Environmentally Endangered Land News

On a beautiful, windy South Florida day, more than 80 volunteers joined County staff to help restore globally-imperiled Pine Rockland habitat in the Ned Glenn Pineland Preserve.

Members from AmeriCorp and students from St. John Neumann Catholic School joined the volunteers on March 27, 2009, by planting native species and removing harmful invasive plants and debris.

Previously used as a trash transfer station, the Ned Glenn Pineland Preserve received quite a bit of tender loving care as volunteers planted over 100 butterfly-attracting shrubs and baby pine trees. This opportunity to enhance protected Natural Areas is one of many offered by the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program during its annual Volunteer Season, which runs from September to April.

The responsibility to care for and nurture these unique Natural Areas belongs to everyone, so we encourage you to get involved! If you have any questions or want to volunteer, please contact the staff of the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program at eel@miamidade.gov or by calling 305-372-6687.

On February 6, 2009, about 100 volunteers of all ages came out to Larry and Penny Pineline Preserve located at 12451 SW 184th Street to show how they too care about our precious natural areas. Together, they picked up all kinds of trash -- from beer and soda bottles to pieces of rusted metal. In just three hours, these kids from all walks of life collected a full truckload of trash, and to that we say, “Job well done!” DERM and the EEL staff would like to thank all Workday Volunteers and those who make these events possible.

It’s Migration time! On Saturday, December 1, 2007, from 7 - 10 a.m., volunteers were taught the basics of birding. Expert birders provided guidance in binocular use, birding techniques and identification.

Since the site (at SW 146th Street & SW 67th Avenue) is not yet open to the public, participants had an exclusive opportunity to see this rare pineland and enjoy a look at some of our winter avian tourists. 

The event was presented by the Department of Environmental Resources Management Environmentally Endangered Lands Program and the Department of Parks & Recreation Natural Areas Management. For more information please call 305-257-0933 x227.

On a clear and beautiful Saturday morning, dozens of volunteers of all ages participated in a pineland planting in Southwest Miami-Dade. Volunteers enjoyed an exclusive opportunity to see the rare ecosystem at Rockdale Pineland Preserve while they helped to restore native habitat by planting pine seedlings and native wild flowers.

Rockdale Pineland Preserve, located at SW 144th Street & SW 92nd Avenue, is a hidden environmental treasure. Just a few hundred feet away from the unsuspecting drivers traveling on South Dixie Highway, the Preserve is a refuge for a great variety of precious native flora and fauna.

The planting took place on Saturday, October 14, 2006, and it was organized by the Department of Environmental Resources Management Environmentally Endangered Lands Program and the Department of Parks & Recreation Natural Areas Management. If you would like more information about the Volunteer Workday Program, please call 305-257-0933.

On Saturday, August 5, 2006, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson joined representatives from Miami-Dade County Parks and DERM for the official tree-planting ceremony at Rockdale Park. Immediately following this ceremony was the sign unveiling for the Rockdale Pineland Reserve, located on the corner of SW 144th Street and 92nd Avenue.

On a February 11, 2006, Miami-Dade County residents and officials celebrated the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program’s latest accomplishment in the preservation of our unique tropical forests. The event took place at Castellow Hammock Park where even a “deer” decided to take a peek at the celebration.