2025 Photo Contest Winners Are In!

The results are in! Thank you to all who participated in our 2025 photo contest. Congratulations!

5 – Judges Recognition Awards – Each receiving $25 (Photographers in Alphabetical Order)

In the Spotlight by Cecelia Anzalone

Magnificent by Patricia Diaz

Peeking Out by Dr. Carol Marinas

Splish Splash by Debra Martins

Sway by Ronni Puglisi

3rd Place winner of $50

Regal by Patricia Diaz

2nd Place winner of $75

Judera Bug Sunbathing Over a Leaf by Claudia Masella

1st Place winner of $100

Morning Breakfast by Debra Martins

Best Digitally Enhanced Photo winner of $100

Illuminated Wood Stork by Brittany Mason

People’s Choice Award Winner of $100

 Sacred Light by Michael Giacobbe

Best in Show Overall – Winner of $150

(Judge really felt this photo embodied the essence of the theme end the competition)

Phantom by Steve Pressman

Discover Nighttime Wonders at Flamingo Gardens’ Moth Bioblitz!

Luna Moth Face by Amy Rielly

Ever wonder what flutters through the night at Flamingo Gardens? Did you know that moths predate butterflies? That they can remember their caterpillar days? Or that they can hear bat echolocation and fly erratically to avoid becoming a midnight snack?

Pair of Luna Moths by Amy Rielly

Moths play a crucial role in ecosystems—not just as nighttime pollinators but also as caterpillars that break down organic matter, enriching the soil. They serve as a vital food source for countless insects, animals, and birds. In fact, large moth populations are a key indicator of a thriving ecosystem.

Yet, there’s still so much to learn about these elusive creatures of the night.

Polyphemus Moth Face by Amy Rielly

That’s why this April 26, 2025, Flamingo Gardens is hosting a Moth Bioblitz, a rare opportunity to explore our vast 60-acre gardens after dark! Light trap stations will be set up throughout the park, allowing participants to move from station to station and observe different moth species up close. Entomologists will be on hand to help identify moths and answer your questions, while both citizen and research scientists will guide you in using iNaturalist to document your findings.

Our goal is to photograph as many moths as possible and enter them into iNaturalist, where the data will be shared with researchers around the world. This event serves as our spring count, with a follow-up summer count coming in July.

Polyphemous Moth by Amy Rielly

By participating, you’ll not only experience the magic of Flamingo Gardens at night but also become a citizen scientist, gaining a newfound appreciation for these fascinating nighttime pollinators.
Join us and help shine a light on the wonders of the night! Earth Day 2025 Moth BioBlitz
Saturday Night, April 26, 2025
7:30pm – 10:30pm for Public Observers Flamingo Gardens
3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL

Admission:
• $15 for Public Observer Entrance fee for all ages.
• Preorder a Giant Moth for release for $15 additional! (Order by 5pm on April 4)
More information here!

EcoTeers’: A Month of Environmental Impact

This November, EcoTeers continued their mission to protect Florida’s ecosystems through a series of impactful projects. From creating a haven for pollinators to combating invasive species, their efforts highlighted the importance of community action in fostering sustainability.

Revitalizing the Butterfly Garden

On November 9, EcoTeers partnered with Barbara Goleman Senior High School’s Bionomics Club to enhance their butterfly garden. This space, established in August, serves as an educational platform for students to learn about native plants and wildlife conservation. Volunteers added native plants such as lantanas and blue porterweeds and enriched the soil with fertilized potting mix. The two-hour transformation boosted the garden’s ecological and aesthetic value, providing a thriving environment for pollinators and a resource for environmental education​.

Restoring Balance at Woodmont Natural Area

On November 16, EcoTeers targeted invasive species at Woodmont Natural Area. After a guided tour by a park naturalist, volunteers identified and removed rosary pea, bitter gourd, and air potato vines—aggressive plants that outcompete native species. The team also learned about the air potato beetle, a biological control agent used to weaken this invasive plant. In just three hours, EcoTeers collected three 50-gallon bags of invasive plants, contributing significantly to the area’s ecological health.

Preserving A.D. Barnes Nature Center

On November 23 saw EcoTeers at A.D. Barnes Nature Center, where they removed 40 pounds of invasive air potato and oyster plants. These species threaten native flora and disrupt ecosystems by monopolizing resources. The team also redistributed pine needles, creating a natural walkway that enhanced the park’s appearance and functionality. By removing invasive plants and improving the environment, EcoTeers supported biodiversity and promoted a healthier landscape for Florida’s native species​.

Join Us in Making a Difference
Each project this month demonstrated the transformative power of collective action. EcoTeers are deeply grateful for the dedication of their volunteers and the support of their donors, whose contributions drive these efforts forward.

Want to get involved? Contact Ashley Vieira, EcoTeer Coordinator, at [email protected] to learn about upcoming projects and opportunities to make an impact.

Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future for Florida’s ecosystems!

Volunteer Spotlight: Cesar Barraza

Our Volunteer of the Month for October is Cesar Barraza. Cesar is a phenomenal volunteer with a colorful and energetic personality. Cesar is a renaissance man and has volunteered everywhere at Flamingo Gardens. From our Café to the Wray Home, to parking, to the gift shop on any given day Ceasar could be volunteering. Where he most notably volunteers for us are on our event days. He puts the festive in festivities and always is hardworking and making a conscious effort to elevate the experience our guests. Cesar has cleaned our Hay Ride for Harvest Fest and has even dressed up in costume for us. No matter the event he has been ready and willing to do what is asked of him. Cesar has over 360 hours volunteering. We have depended on him time and time again and we are so gracious that he continues to be a shining example of what volunteering at Flamingo Gardens should mean.

Rewild Florida

On Saturday, September 28m Flamingo Gardens presents:  Rewild Florida – The Art of Stephanie McMillan, a whimsical exhibit of drawings of South Florida plants and wildlife by Fort Lauderdale artist Stephanie McMillan. Her art portrays iconic species such as the Florida panther, manatee, and alligator, as well as less widely appreciated species like the spiny orb weaver, larraflower, and the ring-neck snake. For McMillan, creating art has become a spiritual practice that opens possibilities for connecting with plants, wildlife, and the human community. The underlying message of this collection is: “Let’s get to know the wild beings around us and participate in the web of life with love and respect for all.”

Stephanie McMillan’s colorful paintings and drawings are inspired by her love for the plants and wildlife of South Florida, where she is a third-generation resident. Her playful style, infused with humor, evolved from 25 years as an award-winning and widely published cartoonist and illustrator.

McMillan received a BFA from Tisch School of the Arts, New York University (1987), and her work has been included in many exhibitions worldwide including at the San Francisco Cartoon Art Museum, the Andy Warhol Museum (Pittsburgh), and SCOPE International Contemporary Art Show (Miami). She is an Artist-in-Residence at the New River Inn History Museum in Fort Lauderdale, in the downtown area where her wildlife art is also featured on utility boxes. She sells her art, prints, greeting cards and more from her studio on the third floor of the museum, as well as on her website.

Created digitally (using Procreate on an iPad) and printed on fine art paper, the artwork in this series features familiar native species such as the white ibis and the gumbo limbo tree, as well as those non-native creatures that have become a part of the background of life in South Florida like the Muscovy duck and bitter gourd. The exhibit is interactive as well; visitors have the opportunity to get creative and color their own copies of McMillan’s art to take home. Additionally, guests will find a QR code in the Gallery, linking to Flamingo Gardens’ Instagram. Like and follow the account where a daily photo will be posted of one of McMillan’s prints hidden within the gardens. Find it and it’s yours to keep! This “scavenger hunt” will take place every day throughout the exhibit.

“Rewild Florida” opens September 28th and runs through December 31st. The Gallery is open from 9:30 to 4:30.

Stephanie’s website, featuring prints, notecards, stickers and more, is www.stephaniemcmillan.com

Follow us on Instagram: @flamingogardens

The Florida Highwaymen: Pioneers of Art and Culture

Harold Newton (1934 – 1994)

The Florida Highwaymen were a group of 26 African American artists who emerged in the mid-1950s in Fort Pierce, Florida. These self-taught painters, including notable figures like Harold Newton and Alfred Hair, created vibrant and evocative landscapes of Florida’s natural beauty.

Who Were the Florida Highwaymen?

The Highwaymen were primarily young African American men (and one woman, Mary Ann Carroll) who faced significant racial and economic barriers during the segregation era. They were mentored by A.E. “Beanie” Backus, a prominent white landscape artist who encouraged them to paint Florida’s lush scenery. Despite their talent, mainstream galleries and art institutions in South Florida refused to represent them due to the color of their skin.

Alfred Hair (1941 – 1970)

What Did They Do?

The Highwaymen developed a unique and efficient painting style, often referred to as “fast painting.” Using inexpensive materials like Upson board and house paint, they were able to quickly produce large quantities of art. Their paintings typically featured idyllic scenes of Florida’s coastlines, swamps, and forests, characterized by bold colors and dramatic lighting.
Unable to sell their work through traditional galleries, the Highwaymen took to the roads, selling their paintings door-to-door and from the trunks of their cars along Florida’s highways. This entrepreneurial spirit not only provided them with a livelihood but also brought their art directly to the people, bypassing the racial barriers of the time.

James Gibson (1938 – 2017)

Cultural Significance

The Florida Highwaymen hold a special place in American art history for several reasons:

  1. Breaking Barriers: They challenged the racial and cultural barriers of the Jim Crow South, making a name for themselves in a segregated society.
  2. Economic Independence: By selling their art directly to the public, they asserted their economic independence and agency during a time when opportunities for African Americans were severely limited.
  3. Artistic Legacy: The Highwaymen created over 200,000 paintings, capturing the essence of mid-century Florida and preserving its natural beauty for future generations.
  4. Cultural Impact: Their work has been recognized as “The Last Great American Art Movement of the 20th Century,” and their paintings are now highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts.

In the 1990s, renewed interest in their work led to greater recognition and appreciation of their contributions to American art and culture. Today, the Florida Highwaymen are celebrated not only for their artistic achievements but also for their resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity.

The story of the Florida Highwaymen is a testament to the power of art to transcend barriers and bring people together. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and art lovers alike.

At Flamingo Gardens for a limited engagement

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of “A Disappearing Landscape: Art of the Highwaymen,” an evocative gallery exhibit celebrating the distinctive artistry of the Highwaymen. The exhibit features a selection of paintings that highlight the region’s serene coastal vistas, sprawling wetlands, and sun-drenched horizons. Featuring a selection of rarely-seen works from private collection, on display in the Gallery.

Open January 4 – February 23, 2025, from 9:30 – 4:30 daily.

On display in the Gallery and included in admission.

Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org), National Museum of African American History and Culture (nmaahc.si.edu), State of Florida (dos.fl.gov), Florida Highwaymen Exhibit (floridahighwaymenexhibit.com)

Eco-teers: August Was a Flutter

On August 18th, the Eco-Teers engaged in a donation and butterfly garden planting event in collaboration with the Barbara Goleman Senior High School “Bionomics” club. The club has been seeking resources and support to develop a new, aesthetically pleasing garden at the school’s entrance. This project aims to create a vibrant garden that will serve as a welcoming habitat for native insects and plants.

Eco-Teers contributed 10 Gold Trailing Lantanas and 10 Red Lantanas to the initiative as well as multiple volunteers to help dig holes and aid with planting safely. Additionally, BGSHS received further support from a local nursery, which donated a variety of native plants including Purple Porterweed, Dwarf Firebush in several colors, and Pentas. Between 9 AM and 11 AM, volunteers and students successfully planted these 30 new specimens and removed older, struggling plants from the garden. We look forward to updating you on this project in the future as we intend to provide another set of volunteers to assist in reintroducing native pollinator plants.

A butterfly garden serves multiple purposes:

  • Habitat Creation: It provides essential resources like nectar and shelter for butterflies.
  • Biodiversity Support: By attracting a variety of butterfly species, it helps maintain local biodiversity and supports the ecosystem.
  • Pollination: Butterflies play a crucial role in pollinating plants, which benefits the surrounding flora and contributes to a healthier environment.
  • Educational Value: It offers an opportunity for learning about butterflies, their life cycle, and the importance of pollinators in ecosystems.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: With vibrant flowers and plants, a butterfly garden enhances the visual beauty of the space, creating a serene and colorful environment.
  • Community Engagement: It can serve as a focal point for community involvement and educational programs, fostering a connection between people and nature.

Future Projects to look forward to:

September 7th – Miramar Pineland – Invasives removal from 9AM to 12PM

September 21st – MEEC at Dania Beach/Hollywood – Coastal Cleanup (in honor of International Coastal Cleanup 2024) ALL DAY booth and beach cleanup event (projection 9AM to 3PM)

BAMM! Discover Cultural Treasures in Your Backyard!

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla- September is Broward Attractions and Museums Month (BAMM), which encourages visitors to experience the diversity of cultural treasures throughout Broward County. During September, visitors may buy one admission and get a second admission for free to 14 participating museums and attractions in Broward County, while seven additional museums offer free admission, as part of the BAMM promotion.

Adventures await you right outside your door! Discover new artists or ancient artifacts, ride on a riverboat or an airboat, explore a botanical garden and historic house or feed a fla-mingo…and so much more.

Participating attractions and museums include:

· Art and Culture Center/ Hollywood (BOGO admission)

· Bonnet House Museum & Gardens (BOGO admission *self-guided tours only)

· Butterfly World (BOGO admission)

· Coral Springs Museum of Art (Free admission)

· Flamingo Gardens (BOGO admission)

· The Frank Art Gallery (Free admission)

· Historic Stranahan House (BOGO admission *online reservation encouraged)

· History Fort Lauderdale (BOGO admission)

· Island SPACE Caribbean Museum (BOGO admission)

· Jungle Queen Riverboats (BOGO *90-minute cruises only *online reservation re-quired)

· Museum of Discovery and Science (BOGO *Tuesdays excluded. Adult purchase re-quired)

· NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale (BOGO admission)

· Old Davie School Historical Museum (BOGO admission *online reservation required)

· Plantation Historical Museum (Free admission)

· Pompano Beach Historical Society (Free admission *reservation required)

· Sawgrass Recreation Park (BOGO admission *online reservation required)

· The Sample McDougald House (BOGO admission)

· Stonewall National Museum & Archives (Free admission)

· Studio 18 Art Complex (Free admission)

· World AIDS Museum (Free admission)

· Young At Art Museum (BOGO admission)

Visitors just need to mention “BAMM” or inquire about the offer at the facility’s ticket booth to purchase one regular price admission and get a second admission of equal or lesser value for free. (Some organizations may offer the discount online using BAMM as the promotional code.)

Participating organizations may have additional restrictions or blackout dates that apply, as well as additional discounted offers available. No other offers, discounts or coupons may ap-ply. Visitors should check each attraction’s website or call for details, hours of operation, and other updates before visiting.

Broward Attractions and Museums Month is September 1-30, 2024. Visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BAMMsfl for additional information.

Volunteer Spotlight: Ilene Shatkin

Our Volunteer of the Month for May is Ilene Shatkin.

Ilene is one of the kindest and most dedicated volunteers we’ve ever had. Ilene has specifically volunteered with the Orchidteers which is a group we established in 2017. When you see the orchids we have here in the gardens, you understand why the Orchidteers are such an integral part of Flamingo Gardens. Ilene is a major part of that group. In her time since becoming a volunteer she has already volunteered about 850 hours of her time and with the consistency she displays those hours are always climbing. We are lucky to have her and she is extremely valued. It is so important to have volunteers like her.

Quiet Hour with the Dinosaurs

Tuesdays through August 27, 2024

Tuesdays through August 27, 2024

Flamingo Gardens is introducing a serene and inclusive experience for visitors with sensory sensitivities. Every Tuesday, from 9am to 10am, the gardens will host “Quiet Hour with the Dinosaurs.” During this special time, the sound and motion of the animatronic dinosaurs will be turned off, allowing guests to explore the lush landscapes in a tranquil environment.

This thoughtful initiative ensures that everyone can enjoy the beauty and wonder of Flamingo Gardens without the potential overwhelm of loud noises and sudden movements. Visitors can wander through the gardens, soaking in the natural sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling, creating a peaceful and immersive experience.

“Quiet Hour with the Dinosaurs” is a perfect opportunity for families and individuals who prefer a calmer setting to connect with nature and enjoy the impressive dinosaur displays at their own pace. Whether you’re a regular visitor or planning your first trip, this inclusive hour offers a unique and considerate way to experience Flamingo Gardens.

Join us every Tuesday at 9am for a tranquil journey through time and nature, designed with sensory sensitivities in mind. Discover the harmony of the past and present in a space where everyone can feel comfortable and welcome.