The site was purchased by the Environmentally Endangered Lands program and the Florida Communities Trust in 1995 to expand adjacent coastal resources bordering the Oleta River. Miami-Dade County employees removed exotic pest plants from the site, supervised removal of fill material, and replanted red mangroves and other shoreline vegetation. This will help begin the slow restoration of uninterrupted natural mangrove forest along the river. Exotic pest plants posed a threat because they degrade natural habitats, making them less useful to birds and other wildlife.
This natural resource is highly valued by local citizens who formed the Friends of the Oleta River, a non-profit organization that has worked tirelessly along with local governmental agencies to ensure its protection.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MANGROVES
Mangroves are the guardians of Florida's rocky and muddy shorelines. They take the full brunt of storm surges created by tropical storms and hurricanes, protecting what lies behind them.
Ecologically, mangroves are one of Florida's most important habitats. Countless species of marine animals seek refuge among the prop roots of red mangroves, which also offer critical habitat as a nursery ground for numerous species of fish, shrimp, lobster, crabs, and even the endangered American crocodile. Birds, such as herons, egrets, brown pelicans, roseate spoonbills, and magnificent frigatebirds use mangroves as a place to roost and build nests to raise their young.
The caterpillars of the large, attractive mangrove skipper butterfly depend on the leaves of red mangroves as a food plant, and the fragrant flowers of the black mangrove attract honey bees which produce sweet black mangrove honey.
The stabilizing effect of mangroves along Florida's shorelines and their value as marine nurseries is priceless. Let us hope that we are wise enough to protect this irreplaceable natural treasure.
THE BELOVED WEST INDIAN MANATEE
The West Indian manatee or "sea cow" has been exploited for centuries for meat, oil, and hides. Today, it is a critically endangered species, principally due to high death rates from boat propellers, flood control gates, marine pollution, habitat loss, and natural causes like periodic freezes. Adult manatees average about 9 feet in length and weigh between 800 and 1,200 pounds but may reach 13 feet long and weigh over 3,000 pounds.
This gentle and slow-moving mammal frequents shallow inshore waters, bays, slow-moving rivers, springs, and man-made canals. One of the best manatee viewing areas is in Snake Creek, where they may be seen waiting for the flood gates to open. They frequent this area year-round because there are plenty of freshwater plants for them to eat upstream of the gates.
On January 9, 1493, Christopher Columbus became the first European to see a manatee during his explorations around Hispaniola. He believed the animal was a mermaid that had "the form of a human face." There are now only about 2,500 manatees left in Florida and they are endangered throughout the West Indies as well. With 800,000 registered boats in Florida at the beginning of the new millennium, it is easy to see how important public education and awareness is if we expect the West Indian manatee to survive as a native Floridian.
You can do your part by slowing down in posted speed zones and caution areas, help fight marine pollution, and never feed or harass manatees. The Oleta River has a No Wake Zone established for boating safety which also helps protect manatees. If you find an injured manatee, contact the Florida Marine Patrol at 1-800-342-5367 (DIALFMP). Remember, extinction is forever.
