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Gladesmen took care for land — then, now
SHARK VALLEY, Fla. — Once upon a time, when concrete roads and highways were still futuristic dreams of urban developers, when alcohol was forbidden and the Great Depression looming, there was a South Floridian wilderness that was still untamed and free. It offered an ecosystem that was rich with deer,Read More…
Melaleuca thrives, but creates problems
FLORIDA CITY, Fla. — Melaleuca quinquenervia, or better known simply as melaleuca trees, are one of South Florida’s most invasive species next to the Burmese python. The main problems with the melaleuca in the Everglades National Park is that it drains the wetlands, kills native Florida vegetation, and gives manyRead More…
Alcohol use risky for Grand Canyon visitors
The beauty of Grand Canyon National Park can be so encapsulating, visitors become incognizant to the treacherous environment they are in, resulting in 685 deaths that have occurred at the nation’s jewel. According to coauthors Tom Myers and Michael P. Ghiglieri of “Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon,”Read More…
Government shutdown means lost revenue
This fall, at a time when most U.S. national parks would be bustling with guests, they were instead deserted. Because of budget disagreements within Congress, the federal government shut down on Oct. 1, 2013. For the next 16 days, this affected not only the Senate and the House of Representatives,Read More…
Festival fosters community of family, fun
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — For the past 14 years, Biscayne National Park’s Family Fun Fest has fostered a loving community of family, fun and environmental education in South Florida. Each season, December to April, the park opens its doors every second Sunday of the month to dozens of families. Every seasonRead More…
Preserve looks to change hunting plan
The National Park Service is developing a new Hunting Management Plan for the Big Cypress National Preserve. The service has opened up the process to the public and various organizations to include their input on proposed changes. The area that is under review is what is called the “Addition.” AddedRead More…
Rare Schaus Swallowtail butterfly found
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Endemic to South Florida and found nowhere else in the world besides on the islands of Biscayne National Park and on northern Key Largo, the Schaus Swallowtail butterfly is among Biscayne’s most celebrated insects. Due to drastic population declines over the years however, it has also becomeRead More…
Lulu tour tells all about that lobster dinner
BAR HARBOR, Maine — As hungry tourists raise tender, buttery forkfuls of Maine lobster to their lips, they are probably unaware that it took about eight years to grow. They probably don’t know the mechanics of how it swam and they probably don’t examine the claws to determine which isRead More…
Memorials honor special people, places
Less than 24 hours had passed since graduation celebrations took place at the University of Miami in 1996, before a flight carrying five members from the UM community crashed just north of Everglades National Park and killed all on board. Nearly two years after the crash, a memorial was establishedRead More…
Park program launched for birders
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – For any South Floridian interested in birding, Biscayne National Park has just the thing. With the help of the Tropical Audubon Society, the park recently launched the Biscayne Birding Trail. The program encourages both veteran birders and rookies to bird-watch while earning certificates for the list ofRead More…
Park works to recover from storm, closings
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — On the surface, Biscayne National Park has everything anyone could ever want. It has fishing activities, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, art shows and boat excursions. That is at least what it advertises. Recently, however, the park has gone through some difficult moments that have affected some ofRead More…
Sighting an elusive panther is visitors’ goal
OCHOPEE, Fla. – The murky, placid shallows of Big Cypress National Preserve are quiet. Sounds of booted footfalls are barely heard, muffled by dense mangroves and the thick mud of the terrestrial Everglades. Suddenly, a flash of light brown is seen as a white-tailed deer bursts onto the path, scamperingRead More…