The statistics are alarming: Earth has lost 50 percent of its coral reefs in the past 30 years. The situation is especially dire In Florida, where we have lost 97 percent of our signature elkhorn and staghorn corals. Undaunted by neither the scope nor complexity of the problem, a small nonprofit in the Florida Keys has stepped up to become a leader in efforts to repopu-late reefs with living, genetically-diverse corals.

Mission Possible: Restore Florida’s Reefs— One Coral at a Time

Since 2012, the Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) has planted 90,000 corals — primarily staghorn and elkhorn — onto the Florida Reef Tract. Recent planting included more than 1,500 boulder corals. Along the way, CRF has developed partnerships with government agencies including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), academic institutions, NGOs, the private sector and others, and has shared research and methodologies with scientists in the Caribbean and elsewhere.

Led by Coral Restoration Foundation staff, recreational divers plant new corals on the skeleton of once-thriving Pickles Reef in the Florida Keys.

Join The Villages Scuba Club for an evening with Martha Roesler of the Coral Restoration Foundation. Learn about CRF’s work, as well as opportunities for recreational divers and others to get involved. There is no charge and all Villagers are welcome.

Time: 7:30 p.m. (preceded by business meeting 7 p.m.) Date: Wednesday, Sept. 4 Place: Laurel Manor Recreation Center Jefferson & Washington Rooms

Healthy staghorn coral outplants have grown and fused into a thicket in the Florida Keys.