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Python problem continues to grow
FLORIDA CITY, Fla.—“Seeing a python in the local pet shop, I was immediately drawn to it,” said Deborah Wilson, a Miami resident and snake owner. “The way they move around is just so unique.” Many residents of South Florida bought Burmese pythons in the early 1990s. The python pet tradeRead More…
Ranger develops ‘freedom on bay’ project
As a park ranger for Biscayne National Park, Gary Bremen has several duties. His primary role is informing the public about all aspects of the park. When he takes groups on tours he tells them about the history of the park, the attractions they could see and information about theRead More…
Castle Clinton fascinates, but not known
NEW YORK— One of the reasons I decided to write a feature on Castle Clinton National Monument is because I had never heard of it and knew that it would provide a good learning opportunity. Even though I knew nothing about it, I assumed that other people would. But theRead More…
Pelican Island refuge is relaxing escape
SEBASTIAN, Fla. — It was a sunny, clear day as my two younger sisters and I drove north on A1A. Suddenly, my 13-year old sister Sarah alerted me that the turn for Pelican Island was coming up. “Look! Look!” she yelled as she pointed to a brown sign that saidRead More…
Safety often overlooked by Glades visitors
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — With winter break around the corner, more and more families are looking for a place to relax, kick back, and enjoy time together in a beautiful, yet fun setting. Our national parks provide visitors with just that. Whether it’s hiking, canoeing, or getting a picnic together, EvergladesRead More…
De Soto welcomes kids with activities
BRADENTON, Fla. — Grab your compass and get ready for an adventure because that is what kids find when they enter the Visitor Center at De Soto National Memorial. “Our award winning Junior Ranger Program prompts kids to get an education and not even realize they are doing so,” saidRead More…
New center greets Big Cypress visitors
OCHOPEE, Fla. – In the middle of Big Cypress National Preserve, a 729,000-acre space that houses tropical plants, manatees, the Florida panther, foxes and birds — lies a fairly small periwinkle building that hundreds of visitors stop by each year. To a passerby, this building looks like an average-sized houseRead More…
Writer gains new appreciation for nature
DRY TORTUGAS, Fla. — My trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park started at 4:07 a.m. on Nov. 3. Although I was still half asleep, I was excited to be making the trip. It was my first time to visit Key West and my first time visiting a national park,Read More…
Pelican Island offers contrast to urban life
SEBASTIAN, Fla. — Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is only 9.3 miles from the house in which I grew up. It’s 7.2 miles from Pelican Island Elementary: the elementary school I attended from kindergarten through fifth grade. The refuge is less than one mile from the country club where IRead More…
National memorial or community group?
BRADENTON, Fla. — As someone who grew up in Manatee County, the only thing I knew about Hernando De Soto for sure was that we had a parade in his honor every year. Probably one of the most widely attended events of the year, the De Soto parade attracts youngRead More…
Fowey Rocks Lighthouse transferred to park
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Jumping back on the boat, Madison Keys, a Miami resident visiting Biscayne National Park had finally made it back to the tour boat from the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse. “I never thought I was going to see this boat again,” yelled Keys. “I swam way too far awayRead More…
Biscayne Park appeals to kids with activities
HOMESTEAD, Fla.— Oliver Gill walked up to the touch table in the Dante Fascell Visitor Center with wide eyes and a smile larger than life. As a fourth grader looking to play, he no longer was going to use action figures. Live coral, puffer fish and giant hallowed turtles wereRead More…