Charles "Charlie" Stroh Fund for the Restoration of Davis Reef

From the moment Charlie Stroh stepped foot in the Keys in the early 90s, he fell instantly in love. So much so that he purchased an ocean-side condo as his home away from home within the first week of his first visit.

For years his family vacationed in the Keys enjoying the beautiful scenery, water sports, restaurants, and local residents. Mr. Stroh had always loved the water - his passion had always been sailing, but his new love became deep sea fishing - and his favorite place to enjoy it was Davis Reef.

On September 23, 2006, Charlie Stroh passed away in his home which he referred to as "Paradise". Unfortunately he was chosen for heaven before he could see his hopes for restoration come through. It is with great honor that the Wildlife Foundation of Florida has the opportunity to help his family carry out his last wish.


It is well known that the quality coral reefs, especially the shallow bank reefs such as Davis Reef, have declined in recent years. Coral cover especially has dropped considerably. The Restoration Ecology team at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission proposes to address and hopefully reverse this trend at Davis Reef by working in partnership with local citizens to place nursery reared corals at several locations at Davis Reef. Our vision is that this effort will be a sustained multi-year effort of coral outplanting paired with a program of rigorous science. This project has the potential to jumpstart coral recovery at Davis Reef. The significance, however, reaches far beyond Davis Reef itself. Because coral reef restoration is in its infancy, the scientific information developed here will lead to restoration designs that can be used across the entire Florida Keys in the future.

The Wildlife Foundation of Florida is raising $100,000.00 to initiate and sustain this initiative for 3 years. The first coral outplanting is scheduled for Fall of 2010 with additional outplantings planned for the future years. Coral maintenance and data collections trips will occur year-round. Our vision is that your contribution will serve as the seed for future successful competitive granting opportunities that will allow us sustain this initiative for the long-term and truly make a difference in coral reef restoration.

Charles R. Stroh Biography

Charles "Charlie" Stroh was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. He was an incredible father and friend and is missed by so many. After running a successful business started by his own father, he retired to Key Largo in 2000.

• Born November 9, 1933 in Des Moines Iowa to Marie and Donald Stroh

• Went to college at Iowa State where he majored in electrical engineering

• Worked with his father at Stroh Corporation - a company he had started in 1935 - they are mechanical/electrical contractors

• Earned his MBA at Drake University in Des Moines

• Eventually became President/CEO of Stroh Corporation

• He retired down in Islamorada at Ocean Harbour

• He loved fishing, sailing and frequent trips to "Sin City" - Las Vegas

• Raised 8 children - 7 daughters and 1 son

• Grandfather to 17 grandchildren, Great Grandfather to 2 great-grandchildren

• Passed away in "Paradise" (what he called the Keys) at his home in Ocean Harbour on September 23, 2006

All gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.