Reef Environmental Education Foundation, based in Key Largo, remains positive in the wake of Hurricane Irma — despite the mid-September storm putting a major wrench in the execution of their annual REEF Fest.

Originally scheduled to be held Sept. 29-Oct. 1, the fourth annual celebration of marine conservation was moved in the wake of the storm. It will now be held Dec. 7-10.

“Our partners and sponsors for eco-ventures (scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking and more) are so excited to host REEF Fest participants and show off the beauty of the Keys after the storm,” says Martha Klitzkie, REEF’s director of operations.

REEF Fest activities will include daily dives with operators who are donating a portion of charter fees to REEF, seminars with renowned ocean experts on topics like climate change and aquariums, hands-on workshops, socials and an auction banquet.

“We’ve got a fantastic line up planned,” says Klitzkie. “We have diving legends like Ned Deloach and ocean research experts like Scott Heppell and many others covering a range of ocean topics… We have the grand opening for the new Interpretive Center at REEF planned as part of the Friday night open house.”

She says the foundation is doing well in the Keys despite reports that reefs sustained damage.

“Thankfully the REEF property and the Upper Florida Keys in general fared well,” Klitzkie says. “Much of the business and visitor attractions in this area are back to business as usual.”

All REEF Fest events will be open to the public, but registration is recommended. To register for REEF Fest, visit reef.org

More Hurricane News:
Florida's Underground Scuba Site Devil's Den OK after Hurricanes
How To Help the Caribbean and Florida after Hurricanes Irma and Maria
Florida Keys Optimistic About Hurricane Recovery