September 24th is National Public Lands Day!
For the last two months we have been extolling the virtues and benefits of a city park, by celebrating South Florida’s green spaces as urban treasures and explaining why they are the ideal outdoor settings for a picnic during rain-prone Hurricane Season.
In this spirit, we would like to close out September and our park picnic promotion, by highlighting the wonderful annual commemoration, National Public Lands Day.
On September 24th, 2022, everyone will have the opportunity to pay homage to the amazing natural resource that we are privileged to enjoy, not just in South Florida, but across the United States. We encourage everyone to this weekend to get involved, whether it be a simple picnic in the grass at your local park, visiting your nearest national park (all offer free entrance on this day), or committing to a morning of volunteering at a park clean-up. Below you’ll find our list for ideas and activities around Miami, but don’t feel limited to these. After all, being out in nature, anywhere at any time, is the ultimate reward!
Anhinga Trail at Everglades National Park
Get Yourself Outside:
Ideas for Enjoying #NPLD
Visit Everglades National Park - this September 24th, all national parks across the US are offering free admission! It’s a great chance to reconnect with our own local treasure, the Everglades National Park. Take a boat ride, plan a camping trip, or participate in BioBlitz 2022, a fun chance to identify as many flora and fauna species on the trails with the iNaturalist mobile app. Visit BioBlitz: National Public Lands Day 2022 (nps.gov) for more info.
Convoy Point Jetty Walk Reopening at Biscayne Park - In honor of NLPD, Biscayne National Park is reopening the Convoy Jetty Trail, which has undergone extensive repairs since last year. Join a day of education on the environment and stewardship with guided walking tours or participate in a family friendly fishing clinic. The latter helps little ones earn their Junior Angler badge while learning about sustainable fishing practices. Convoy Point Jetty Walk Reopening | NEEF (neefusa.org)
Help Clean Up Enchanted Forest! - You are invited to join the community at Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park (featured in last week’s “Best of List”) in a volunteer effort to help restore the natural habitat by removing invasive plant species. It’s a great opportunity to spend the morning learning about the local ecosystem while also engaging in civic responsibility! Help Clean Up The Enchanted Forest! | NEEF (neefusa.org)
Join a Coastal Cleanup Event- While not official #NPLD events, the monthly coastal cleanups that take place along our South Florida beaches are a wonderful way to capture the day’s spirit! From Crandon Beach to Matheson Hammock Park, and even Greynolds Park, there are over a dozen opportunities to help clear microplastics and other trash from our fragile coasts and tropical hammocks. Visit Find a local Cleanup event - VolunteerCleanup.Org to locate and sign up for a cleanup near you!
