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Institute for Regional Conservation
The Institute for Regional Conservation (IRC) is dedicated to the protection, restoration, and long-term management of biodiversity on a regional basis, and to the prevention of regional extinctions of rare plants, animals and ecosystems.
Based in Miami, Florida, IRC works on conservation research and action throughout South Florida, the Caribbean and beyond. Our work is premised on an innovative idea of conservation that seeks to protect and restore viable populations of all plant and animal species within a region, rather than simply focusing on charismatic animals or plants with narrow global ranges.
Our Programs:
Natives for Your Neighborhood
Natives for Your Neighborhood is a powerful tool that allows users to search the largest available database of rare and native plants of south Florida. Entering your zip code will bring up a list of native plants, habitats, and wildlife specific to your neighborhood, as well as short descriptions of each species, photographs, and tips for planting. The program encourages conservation-based gardening, including the use of drought tolerant species. The Natives for Your Neighborhood database encompasses 10 counties and a population of almost seven million people.
Habitat Restoration and Monitoring
IRC actively is working to restore rare and endangered habitats in south Florida, with much of our resources focused on pine rocklands, a globally imperiled habitat found only in south Florida and the Bahamas. With ongoing projects in Collier, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties, IRC is committed to the restoration and long-term management of south Florida’s natural heritage. We have partnerships with local, county, state, federal, and nonprofit agencies. Our restoration activities include vegetation monitoring, invasive exotic plant removal, and reintroduction of rare and endangered species.
Go to the Map
Use the interactive map to zoom smoothly from a national view to state and local perspectives anywhere across the country.
