from neighborhood involvement. It doesn’t matter what capability you want to assist in, there shall be a job for you.”

Her motto: “Should you present folks kindness in all the things you do, you’re going to get it again tenfold from probably the most sudden locations.”

The place she dines: South of the Seven and the Sq. Grouper for a beautiful evening out close to residence. The Waterfront Brewery in Key West to soak up the harbor and really feel the heart beat of the island metropolis.

The place she explores: Wherever on the ocean — diving, paddleboarding or simply taking the boat to a sandbar.

How she relaxes: “My favourite factor is to spend time with my husband, our pup Bela and our family and friends on the water. Any day spent with the solar on my face and salt on my pores and skin is an efficient one.”

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