Debris Maze Challenge Exhibit at Biscayne National Park

December 15, 2019 – January 12, 2020

The Debris Maze Challenge, a Miami Foundation Public Space Challenge winner and immersive art experience building awareness of litter in our oceans, is open to the public at Biscayne National Park’s Dante Fascell Visitor Center during regular park hours from 7:30am – 5:30pm.

The Debris Maze Challenge is a maze of 7-foot high mesh walls showcasing plastic collected mainly from Biscayne Bay with eco-art from local artists in the dead ends. The exhibit serves as a call-to-action space to reevaluate visitors’ relationship with single-use plastic. 

Debris Maze creator Gabriela Barrocas on her inspiration for this project: “We all love exploring South Florida’s rich natural habitats and beaches, but the truth is lots of our favorite places are becoming an eyesore with all the litter we leave behind. I just couldn’t get the idea out of my head that we’re caught in a maze of our own construction and carelessness. This project, a plastic maze set on a federal reserve, reminds us of the impact our plastic waste has on our ecosystem and our own lives…all while fostering a spirit of exploration.” 

This project’s goal is to educate about plastic pollution and decrease the amount of single-use plastic Miamian’s use by asking visitors to commit to changing their habits. It is family-friendly, free to the public, and wheelchair accessible.

The maze, an idea formed in early 2018, came about through the South Florida National Parks Trust inaugural Ambassador Fellowship program. Fellows were asked to create a project that would benefit the national parks. Gabriela Barrocas, a zero-waste advocate, chose to tackle the plastic problem affecting Biscayne National Park.

For more information, please e-mail debrismazechallenge@gmail.com, call Gabriela Barrocas at 305-450-0088, or message Debris Maze Challenge on Instagram: @debrismazechallenge or Facebook: facebook.com/debrismazechallenge.