Saturday, July 6th, 2024 – Invasive Species Removal at Long Key Natural Area
On July 6th, Eco-teers actively engaged in an invasive species removal initiative at Long Key Natural Area and Nature Center. Our volunteers dedicated three hours to the careful extraction of an estimated 250-300 pounds of snake plants from their roots. Snake plants, notorious for their invasive nature once established in soil, possess a rapid spreading capability that threatens our native flora. These plants form very compact infestations and create their own monoculture, making them a significant threat to the local ecosystem.
How You Can Safely Remove Snake Plants from Your Backyard
If you have snake plants in your backyard, here’s how you can safely remove them:
- Pull or dig out all the roots, which look like carrots. Be careful, as these plants break easily and can reappear if not pulled from the root.
- Pull down any vines or clusters attached to the plants.
- Shovel out the roots from the ground to ensure complete removal.
According to the University of Florida, “The mother-in-law’s tongue and S. hyacinthoides are two varieties of snake plants that are considered invasive. The UF/IFAS north-central-south Florida zone assessment considers this group of plants to have a high invasion risk.” Learn more from the University of Florida here.
Friday, July 19th, 2024 – Cleanup at Eula Johnson State Park and Dania Beach
On Friday, July 19th, the Eco-teers spent three hours cleaning Eula Johnson State Park and Dania Beach. Despite the rain and small turnout, they managed to collect 30.6 pounds of microplastics and other waste. These items harm the natural environment by disrupting nutrient cycling, sediment structure, and microbial communities. They also pose a threat to wildlife and contribute to the gradual contamination of our food sources.
Saturday, July 20th, 2024 – Extreme Weather Training in North Miami
On Saturday, July 20th, Ashley Vieira, our Eco-teer Coordinator, and Melissa Auld, Sr. Director of Operations, attended the Extreme Weather Training in North Miami. This event was presented by the CLEO Institute in partnership with the Miami-Dade Department of Emergency Management, Miami-Dade County CERT, and Miami Climate Alliance. The training focused on life-saving strategies to thrive in extreme heat, storms, and other weather challenges, equipping our team with valuable knowledge to better serve our community in times of need.
Join Us!
Join us in our efforts to protect and preserve our natural environments! Together, we can make a difference. For those looking to join EcoTeers/Flamingo Garden’s Volunteers, our coordinator will be attending the “Back to School” booth on August 3rd from 10 AM to 3 PM at Sunrise Athletic Complex, located at 11501 NW 44th Street, Sunrise, 33351.
Stay tuned for more updates on our upcoming events and initiatives.
