Miami-Dade County Parks' first ''Butterfly Conservation Garden'' set for unveiling
(MIAMI, October 20, 2014) - The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department and Miami-Dade County Commission Chairwoman Rebeca Sosa, Commissioner for Miami-Dade County District 6, announce the completion of the Parks Department’s first branded “Butterfly Conservation Garden,” located at the northwest end of A.D. “Doug” Barnes Park, 3401 SW 72 Ave., Miami. Residents are invited to join them at the park for the dedication at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2014. This unique park space was collaboratively developed by the Parks Department’s Zoo Miami and Natural Areas Management (NAM) staff, with the purpose of preserving and recovering imperiled South Florida butterfly species and raising public awareness through on-site education. The endeavor resulted from a resolution sponsored by Chairwoman Sosa and was approved by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners on May 6, 2014.
The garden is designed for low maintenance, with drought tolerant native plants and mulching throughout, and makes use of an existing canopy of live oak trees to cover plants that grow best under shade. Along the garden paths visitors can view the resident butterflies, pollinators and plants and learn more about them through the interpretive signage. Approximately 119 species of native butterflies exist in South Florida.
“The new butterfly conservation garden at A.D. “Doug” Barnes Park is a great example of Miami-Dade County’s shared vision for conservation, which reinforces responsible environmental stewardship,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “I commend the Parks Department for its longtime commitment and contributions to preserving our native wildlife and ecosystems.”
“A.D. “Doug” Barnes Park provides many opportunities for neighbors and their children to see and appreciate nature,” said Commissioner Sosa. “This new garden is a delightful addition and will attract new butterflies and butterfly enthusiasts for years to come.”
“We are proud to launch this collaborative conservation project at A.D. “Doug” Barnes Park,” said Miami-Dade County Parks Director Jack Kardys. “Butterfly conservation is integral to preserving our parks and green spaces and it takes a community to make it work. It is our goal to expand this conservation endeavor throughout the Miami-Dade Parks system.”
The 65-acre park contains rare and endangered plants and wildlife and is part of the “Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.” In addition, it houses the Sense of Wonder Nature Center, a recreation center, picnic pavilions, walking paths, a lake, a baseball field, a swimming pool, and the Miami-Dade Parks Disability Services Leisure Access Center, offering recreational programs for people with disabilities.
For more information about facility rentals, and recreational programs and activities at A.D. “Doug” Barnes Park, call 305-662-4124 or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks.
About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department:
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award, winner of the 2013 Florida Governor’s Sustained Excellence Award and the 2009 Florida Governor’s Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade County Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 260 parks and 12,825 acres of land. It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world. Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more. For information about Miami-Dade County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks/.
Miami-Dade County Parks is supported by The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supporting the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department’s efforts to further develop Miami-Dade County’s world-class parks system for residents and visitors. Its mission is to create a healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities. For more information on the Parks Foundation, please visit www.liveaparklife.org.
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