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.

On Sale May 15th- The South Florida Adventure Pass Is Back for the Ninth Year!

4 Broward Attractions for One Low Price Equals a Summer Full of Savings and Family Fun!

Important: Online purchase receipts must be redeemed at Flamingo Gardens for physical pass before use.

Butterfly World, Flamingo Gardens, Museum of Discovery and Science and Sawgrass Recreation Park will be offering the South Florida Adventure Pass for the ninth year. The special promotion offers passholders unlimited
admission to all four attractions throughout the summer!

Explore aviaries filled with 20,000 exotic butterflies and tropical birds at Butterfly World; see live animals, from alligators to panthers, at Flamingo Gardens; take an airboat ride at Sawgrass Recreation Park; and experience Survival of the Slowest at the Museum of Discovery and Science…all for one low price!

The South Florida Adventure Pass will be available for purchase at each of the
participating locations beginning on May 15, 2024, and will be valid for admission to each of the attractions until September 30, 2024. Butterfly World, Flamingo Gardens, Museum of Discovery and Science and Sawgrass Recreation Park will also have the passes for sale online at their respective websites.

At $60 plus tax, per adult ages 13+ and $50 plus tax, per child (ages 3-12), this pass grants unlimited admission to each attraction. Existing annual passholders/members at participating attractions can upgrade to the South Florida Adventure Pass for $50 plus tax, per adult, and $40 plus tax, per child.

For more information on the South Florida Adventure Pass, please visit southfloridaadventurepass.com.

About Butterfly World
Experience Butterfly World, where Discovery and Wonder take Flight at the World’s Largest Butterfly and Bird Park! It features “open air” aviaries with a breath-taking
display of 20,000 exotic butterflies and tropical birds from all around the world. Explore and interact with rare and delicate butterflies in the South Florida Tropical Rain Forest. Discover metamorphosis in our Research Facility where you will see all stages of the butterfly life cycle in a display that changes daily. Other highlights include Vine Maze, Butterfly Museum and Insectarium, and more! This is the perfect adventure for the whole family! Tradewinds Park weekend/holiday gate fee may be in effect. Located at 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073. For more information, please visit butterflyworld.com or call 954.977.4400.

About Flamingo Gardens
Feed a flamingo at this botanical garden & wildlife sanctuary! Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida. The 60-acre non-profit botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary contains over 3000 tropical and sub-tropical species of plants and trees including 15 of the largest trees of their species. Its Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the largest collection of rescued Florida native wildlife in the state, including alligators, bobcats, otters, eagles, panthers, a black bear and flamingos. Visit the
historic Wray Home Museum and take a narrated tram tour through native jungle growth and wetlands. Located at 3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33330. For more information, please visit flamingogardens.org or call 954.473.2955.

About Museum of Discovery and Science
Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades (only 3% of science museums are accredited for excellence and leadership in the field). In the past year, MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 15 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service.

The Museum celebrates diversity and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit mods.org or call 954.467.MODS (6637).

Like us or follow us on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/modsftl
Twitter: twitter.com/modsftl
Instagram: instagram.com/modsftl

About Sawgrass Recreation Park
Discover the Florida Everglades on a thrilling 40-minute airboat adventure! Glide over the sawgrass and cattails and let your spirit soar as you hear the stories of this unique environment. In our exhibit areas meet our adopted and rescued reptiles and even pet a baby alligator! Open 7 days reservations required at this time, try The Gator Grill offering unique flavors of Florida! Please call to make reservations for your visit. 1006 N. Highway 27, Weston, FL 33327. For more information, please visit evergladestours.com or call 954.389.0202.

Annual Photo Contest

“Dinner Time” by Maggie Jung

Each year, Flamingo Gardens hosts an Annual Photography Contest, open to members and the general public. This year, in preparation for our spring garden and Gallery exhibit, “Microsculpture”, the theme of the contest was “Macros”, and the exhibit ran from February 3 – 25. You still have time to view these photos through this Sunday, 2/24.

The Photography Contest once again brought out the best of the best; 37 photographers submitted 105 original works, all taken at Flamingo Gardens. In the end, the selection committee narrowed that down to 59 beautiful photos to be hung in the exhibit. Sailboat Bend Artist Loft’s resident-artist Jeremiah Jenner, also a certified photography and Photoshop instructor for Broward County Schools and The Art Center South Florida, was the guest judge for the exhibition. He is the executive director of JMJ Photographic Services in downtown Fort Lauderdale where he instructs studio lighting classes and private photography workshops. We’d like to thank Jeremy for all that he does for Flamingo Gardens and our Camera Club, and for lending his expertise to judge this year’s contest.

Awards were given in the following categories:

Best of Show: “Waiting to Exhale” by Janet Riley

First Place: “Teeny Backlit Cassius” by Ginny Milu

Second Place: “Dragonfly Lunch” by Gail Santini

Third Place: “Resting” by Maria Marta Cubillas

Best Digitally Enhanced Photo: “Venue Rising” by William Bracht

Judge’s Recognition: “Shedding the Past” by Dalia Latife

Judge’s Recognition: “Bumblebee in Flower” by Anita Allen

Judge’s Recognition: “Getting Close” by Claudia Masella

Judge’s Recognition: “Precious Blooming” by Penelope Hughes

Judge’s Recognition: “Happiness in Pink” by Barbara King

Additionally, throughout the exhibit visitors voted for their favorite photograph to receive the People’s Choice Award. There were many favorites, but with the majority of the 135 visitor votes, that award went to Bev Cameron for her photograph “Monarch Dream”.

Thank you to all that submitted works, and congratulations to the winners! Stay tuned for next year’s photo contest applications this fall!

The spring garden exhibition “Microsculpture: The Insect Portraits of Levon Biss” opens March 2nd and runs through May 5th. This exhibit is a series of beautiful high-magnification portraits that capture the microscopic form of insects in striking large-format and high-resolution detail. Created by award-winning British photographer Levon Biss, the exhibition showcases the insect collection of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, artfully displayed throughout the botanical gardens.

To learn more about Microsculpture, watch the video here and visit Flamingo Gardens March 2 through May 5, 2024.