EcoAdventures E-Newsletter
Volume 3, Issue 3, March, 2011 Send questions or comments to: [email protected]
Florida State Archives
Above: Barron Gift Collier Right: Ted Smallwood and Charlie Tigertail Florida State Archives
William A. Fishbaugh. Florida State Archives
Drill rig used for Tamiami Trail construction, late 1920’s Living on the Fringe Barron Collier, The Ox Woman, Bloody Watson, and other stories
Maureen Sullivan-Hartung’s new book, search of her sister Hannah (Big Six), for killing the famous outlaw Belle Starr. Ul- Hidden History of Everglades City & six weeks she hacked her way across the timately he met his death at Smallwood Points Nearby, The History Press 2010, is Everglades only to find out later her sister Trading Post after his gun misfired and a a charming look at the early days of Flor- had been killed at the Watson place. hail of bullets hit him from locals gath- ida’s “last frontier”. Her folksy ered to accuse him of numerous recent style settles you in quickly for a murders. Ultimately no one was ever homespun tour of the area and it’s charged. amazing history. Smallwood Trading Post was the cross- The cast of characters is numer- roads of cultures in the Everglades area. ous and begins with Barron Gift Charles “Ted” Smallwood and his wife Collier. Yes, that’s his real middle Mamie established it in 1906. Until the name Sullivan-Hartung informs Tamiami Trail opened it was where Semi- us. nole and Miccosukee Indians would come Collier made a fortune in the to trade their animal hides, bird plumes, street lighting business and later fish and produce. printing and advertising. He per- Then there’s the legendary “Totch” suaded the Florida legislature to Brown, a born and bred local who alter- create Collier County from south- Florida State Archives nately was a fisherman, moonshiner, ern Lee County with a pledge to Bronze Star recipient, poacher, author, complete today’s Tamiami Trail marijuana smuggler and environmental- finishing it in 1928. Watson’s place was the homestead of the ist. From Collier the book chronicles stories notorious Edgar Watson made famous in The characters and stories continue that make “Survivor” and “Real House- Peter Matthiessen’s book Killing Mister through this gentle book told as if you wives of Miami” look tame. Watson. To say Watson was a nasty guy were sitting at a kitchen table with a My favorite is the tale of the Ox Woman, would be an understatement. He’s ru- friend having a cup of coffee. Pass the Sarah McLain, a six-foot, four inch gal mored to have killed more than fifty peo- cream please, and tell me an- who arrived in 1907 driving her team of ple, mostly hired help, just so he wouldn’t other. - Ernie Lynk oxen with her shotgun and dogs in tow. In have to pay them. He’s also suspected of Nature Centers
AD Barnes Sense of Wonder Nature Center 3401 SW 72 Ave. Miami, FL 33155 305-662-4124
Arch Creek Nature Center 1855 NE 135 St. North Miami, FL 33181 305-944-6111
Florida State Archives Bill Sadowski Florida State Archives Nature Center Above left: Loren G. “Totch” Brown. Above right: Smallwood Trading Post in Chokoloskee, site of Edgar Watson’s demise 17555 SW 79 Ave. made famous in Killing Mr. Watson. Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 305-255-4767
Castellow Hammock Nature Center 22301 SW 162 Ave. Miami, FL 33170 305-242-7688
Crandon Park Visitors & Nature Center 6767 Crandon Blvd. Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Take a Hike Florida! The Florida Forever Coali- tion is hosting a statewide celebration of Florida’s natural treasures and the outdoor recreation opportu- nities provided by 20 years of state land conservation. Join us on March 26th at Greynolds Park, one of Miami-Dade Park’s largest and oldest metropolitan parks. Enjoy ancient and beautiful live oak-pine scrub habitat that once Florida State Archives covered much of north Mi- ami-Dade County. Meet at Monroe Way Station, the only remaining station of the original six located on the Tamiami Trail to assist motorists and 9 AM at the Greynolds keep law and order. boathouse. The park is located at 17530 West Dixie Highway, North Miami Become a Parks Beach. For further informa- tion call the EcoAdventures Champion! office at (305) 365-3018. Every great community has a great parks system. Help support Miami- Best of all– it’s free! Dade Parks and get great discounts too by becoming a member of the Native Plant Day Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade. Help us continue the great legacy of Saturday, March 12 your national award winning parks system for this and future genera- Elaine Gordon Enchanted tions. Call 305-270-2984 Ext. 21 for more information or visit us at Forest Park www.mdparks.org. 1725 NE 135 St. Miami 9 AM to 4 PM 305-262-3763 March Calendar of Events
1 PM – 3 PM kayak exploration of the Oleta Fee: $6 per person A.D. BARNES PARK Join Arch Creek Park’s Junior River and its mangrove-lined Join our naturalists as we take a 3401 SW 72 Avenue, Naturalist program! This program creeks where many wading birds walk on the nature trails after dark Miami, FL consists of six different themes and other wildlife can be viewed up in search of nocturnal creatures 305-662-4124 based on the parks tropical hard- close. You will also have the op- including the Eastern Screech Owl. wood hammock with topics ranging portunity to visit an archaeological Then relax by the campfire. Bring Barnes Park has a variety of pro- from birds and plants to historical site where Tequesta Indians made your own marshmallows. Appropri- grams at the nature center includ- facts and more. Children will par- their home over 2000 years ago. ate for all ages. Reservations rec- ing group camping and campfire ticipate in nature identification, Meet at the Greynolds Park Boat- ommended. programs. Call for the latest infor- games and arts & crafts to rein- house. Reservations are required. MATHESON mation. force topics discussed. Children Meet at East Greynolds Park, must be accompanied by an adult. 16700 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami HAMMOCK PARK At the completion of all six themes Beach 9610 Old Cutler Road ARCH CREEK PARK the children will be awarded certifi- Miami, FL 1855 NE 135 Street, North Miami, BILL SADOWSKI PARK cates declaring them Junior Natu- FL ralists! January 15 - History, Febru- 17555 SW 79 Ave., 305) 944-6111 Miami, FL AQUATICS CENTER ary 19 - Birds & March 19 - Plants. Miami Adventure Sports offers kite 305-255-4767 surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, ECO-ACTION DAYS OLETA RIVER March 12 yoga paddle boarding classes and CANOE TOUR NIGHT WALK & CAMPFIRE rentals. Call 305-733-1519 for 9 AM -Noon March 13 and 26 Friday, March 4 & 18 FREE hours and prices. 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM 7:00 PM -8:30 PM Connect with nature and get down Rated: Moderate All Ages and dirty at one of our monthly Ages 7 and older Fee: $6 per person ECO-ADVENTURES volunteer days! Join our natural- $28 per person Join our naturalists as we take a 305-365-3018 ists in restoring Arch Creek Park The beauty of the Oleta River has walk on the nature trails after dark and its natural areas. Projects in- in search of nocturnal creatures drawn man to its shore for centu- BISCAYNE BAY KAYAK FISH- clude removing weeds or invasive ries. As early as 500 B.C., the river including the Eastern Screech Owl. exotic vegetation, planting, mulch- was home to Tequesta Indians Then relax by the campfire. Bring ING ing, and picking up garbage. Bring who camped along its shore and your own marshmallows. Appropri- Call for dates your work gloves and small hand was part of the route used by Fed- ate for all ages. Reservations rec- Ages 12 and above tools. Wear closed-toed shoes. eral troops in the 2nd Seminole ommended. $85 per person Sunscreen, long shirts/pants, wa- War to travel south from Loxahat- Kayak fishing with local ex- ter, hats, sunglasses are highly chee. The river linked the Seminole NOBLE HAMMOCK CANOE perts. Whether you use fly or spin- recommended. Indians living in the Everglades to TOUR ning gear, expert or novice, we Reservations are required. Call have the guide to put you on Biscayne Bay. Relive the river's Saturday, March 5 & 26 (305) 944-6111 for more informa- fish. You will be accompanied by historic past with park naturalists 10:00 AM –1:30 PM tion. Projects and work locations an expert guide while fishing from as you explore this natural haven All Ages subject to change. Recommended a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140 for wading birds, osprey, fish and Fee: $35 per person for all ages! fishing kayak along the shallow the endangered West Indian Mana- Join our naturalists as we take a western shoreline of Biscayne Bay. tee. walk on the nature trails after dark Your guide will instruct you on how CAMPFIRE Reservations required. Meet at in search of nocturnal creatures to paddle a 14' sit-on-top kayak PROGRAM East Greynolds Park, 16700 Bis- including the Eastern Screech Owl. and will be available during your March 11 cayne Blvd, North Miami Beach Then relax by the campfire. Bring excursion to assist you with fishing 6:30-8 PM your own marshmallows. Appropri- techniques, lure selection, tying $6 per person ON-GOING ate for all ages. Reservations rec- knots, and other professional ad- Ease the stress of your workweek ommended. ACTIVITIES vice. Targeted fish include barra- with our classic campfire program. NATURE TRAIL WALKS cuda, redfish, bonefish, snook, Join our naturalists around the SPRING BREAK Saturdays & Sundays tarpon, and permit. Locations: TBD campfire for a night full of campfire ADVENTURES games, stories and don’t forget 3 PM – 4 PM Monday thru Friday marshmallow roasting. Rated: Easy For a full list of events, including on March 14—18 Reservations required. $3 per person going programs click here. 7:30 AM –6:00 PM Join us on this naturalist guided 6 –14 year olds NIGHT HIKE tour through a tropical hardwood hammock where you will find an Fee: $110 Friday, March 18 Children come and discover the 6:30 PM - 8 PM assortment of interesting plants and animals native to South Florida nature around them in this adven- $6 per person ture camp. Activities will include Venture into the beautiful Tropical and come learn about Arch Creek’s role in the early history of North nature studies field trips and lots of Hardwood Hammock with a natu- adventures. ralist guide and discover the mar- Miami. velous nocturnal life of the park at Reservations required. CASTELLOW HAM- dusk. Experience the sights and BY REQUEST MOCK PARK sounds of eastern screech owls, 22301 SW 162 Avenue raccoons, night time spiders and ACTIVITIES Miami, FL much more. Reservations are re- OLETA RIVER KAYAK TOUR 305-242-7688 quired. 10 AM -12:30 PM
Ages 7 and older NIGHT WALK & CAMPFIRE JUNIOR NATURALIST PRO- $28 per person Saturday, March 5 & 19 GRAM Rated: Moderate 7 PM—8:30 PM Saturday, March 19 Join park naturalists on this guided All ages Enjoy a relaxing kayak excursion native. Cruise around town in our include snorkeling off Crandon CRANDON PARK through the serene waters of Bis- “Eco Van” as we make stops and Park beach for a total interactive VISITORS AND NATURE cayne Bay by light of the pictur- walk among South Florida’s histori- experience. Don’t miss this oppor- esque south Florida sunset and full cal landmarks. The Art Deco Dis- tunity to discover and learn why CENTER moon. We require all participants trict of Miami Beach, Little Havana our sea grass’ are so important. 6767 Crandon Boulevard, North to wear closed-toe shoes (water with a stop at a cigar factory and Beach entrance, parking lot #1, shoes). Reservations are required. Domino Park, Coral Gables area CRANDON PARK SUNRISE Key Biscayne, FL as well as a stop a popular juice BIRDING EcoAdventures office (305) BAYSIDE BIRDING KAYAK stand and home-style Cuban res- Saturday, March 5, 365-3018 or Visitors and Na- ADVENTURE taurant (meal not included) are just 7 AM - 8:30 AM ture Center (305) 361-6767 ext. Saturday, March 26 some of the fascinating places you All ages 112 2:30 PM – 5 PM will get to visit. Reservations re- $ 6 per person $40 per person quired. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the KAYAK AND SNORKEL AD- beach wreck line. Learn about VENTURE Join our naturalists on a kayak tour CRANDON PARK’S BAYSIDE shorebirds and the many plant and of Biscayne Bay as you explore Daily CANOE animal species that inhabit the Key Biscayne’s coastline for differ- 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM ADVENTURE coastal environments of South ent birds that call the area home. $70 per person Saturdays Florida. Bring your binoculars Depending on the season you may Come along with our naturalists 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM along and your water shoes in tow! even see some migratory species and discover Key Biscayne’s hid- $44 per person Crandon Park taking a well deserved rest on their den jewel. Explore our underwater Enjoy the clean and calm waters of 4000 Crandon Blvd., Key Bis- migration route. This trip is a great petrified forest teaming with tropi- Key Biscayne’s bayside where our cayne, South Beach entrance, introduction to kayaking and bird- cal fish, spotted eagle rays, sea naturalist will guide you through Parking Lot #4 ing. We require close-toed shoes. stars and a variety of other marine and around mangroves and a very (305) 361-6767 ext 112 Reservations are required. life. Serving as a bastion for wild- unique bird rookery island. Here life, our “fossil reef” is truly a rare you can encounter a variety of structure, one of only two on the KEY BISCAYNE BIKE ADVEN- coastal birds such as the Magnifi- KAYAK RENTALS planet. This trip is a great introduc- TURE cent Frigate along with an array of 7 days a week tion to kayaking and snorkeling. Sundays marine life. Closed-toe shoes and 9 AM – 5 PM We are certain it will be the high- 1:30 PM – 4 PM reservations are required. Single or 2 Person Kayak: $20 per light of your visit to Crandon Park. $28 per person hour or $45 for 3 hours We require closed-toe shoes Travel through time as you bike CRANDON Fully equipped “sit on top” ocean (water shoes). Reservations are through Crandon Park’s Bear Cut NATURALIST kayak rentals and snorkeling required. Preserve as well as the Crandon ECOLOGY SERIES: SEA- equipment available at Crandon Gardens, the antiquated remnants GRASS Park from our kayak concession SUNSET & MOONLIGHT of the original Crandon Zoo then Saturday, March 12, building on the beach at lifeguard KAYAK ADVENTURE explore the beautiful architecture 1 PM – 3 PM tower #3. as we travel through the Village of Saturday, March 19 $10 per person Crandon Park Kayak Key Biscayne. Reservations re- 5:30 PM – 8 PM Bring your own mask and snorkel Concession Stand quired. $40 per person or rent ours for $8 (you keep the 6767 Crandon Blvd.,
snorkel). Key Biscayne ECO ADVENTURES MIAMI This workshop will focus on the Parking Lot #1, CITY TOUR amazing and hidden world of our North Beach Entrance Sunday, March 13 underwater marine flora commu- (305) 361-6444 10 AM – 3 PM nity. Learn about these amazing $50 per person plants as we discuss species, mor- CRANDON PARK VOLUNTEER Experience the natural and cultural phology, life cycle, threats and BEACH CLEAN UP side of Miami through the eyes of a much more. The presentation will Saturday, March 12, 9 AM – Noon Looking for a previous issue of the e-newsletter? Check out our website.
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