I have known RB since the very early days! Never have I met a more dedicated group.. truly dedicated to ALL aspects of their mission.
I am awestruck by how far - locally, globally, environmentally and educationally Todd, Kathy, Larry and the rest of the team has gone!
Too many ways to list in a short space… suffice it to say they HAVE made an impact.. not just to our Mother Earth but to all those that have been blessed to witness what they do!!
Thank you, thank you and thank you!
The Reef Ball Foundation is simply amazing! They have been restoring our coral reefs and marine habitats for many years. Their projects have been rehabilitating our ocean reef ecosystems; and their hard work, collaborations globally, as well as providing education to our youth, is inspiring.
Reef Ball is amazing! The creation of reefs with eco-friendly concrete structures is a testament to their commitment to helping protect our oceans. The Reef Ball Foundation is a remarkable organization dedicated to marine conservation, restoring underwater ecosystems, and providing critical habitats for marine life. Their commitment to preserving our oceans is truly inspiring!
Volunteering with the Reef Ball Foundation was an incredible experience. Being part of their mission to construct a designed artificial reef, I've witnessed firsthand how these eco-friendly concrete structures rejuvenate marine ecosystems and offer a safe haven for underwater wildlife. It's a rewarding and hands-on way to make such a positive impact on our oceans.
It's inspiring to see an organization so invested in leading the way to a more sustainable future for all living things. Thank you for all you do.
I love Reef Ball and how much they help our oceans! It is a great non-profit to support and the people that work there are kind and helpful.
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The Reef Ball Foundation is one of the most amazing environmental companies out there. I am 13 years old, and I learned about the Reef Ball Foundation through Kathy Kirbo, the Executive Director, who happens to be my aunt. When I was 8 years old, I did a school report on the Reef Ball Foundation and was able to show the teachers, as well as students, how a Reef Ball is deployed into the ocean. Everyone was so amazed at how they positivel effect the oceans and beaches. Reef Ball has opened my eyes to the world of environmental science, and now I am considering it as my future career choice.
The Reef Ball Foundation continues to protect, defend, and restore coral reefs and marine habitats with its thriving projects and educational programs for the world's ocean ecosystems..
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We love The Reef Ball Foundation! The work they do in order to protect and rehab our aquatic ecosystems is amazing! Never met a more dedicated group of individuals!
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The Reef Ball Foundation is amazing! Through hard work and collaboration, they are literally rehabilitating our world's ocean reef ecosystems one reef ball at a time! In addition, they provide education to our youth on the importance of giving back by protecting our environment, especially our waterways to ensure their health and sustainability for generations to come. I have had the opportunity to volunteer with this organization and cannot say enough great things about them! Fantastic people doing phenomenal things!
I had a awesome time helping out with this organization. they taught local kids the importance of keeping the water clean and how to make reef balls to help rebuild the ecosystem. It was educational in many ways and help the local community not only get involved but improve the waterways!
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My best friend best away unexpectedly. Larry & his team did a fantastic job helpi g to lay my friend to rest. Highly recommend!
The Reef Ball Foundation is a global environmental leader in designed artificial reefs, renowned for its innovative Reef Balls, structures that serve dual purposes by providing vital marine habitat and coastal protection against erosion and storms. With their remarkable success rate, ecological restoration projects consistently enhance fisheries, promote biodiversity, and bolster resilient marine ecosystems. Beyond their ecological efforts, RBF actively engages local communities and collaborates with governments, scientific institutions, schools, and environmental organizations, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective action. Their work stands as an inspiration, offering effective solutions to the complex challenges our oceans face, making a substantial impact in the realm of marine conservation.
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Reef Ball has always had only the best intentions in mind. They are making a huge difference in ocean and waterway health around the world.
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Read moreReef Ball Foundation is doing a great job saving our coral reef systems globally. The design, construction and deployment, are all environmentally conscience and with the end result in mind. I cannot say enough good things about this company or their goals.
Excellent organization doing great work in protecting and restoring our coral reefs. They provide valuable education to our youth and are very passionate about their work. I encourage everyone to volunteer if the opportunity arises. Such a great organization!
Reef Ball Foundation does amazing work in the restoration and protection of our coral reefs! They are a hard working dedicated group of individuals truly making a difference! Highly recommend checking them out!
Having the opportunity to work with this foundation in several capacities over many years on projects around the world has given me the unique advantage to not only see the work as it happens but to see the positive results over time for coastal communities, the environment, and habitat creation and restoration. A fine organization. JDH.
They held a beautiful ceremony for my brother in law with military presence. It was such a unique experience that allows you to have a memorial under the sea, while helping the environment.
This organization is critical to the preservation of our marine ecosystems. They create nurseries that provide shelter for many young inhabitants and also allow structure for coral species to anchor and grow on. This important work affects the entire planet and all future generations.
The reef ball foundation works hard to restore local habitats for many types of marine life while also educating the public on critical issues regarding our coral reefs and coastlines. They are a vital organization that protects the health of our oceans and planet. The people are passionate and professional, and they are doing phenomenal work.
Wow wow wow I can’t say enough about Reef ball . Always been a fan but then we had service for our parents and what am amazing service. Being that I volunteered a long time ago I never would of guessed how awesome it was to actually see it from start to finish Thank you to all
Reef balls are the best substitute for natural rocky reefs. They attract fish and many different plants and animals. This company really works at doing good.
This is the best organisation that we have ever had the pleasure to work with, keep up the great work everyone. Reefballs work and we can prove it.
www.ghostgeardisappear.com
This is the BEST non~profit in the World ~ there couldnt be a better group than this for our environment ~ Thanx Reef Ball Foundation for "your hearts in the right place" !!!!!!
Sincerely,
Beth Norton
The Reef Ball Foundation helps to restore and create new habitat for all types of sea life.
Their projects protect shorelines from washing away, create critical habitat for oysters, corals and all sorts of creatures that are critical to the health of our oceans.
The crew is professional, considerate, caring and fun to work with!
The Reef Ball foundation does critical work for the health of the oceans and our planet worldwide! They also give back to numerous local non-profit's by assisting in countless activities including clam deployments, native mangrove planting and numerous cleanup and debris removal events throughout the year.
Thank you to the folks ar Reef Ball foundation for all you do for the planet!
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Reef Ball foundation makes stuff grow underwater!! Amazing!!! They put these cool fish houses in special places all over the world!! Creatures like coral, sea anemones, starfish, and lots of fish, make them their home! First the smaller ones, then the bigger ones come and in no time an amazing artificial reef is born!!!! They are strong enough to protect shorelines from erosion too. They make it a fantastic home for all sorts of sea creatures!!
I've know Reef Ball since the mid 90's or so.. They are such dedicated, determined and devout stewards of the worlds oceans... Literally the worlds !! This is thier passion..thier mission.. To bring reality to our fragile reef systems by enlightening children, adults, widows, widowers, veterans and anyone else who owes their sanity to the ocean realm, of the need for positive human interactions!! Amazing people doing even more amazing things...
This organization is so personable and the real deal! They have gotten at least 60 students at my school involved with the important restoration of our waterways that needs to happen. They are invested in the now and future. I can't say enough about their team! TOP NOTCH!
My brother-in-law died unexpectedly and we found the information regarding the Reef Ball Foundation for his burial. We contacted the Foundation, made arrangements to have his ashes included in a Reef Ball. When we went to South Florida for the wonderful ceremony, the staff were absolutely amazing and we were permitted to go out on the boat for the placement of the Reef Ball with my Brother in Laws ashes in the Ocean while learning about their awesome endeavor to help restore the coral reefs all over the world. I’ve read about their great successes and their tireless work to help restore coral reefs. It is a wonderful, needed Foundation.
This foundation has supported more events, organizations, and families than any other that I know. Their availability, organization, and dedication to the community is unmatched.
A great nonprofit working for yers now to support/recreate the underwater environment. Providing nurseries, shelter for young sea life. Giving corl lrves the oppurtunity to anchor and grow in sandy rubble areas. Also supporting the local businesses and involving the local population. Creating awareness and the importance of the underwater life.
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After a a tropical storm the shallow parts of the underwater environment took a lot of damage. No shelter for juvenile fish anymore, an exposed beach. Placing Reef Balls helped to restore this , the moment the Rballs were in the water the fish returned, we had sergeant majors hatch in the Reef Balls, they provide anchoring for youg corals etc. A very strong argument in favor of a Reef Ball Project is the fact they are working with local people, educating local people so after the initial training projects can continue locally.
Reef ball is an incredible non profit. The sole purpose is to prolong our fragile ocean environment and teach others how they can do their part as well.
They are helping our oceans and protecting the coral reefs that provide for sea life. Passionate about their work.
Always finding new and innovative ways to protect our shores and sea life.
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I have been a supporter of the Reef Ball Foundation for many years. The great work they do around the globe is helping our oceans survive. There Eternal Reefs project is a wonderful way to remember a loved one and to help the environment. They were very caring and had a beautiful ceremony for my husband.
I have several friends who chose to be interred in a reefball. I love the idea so much that my husband and I have included instructions in our wills to be memorialized in this way. I have participated as a volunteer several times and will continue to as much as I can.
This amazing organization is focused on maintaining or reviving ocean life for positive effects on all our lives.
I absolutely think that the Reef ball foundation is the best thing ever. When I lost my husband 15 years ago, he said don’t ever put me in the ground where someone will cry and kneel . He was a very proud Navy sailor, and I am sure by putting his ashes back into the sea, and by helping save mother ocean , he would be proud. My coordinates are very special to me. I love you DOUG DUNN. Still to this day still to this day❤️
So often a nonprofit is about several people making a lot of money and doing nothing. That is not the cast with the Reef Ball Foundation, the ones that started the organization over 25 years ago are still working hard to restore our oceans and coasts. No one monetarily rich in this organization yet they have all received great rewards thanks to their efforts to help the corals, oysters, and fish. All while helping local communities take ownership in the projects and efforts.
This amazing group of people are saving are oceans! Creating habitats for all sorts of sealife. Protecting mangroves. And the world's critically endangered coral reefs. Keep up the fantastic work.
Great people who do an amazing job!!! Their work helps save reefs, oceans, and wildlife. Thanks for all you do!
I have involved with this organization since 2003, volunteering at almost every level of the fine and very important work they do, my involvement started when I was a board member of the Sarasota Bay Parrothead Club it was my position to organize environmental volunteer activities I could go on an on about the many things we accomplished in my nine years on the board but by far the most enduring by far is the artificial reef project our club accomplished, from fund raising to building the Reefball modules to deployment club members were involved with every aspect. I will forever be thankful to the entire organization for their help and donations that made this project that has been adding a aquatic home for so many sea creatures that have made it their home now for fifteen years.
They recently did a job in Kentucky, where I live, and seeing this company from Florida come up here to help our ecosystem was amazing. Great company and wonderful people.
I think reef balls are a great way to rebuild our reef systems. Keep up the great work all you reef ballerz out there!
Back in 1997, the Maryland artificial reef program was discontinued as a State-funded program as a budget austerity measure. My agency at the time the Maryland Environmental Service, took the permits and I became the reef program manager. We were a not-for-profit, self- supporting agency with no appropriated funds. We were barely able to keep the program afloat with donated materials and fee-for'service charges for field nspection and a lot of donated staff time. We then "discovered" Reef Balls. The Reef Ball Foundation worked with us to bring Reef Balls into the program. We worked with the Foundation and Reef Innovations and the Oyster Recovery Partnership to hold introductory demonstration and production pours and opened the event to any and all interested parties. We used a combination of used and new molds purchased at the non-profit rate with a grant from my parent agency. We also worked with the Foundation and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to test Reef Balls for natural oyster spat sets and in coordination with the Horn Point Oyster Hatchery, the feasibility of setting oyster spat on Reef Balls at a hatchery. Success on both tracts in conjunction with volunteer pours jointly sponsored by MES and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and a natural oyster spat set on Reef Balls at an initial test site that resulted in a robust natural oyster reef led to grants to continue this restoration work. All this eventually led to multiple groups in Maryland and Northern Virginia ssupporting and and engaging in volunteer Reef Ball pours including pours at middle schools, high schools, junior colleges, and with community groups, environmental groups, and other interested parties. The Reef Ball Foundation has been a resource for technical support throughout these various activities, and continues to innovate with marine habitat restoration structures, most notably with living shorelines andvusing Reef Balls as offshore shoreline protection structures. But for the Reef Ball Foundation's support and technical advice for the oyster spat experiment and support for the initialnNES pour capability, the extensive use of Reef Balls in Maryland's portion of the Chesapeake Bay for oyster restoration and artificial reefs would not have achieved the robust multiparty engagement that now occurs.
I was introduced to Reef Ball in 2005 when my daughter recommended them for an Innovation prize at the Tech Museum in San Jose, CA. I have been following their work and progress since that time. Many shores and habitats have been saved or protected from storms, erosion and misuse by the function of Reef Balls. Species protected and multiplying, fish nurseries encouraged and marine plant life as well as corals are literally blooming. Their work is vital in these times of environmental change. As a long time SCUBA diver I can see the positive changes.
Working with a mexican fisherman comunity makes a big cultural changes
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Artificial Reef Balls gets Great coral propagation and incresed fish hábitat
Helps fisherman comunities
It is a not expensive tecnology giving a big enviromental benefits
Reefball has managed to develop a worldwide network of programs that set a high standard. The long term benefit the organization has provided to our oceans is transformative and all involved with Reefball should be proud of that legacy.
-S.Berry
They helped build a living sea wall near my favorite area in Sarasota, FL. They helped stop erosion in the area and provide habit for sea life in the bay. In doing so they also helped preserve the area for humans to enjoy.
I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you to the crew of Reef ball Foundation, Eternal Reefs, Reef Innovations, all the contractors and volunteers all over the world who have helped protect and restore the marine habitats in their areas., as well as many all over the world.
As President of Reef Innovations and board member of Reef Ball I have had the great pleasure and privilege to volunteer and work on many projects all over the world for the last 28 years.
I started out just trying to do a small volunteer project off Cape Canaveral in Florida with a dive club in 1992 and now own my own business working alongside some of the best people in the world striving to make this beautiful planet a better place. The awesome people I have met worldwide that work or volunteer for the projects we do are special people with a pure heart to do whats right and they eat, sleep, breath this calling to protect and restore our marine ecosystems one reef at a time. These same people also help clean the beaches, waterways,reefs, plant native species, remove invasive and educate our youth and others.
These reefs do not have to be big, every single ball that goes in the water whether to provide mangrove, oyster, coral or fish habitat or even a breakwater is a seed that mother nature will paint as she sees fit to grow flora and fauna for generations to come. Every person that helped build that reef not matter if a worker, volunteer, or donor has learned something from it and knows they have contributed a piece of themselves and made an impact that will be here felt for generations to come.
I raise my cup to all these people and look forward to meeting and hearing from new ones that will join us on this journey.
Keep up the awesome work you do everybody, you are all special and our mission will make a difference.
from : ReefBallin Larry
Reef Ball Foundation works with grassroots organizations to rehabilitate our oceans by creating long-lasting artificial reefs, restoring these systems back to a natural and productive balance. Their staff and team of world-wide, ocean-loving volunteers are true heroes of the environment!
Great organization! I’ve always been impressed with the positive impact Reefball Intl. has made. I appreciate seeing the successful program videos from around the globe that are posted to let us know what’s happening.
The reef ball project has renewed my faith in humanity's ability to protect our oceans. I hope myself to have my ashes made a part of a memorial reef ball somewhere.
The Reef Ball Foundation has been a generous support of my students and school. Three years ago we began an ambitious restoration effort in New Haven harbor once famous for its thriving oyster industry. We are currently in the process of building an artificial oyster reef using Reef Ball modules and lab cultured oyster sets. Our students are involved in every step of the process and I am currently developing a scientific diving program for students to support the monitoring of our reef. None of this would have been possible if the foundation had not donated the mold and all the tools we needed! Even after the initial donation they have provided constant support and feedback. I am incredibly grateful for their support and the opportunities they have given my students!
I so greatly appreciate and fiercely support the urgent work of Reef Ball Foundation, Inc. Their efforts to restore reef ecosystems directly impacts the health of everyone. Thank you for preserving the most unique, beautiful, and critical places on Earth, -- our oceans.
I greatly appreciate and fiercely believe in the urgent work of Reef Ball Foundation, Inc.
Their efforts to rehabilitate reef ecosystems around the world, directly impacts the health of the planet, preserving the most unique, beautiful, and critical places on Earth, -- our oceans.
C. Smithson
I've known and worked with the folks at the Reef Ball Foundation for the better part of two decades and in that time the work they've done is quite amazing. In these times of climate chaos, they are truly doing legacy work. The impact the Reef Ball Foundation has had on ecosystems around the world is immeasurable. As to the founders and staff, they truly are a selfless bunch focused on things that really matter in a family like setting. Commendable!
Burt Minter, Deep Blue Dive Services-Canadian Reef Structures.
As a journalist and advocate, I have followed a number of well-intentioned groups and organizations and seen so many of them part with or lose sight of their sense of mission and core values. Reef Ball is an intelligent, innovative organization that remains close to its mission, measuring its success in quantifiable ways. I value and often rely upon their expertise and no-nonsense approach to conservation. Amazing team. Kathy Kirbo is an inspiration to me.
The reef ball foundation has been an extremely important partner for CCA Maryland over the last many years. We use reef balls in our habitat and education program called the Living Reef Action Campaign. We work with students throughout the state of Maryland to make them aware of the value of reef habitat in the Chesapeake bay, and build reef balls to help increase the population of oysters, and the many other animals that help filter the waters of the Chesapeake Bay when living on reef balls.
We could not do this work with out the reef ball foundation's great products, vision and support
ccamd.org/lrac
I have followed the amazing work of The Reef Ball Foundation for many years. I am both impressed by, and grateful for their dedication in preserving our environment by restoring reefs around the world. The projects they organize and effectively implement are of global importance.
As a native Floridian, I appreciate the work that Reef Ball does in working towards better environmental measures for the coastline in Florida (and, of course, around the world). Whether they are protecting and saving the mangroves, coral reefs or finding ways to eradicate the red tide plagueing
Florida's coast, they are doing their best to bring awareness of these issues to the public as well as finding solutions to heal the damage of over development.
Can’t say enough good about this company and the work they are accomplishing. As the founder and director of Coral Restoration Panama, we reached out the Reef Ball Foundation when we began. They were very open and helpful in getting us started in the right direction even though we were too “young” to be able to directly afford their services. They have continued on that path throughout our development years. Their demonstration of their true nature and their commitment to global environmental concerns is evident. Many Thanks.
The Reef Ball Foundation is a wonderful charity to support. Their work not only benefits the environment, but carries an exponential benefit to local communities. I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved in the Reef Ball project at Paradise Cove on Grand Bahama. This project was completed in 2015 and is the largest contiguous reef ball reef in The Bahamas, containing over 300 reef balls. The installation of the reef balls on the south coast of the island not only serves as a viable way to restore shoreline, it also serves as a functional classroom for youths to learn about the marine environment. As someone who works with educating and mentoring young people, this project was, and still is an invaluable initiative to engage youths in various areas of learning.
I have also come to realize through firsthand experience that The Reef Ball Foundation genuinely cares about the sustainability of their projects through education, support and awareness, and for me that is really important. During the installation of the Grand Bahama project, we involved local youths in every step of the process from the start to finish. The Foundation allowed us to bring in student groups to assist with the preparation of the reef balls before deployment, the installation of the balls into the water and the preparation and planting of the coral plugs. We had community service groups, science clubs and college students all working on the project at various stages. The Reef Ball Foundation Chairman, Todd Barber even came on site to meet with the volunteer teams and work side by side with the children.
After the project was completed, we engaged local students to carry out coral growth and fish surveys on a regular basis. Once again, the Foundation assisted with providing expertise as to how we might go about using the site for ongoing data collection and connected us with the tools and organizations necessary to carry out these educational initiatives. The reef ball site has now become a popular place for school field trips and summer youth camps to visit, as it provides the children with a wonderful place to see marine life, enjoy themselves and learn about their environment all at the same time.
The Reef Ball Foundation is doing amazing work, and I am proud to be an ongoing volunteer for this Foundation.
I am thankful for the marine life conservation efforts of the Reef Ball Foundation, Inc. The education and restoration efforts provided by the Reef Ball Foundation are what gives the next generation hope for the preservation of this beautiful world.
The Reef Ball Foundation is an amazing organization that I have been lucky enough to be involved with. The positive impact they have had on the world’s marine ecosystems can be seen on a local level in many communities around the globe.
Saving the planets Oceans habitats, beaches, and Coral!
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Reef Ball Foundation is a positive solution to a global problem.
It is rare to find an organization so committed to helping our coral reef restorations..
I have snorkeled at their Cayman Island beach erosion program and it was lasting positive experience.The amount of fish and the beauty of new coral growth was immersive.
The fact that you save beach erosion in the process was a win win for everyone.
Reef ball recently help sponsored the film "Chasing Coral" and help bring in over a thousand high school students to expose them to the global problem of dying reefs.
There education program will help find tomorrows,leaders,educaters ,and researchers in marine lifeforms technology.
I am happy that Reef Ball Foundations has produced so many positive results around the world.
I have collaborated with Reef Ball Foundation for many years. Their extraordinary mission to rehabilitate our world’s ocean reef ecosystems and their passion to protect our natural reefs using Reef Ball artificial reef technology, has made me very proud to have contributed to the rehabilitation of such a fragile ecosystem. Thanks to Reef Ball foundation for always keeping up their mission and transmitting to others their love for the marine environment.
I have been following this great reef protection/restoration project for years. I am very impressed with the before and after results, one more way to help restore our suffering reefs and shorelines. I would love to see the south florida municipalities pick up on reef balls as a more permanent resolution to beach replinishment along with near shore nurseries.
The Reef Ball Foundation is an amazing non-profig organisation. Their effort and knowledge about reef restauration is needed to help coral reef managers around the world with their projects. Furthermore, it is always amazing to see new reefs growing and life going back to deserted locations.
We used reef balls in 1999 already to restore a reef which was destroyed by Hurricane Lenny in 1998. They worked great and I am so happy that the Reef Ball Foundation is such a success.
As a local reporter, I covered two events where the Reef Ball Foundation's molds were used. They are a great resource for aquatics groups who are building or replenishing artificial reefs.
Helping the worlds reefs is very important. Being able to give back to the oceans is a wonderful feeling.
With so much damage being done to our environment on a daily basis, it's great to have the Reefball Foundation attacking the problems at the source. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; give the world a reef and you feed the world for.., well, for longer.
S Berry
I've always been Impressed with The Reefball Foundation's execution of their mission. Not only have they developed a thoughtful proprietary solution to a global issue, they've also instituted standards that create a best practice to restore deteriorating reefs. The programs they've developed in addition to their original goal of coral reef restoration: Improving mangrove habitats, beach erosion control projects, and the innovative Eternal Reefs program point to the organizations commitment to innovation and sound stewardship.
It's also a great example of a successful volunteer based program, and it's global!
I have volunteered for Reefball in many different roles. Working a booth at an Earthfare event (met THE Captain Planet), Assisting with Fundraising (my first polo match) and other functions.
My favorite experiences are when I’m able to join a Reefball Team on site - working on Oyster Reefs in Alabama or on the coral table in Caymans or Antigua.
This is a fine organization that makes significant contributions to the effort to Save the Reefs!
Amazing photos of reef ball installations educated me as to the collaborative nature of this work. Locals in every country are full of smiles as they work alongside experts, casting, assembling and placing the product. Even more impressive are the completed photos of restored reefs. Amazed when I realized this small nonprofit in my town had so big a reach and impact around the world.
Reefball Foundation is a global non-profit working to rebuild coral reefs. Efficient and effective in their work, the small staff does an excellent job of building relationships with local residents, using their interest and skills, as well as resources, in a highly collaborative manner versus a top-down approach, which has proven to be highly successful. Hands down one of the best run non-profits I know of from many years of experience working with similar groups.
Hats off to The Reef Ball Foundation for their amazing contribution to the conservation of out planet. They are the unsung heroes of our oceans!. An innovative product is implemented by knowledgable staff and amazing volunteers who genuinely care about the future of our planet. Keep up the good work!
ReefBall tirelessly restores ocean habitats that have been damaged by mankind's various activities. They work around the globe with various private and governemntal entities to recreate favorable conditions for coral growth, fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and other sea creatures. ReefBall has substantially improved worldwide quality of life thru their efforts to improve Worldwide marine ecosystems. Hats off to these very hard working people!
A great organization dedicated to improving the marine environment and repairing the damage to reefs caused by natural and manmade events. A worthy nonprofit for volunteers to dedicate their time to and for donors to contribute their financial resources.
Reef Ball Foundation is an extraordinary organization, quietly doing vitally important work for our planet. Their reef balls are scientifically documented to restore reefs and to protect coastal areas, far more effectively than what some others have tried. They are careful with resources. Their staff are not only great at installing reef balls (and providing educational materials and activities) efficiently and effectively, they are individuals of complete integrity and commitment.
Since five stars is the limit, I enthusiastically give Reef Ball Foundation five gold stars.
It is my honor and privilege to write this review. When you use the words integrity, knowledgeable,essential, and professional you only start to scratch the surface as to what kind of organization reef ball really is. I had the opportunity to work with this team of highly dedicated professionals over the last few years, mainly with a project in the Bahamas in which we created the first underwater sculpture garden. Their expertise was integral to the completion of this project. If there's one thing that could not be missed it is that they love caring for and protecting the environment. In working with them I got the sense that it was more than just carrying out a task but a selfsacrificing attitude towards the protection of our oceans. I feel worthy having had the opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder with this group of highly trained professionals. With out them being around to continue doing what they do, we would lose a champion in the protective fight to safe our oceans. The world needs more organizations such as reefball, we are one step closer in winning the fight to save our waters as long as they are around.
Willicey Tynes.
This wonderful organization sent their Chairman to our Venice Girl Scout leader's meeting, he gave a presentation and helped educate many of our leaders about reef restoration and get them motivated to bring the message back to their girl scout troops. One of the troops, troop 198, worked directly with Todd Barber and his organization and chose to make this project their Bronze Award. Mr. Barber took the girls to Mote Aquarium, explained the entire Reef restoration process (including tons of science, like the importance of the PH levels of the Reef Balls, what fish are best served by each type, etc.) while the entire troop took notes. He also arranged for the troop to tour the factory. The girls paid for part of the Reef Ball with money they made from selling cookies (Reef Ball arranged for them to purchase it at cost!) Mr. Barber and his organization also helped the girls get the permits to launch their reef ball and helped arrange for a boat!! The girls were so excited and really learned so very much! They earned the Bronze Award and were able to present their project at the Young Women of Distinction Ceremony.
I have 15 years working in various areas of conservation and restoration of reefs, and with pride I can say that I belong to the family reef ball and I think his work is unique and it is the best technology designed artificial reefs, the design of the reef ball allows them to be used in different areas all with excellent results, projects that have worked in the Mexican Caribbean can be demonstrated the great contribution made to our oceans reef
Great organization has educated hundreds of kids about marine habitats while deploying over 700,000 reef balls worldwide for reef, oyster and mangrove restoration. I was a volunteer in the Bahamas transplanting coral onto an artificial reef and could see a difference overnight in the numbers of fish and other marine life making reef balls their home.
I became acquainted with the Reef Ball Foundation while I was with the Center for Marine Conservation in 1998 through their marketing efforts aimed at the dive community and developed interest in their efforts, both as a conservationist and diver. As a youth I grew up in the 60s and 70s in Indonesia and the Philippines snorkeling and diving then nearly pristine reefs. Over the years I have witnessed the devastation of this valuable resource worldwide. My experiences in the nonprofit world lead me to conclude that the most efficient and cost effective conservation work is done through volunteer driven efforts by Reef Ball and like organizations, as well as science based advocacy at the governmental levels. As a volunteer with Reef Ball I have seen first hand the positive impact that Reef Ball as my work with them has taken me to post-tsunami Thailand and to the hurricane damaged reefs of the Caribbean where I participated in all aspects of reef ball implementation and have assisted in Reef Ball's marketing and educational efforts aimed at the dive community. This organization is one of driven staff and hardworking and dedicated volunteers that needs to grow its educational and advocacy role and increase it fund raising ability and staff infrastructure to further maximize its impact.
Several years ago I had the opportunity to acutally go out on a barge to watch the Reef Ball team at work. What an amazing experinece to witness the reef balls being deployed into the water and within minutes seeing the fish begin to swim within the concrete balls. Even more impressive is to visit that same area a few months later and see the visual changes in the water and beach areas. A beach that had begin to erode was magically recreated in no time. The Reef Ball Foundation does an brilliant job in preserving our enviroment as well as educating people along the way.
While sifting through the thousands of files, videos, charts, maps, documents, etc. to organize for a website, I was amazed at the amount of knowledge on the world's coral reefs Reef Ball had accumulated. Their website is a veritable library of everything and anything you'd want to know about the Earth's reefs and the documentation on what Reef Ball has done in preservation and education is astounding. I've also worked with Reef Ball at various events to help raise awareness of what Reef Ball does as well as promote the amazing work it has accomplished.
My first experience with the Reef Ball Foundation was as a volunteer at a fundraiser. I was impressed with the creativity of the event and the skill with which it was organized. I've never had so much fun working so hard. Later I worked with children at Captain Planet events. Not only were there fun and educational activities for the kids, (painting small Reef Balls was a big hit) but there were great opportunities to engage the adults as well. The Foundation provides a great supply of visual aids that spark interest. I was also struck by the quality of the volunteers that came out for Reef Ball. I got to work with a troop of diving Girl Scouts as well as marine scientists. Executive Director Kathy Kirbo has amazing problem solving skills and sees to it that your volunteer experience is enjoyable as well as meaningful.
Reefball Foundation is one of the most effective and benevolent nonprofit environment rejuvenation organizations I have ever encountered. Their tireless efforts worldwide have only been possible through the goodwill necessary to attract volunteer personnel and resources, and the environmental return has been much more effective and efficient than in most nonprofits we see. Their ultimate overriding and omnipresent goal of “putting balls in the water” translates to rejuvenation of coral reefs necessary to rebuild the critical economic base of coastal communities. From rejuvenating the Tsunami-torn areas to re-attract environmental tourism (such as SCUBA diving) to generating fish production in fresh water venues, to countering the ill effects of pollution, global warming, beach loss, and other hazards, Reefball has been a leader in mitigating environmental damage while taking into account the intricate biology, physics, logistical, and economic considerations of performing such projects in an effective way. I fully support this project in its endeavors.
I began as a volunteer 10 years ago and over the years have become more involved in all aspects of the organization’s activities. I have been impressed from day one by this organization’s foresight in addressing the specific environmental concerns it deals with and the far wider environmental impacts thereof, the breadth and scope of activities, the knowledge, professionalism and dedication of its members and volunteers and by the results both immediate and long term of its projects around the globe. My association with this organization and the rewards from this association have been some of the most satisfying and proud of my life.
I was paired with the Reef Ball Foundation as part of a National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored program which provides graduate students funding for internships with non-profit organizations. One of the most impressive things about the Foundation is that it operates on a 'people first' mentality: by driving awareness through community outreach and education, volunteerism, and collaboration, the Foundation not only stretches every dollar as far as it can go, it also accomplishes a key aspect of its own mission statement. Another thing I find refreshing is that the Reef Ball Foundation always strives to do the best thing for the ecosystem in any given situation (with revenue always second to environmental impact). Whether that means retaining additional scientific input/consultation, refusing to 'underbid' a restoration to get a contract, or even advising against the use of artificial reefs because they weren't the best solution for a given problem. Even in this competitive economy, with dozens of companies, riding the 'green wave' to make a quick buck, the Reef Ball team has stood on their principles, which is impressive to say the least
The Reef Ball Foundation has not only a highly dedicated and informed staff, but an impressive (and a continuously growing) base of volunteers worldwide who assist in building and implementing these unique artificial reefs on international trips. They offer excellent educational information from their web site and consistently provide outreach to children, school groups, and community based programs. Actually witnessing the Reef Balls themselves being deployed in the water was incredible and even more so to follow the growth of the reef from their photos and updates online as it developed and progressed. Both the staff and volunteers allow you to see their hands-on and up-close monitoring of the success of the artificial reefs. My hope is that the beneficial work and efforts of the Reef Ball Foundation, Inc. will be strongly endorsed and continue to thrive to the benefit of our environment.
Out of the several environmental non-profits I have worked with, Reef Ball Foundation is by far the most dedicated and hard working organization when it comes to making a real difference. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to work with such a non-profit that continuously gets results and works untiringly to protect the ocean.
I have worked around the world helping to train local community's and international volunteers to propagate and plant corals, plant red mangrove trees in high energy areas, and to create artificial reefs specifically tailored to the specific goals and problems facing local marine habitats. I am very proud to be associated with such a broadly reaching, hands on, action oriented international non-profit.
I worked on two projects with the Reef Ball Foundation. On both, I worked with an international team of dedicated, hardworking and knowledgeable volunteers who relocated imperiled coral to a safe location on artificial reefs designed and deployed by the Reef Ball Foundation. The coral came into harms way both through natural (hurricane)and the actions of man (dredging). The rescued coral, some of which was hundreds of years old judging by the size, thrives today. Coral reefs are vital to the health of our oceans,
What an amazing contribution Reef Ball Foundation makes to people, communities, nature and the future! To arrive and see the devastation caused by man to both the undersea and coastal areas. To see the joining together of natives and volunteers from all over the world. To take the most simple of materials, mold them into reef balls, and through hard labor create a foundation for nature to once again strive and rebuild the sea life and beaches. What was lost is now reviving. One of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. Reef ball monitoring and updates have shown me that each of my contributions has made a true difference to the future beauty and nourishment of my world.