September 2015 – If national parks are America’s “best” idea, here’s a way to make that idea even better: Give every 4th grade student nationwide (and their families) a free pass to visit a national park, starting now, for one year. The White House is doing just that with a new initiative called “Every Kid in
Continue reading »September 2015 – The SFNPT has approved $48,500 in new grants to support programs & projects in South Florida’s national parks this year, including a “safe boating” initiative in Biscayne National Park, a sea turtle conservation program in Dry Tortugas National Park, and a resource protection project in Florida Bay in Everglades National Park. The
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August 2015 – Restoration work is underway in Biscayne National Park on one of two spoil islands located just south of Black Point Marina. Park workers used chainsaws and a chipper earlier this year to strip exotic vegetation from the small island. Next up: Project managers are planning to replant the island with funding support
Continue reading »August 2015 – The controversy over a proposed marine reserve zone in Biscayne National Park just got a little hotter. Two congressional committees are challenging the park’s decision to protect its coral reefs by placing new limits on fishing. The committees will be in Homestead on August 3 for an oversight hearing on the park’s
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June 2015 – National Park Service volunteers supported by the SFNPT removed more than 14,000 pounds (seven tons!) of marine debris earlier this year from nesting beaches in Biscayne National Park, clearing the way for turtles to come ashore this summer. The heavy lifting was accomplished by 200 volunteers from 16 colleges and organizations who
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June 2015 – Fans of Biscayne National Park and the coral reefs that anchor so much of its marine life have reason to cheer. The park unveiled a new management plan this month that promises more protection for fragile reefs and the park’s declining fish populations. The park plans to establish a marine reserve zone
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April 2015 – People who are passionate about national parks are making and posting videos about their favorite parks, what they like to do there and what the parks mean to them. It’s all part of a new “Find Your Park” campaign launched this month by the National Park Service and National Park Foundation. A
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February 2015 – Five of the six shipwrecks that make up the Maritime Heritage Trail in Biscayne National Park are now remembered with bronze markers placed at the site of the wreck. The submerged markers identify each wreck for divers and snorkelers and describe how each ship came to be lost. To place the markers,
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