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Flamingo Gardens: One of the Oldest Botanical Gardens in Florida

Family

Published 5/7/21

The Wray Botanical Collection contains 15 Champion Trees certified as the largest trees of their species by the Florida Division of Forestry, including the largest tree in the state, a Cluster fig with a trunk that measures 649 inches with a crown span of 95 feet. The Gardens also contains a unique Hammock of 200-year-old Live Oak trees and some of the last tropical hardwood forest growths in South Florida.The Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary is home to over 98 species of Florida native birds and animals, including Alligators, a Black Bear, Bobcats, Eagles, Otters, Owls, Panthers, Peacocks, and of course Flamingos. Most of the birds and animals in the sanctuary are permanently injured or non-releasable, and unable to live in the wild. The Free-Flight Aviary alone boasts over 250 birds representing over 45 species, with the distinction of being the largest collection of Florida wading birds in the country. It’s Breed-and-Release Program is one of the most successful in the country. Since …

Key West Botanical Garden Celebrates 85th Anniversary

Family

Published 10/6/20

The creation of the Garden was a part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal” program which offered solutions to the country, the states, and to both rural and urban areas.The City of Key West was officially declared insolvent and handed over administrative authority to the State of Florida on July 2nd, 1934. The devastating effects of the Great Depression had hit Paradise hard, with bank closures, loss of much of the cigar industry, the 1932 reduction of the Naval base, loss of much of the sponge beds to disease, and a drying up of the nascent winter tourism business as people everywhere no longer had disposable income to spend on vacation travel. The city's manufacturing establishments fell from 69 in 1919 to 26 in 1929, with the average number of wage earners in manufacturing declining from 2,313 in 1919 to 756 in 1929. More than half the population was on federal relief rolls.Under the auspices of first FERA and then the WPA (the Work Projects …

Key West Tropical Forest awarded Level II Accreditation by ArbNet

Family

Published 9/1/20

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden were awarded for achieving particular standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens. The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. The Key West Tropical Forest is also now recognized as an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s gardens dedicated to woody plants.Upon learning of the award, Mary Chandler, a member of the Garden’s Collection Committee said, “The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is honored to take a place in ArbNet’s accreditation program. Our conservation of Florida Keys and West Indies trees is strengthened by this association with the global community”.Established in 1936, the 15-acre Garden showcases the historical significance of flora that are native to South Florida, …

Deering Estate's Next Phase of Re-Opening

Family

Published 6/17/20

While the Historic House Museums are currently closed, they will be offering limited guided access of the museums. Guided access will be offered daily at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm & 3:00 pm. Please note that all guests, including Deering Estate Foundation members, must register for guided access at the ticket booth upon entry to the park.To ensure the safety of the community, please note that Miami-Dade County Parks' New Normal rules have not changed and still apply. Deering Estate encourages guests to enjoy the day while following health and safety guidelines and protocols which include social distancing, the use of face coverings, and no gatherings of 10 or more people. Deering Estate staff and security continue to monitor these areas to ensure compliance throughout the day. Before your visit, please visit the New Normal Park Rules.You can also take a look at some of the virtual content and special features that Deering Estate has created and shared for you to enjoy!

Native Plants for Sale at the Key West Tropical Forest

Family

Published 5/7/20

161 species of plants are now available bringing the inventory to more than 2,100 plants in 1 gallon to 10 gallon pots. Many trees and shrubs attract butterflies and birds. Key West Tropical Forest members receive a 15% discount. The Garden is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation and all proceeds directly benefit the Garden’s conservation program.Face masks are required and social distancing protocol will be strictly followed.  The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island. For more information call 305-296-1504 or visit www.keywest.garden.

MIAMI SEAQUARIUM ALLOWS GUESTS TO SAVE WHILE BENEFITING FLORIDA WILDLIFE

Family

Published 11/7/19

 Through research, education and conservation, Sea to Shore Alliance works to protect threatened marine species such as sea turtles, manatees and whales, and improve the health and productivity of coastal environments for the benefit of people and marine life.“Community involvement is one of our main pillars on which Miami Seaquarium was founded,” said Eric Eimstad, General Manager at Miami Seaquarium. “We are happy this year to bring back this hugely successful program that will raise much needed funds for the threatened Florida manatee, who is at risk from both natural and man-made causes of injury and mortality.”Throughout the month, Miami Seaquarium will continue its dedication to the rehabilitation of manatees - the Park has been providing life-saving medical care to rescued manatees since 1955 - as well as educating the public. Early arrivers at the Sea Lion show will enjoy a special Reef Ranger presentation on manatees and what guests can do to help them. For …

FLORIDA RESIDENTS DIVE INTO ANIMAL ENCOUNTER DEALS AT MIAMI SEAQUARIUM

Family

Published 3/7/19

Experience Firsthand the Park’s Unique Animal Encounter Programs:Seal Swim - Led by the park’s marine mammal training staff, Miami Seaquarium is the only attraction in the U.S. to offer this exceptional animal encounter. Guests will experience a 15-20 minute swim with harbor seals in the park’s seal exhibit pool. Trainers will personally introduce participants to a seal and receive hugs, kisses, and take part in a fun training session with these inquisitive marine mammals. Prices as low as $80 (plus tax).Dolphin Odyssey - A two-hour experience, which includes feeding, touching and learning about these magnificent animals plus the opportunity for a deep-water interaction with a dolphin. Guests must be at least 52 inches tall to participate in the program. Prices as low as $110 (plus tax).Dolphin Encounter - This program allows guests to wade out into the pool and have a shallow water experience meeting the dolphins. The two-hour program features an educational seminar …

Fables and Fairytales

Family

Published 6/7/18

This summer Flamingo Gardens will host the US premier of a Borowski Glass Studio botanical garden exhibition from May 26 to September 3, 2018. Presented by Oggetti, Borowski’s US partner, the exhibition features over 70 imaginative works of art in glass and metal in installations throughout Flamingo Gardens this summer. Entitled “Fables and Fairytales” the colorful light objects and sculptures are reminiscent of mythical creatures from beloved fables and fairytales. Stanislaw Borowski was born in Moutiers, France in 1944. He became internationally known for his unique engravings and glass sculptures. Together with his two eldest sons, Pawel and Wiktor, he founded the Glassstudio Borowski in 1990, and was later joined by his youngest son Stani Jan. Their elaborately crafted masterpieces can be found in notable galleries, museums, and collections around the world. Borowski’s art glass has been featured in many European gardens, but this will be the first botanical garden …