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Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Pine Rockland Conservation Team has been recognized as a 2024 Recovery Champion by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region, honoring the organization’s exceptional leadership in conserving and protecting one of the most imperiled ecosystems in the world, the globally rare pine rocklands of South Florida.
Pine rocklands are a unique, sun-drenched habitat found only in South Florida, the Florida Keys, and parts of the Bahamas. They are characterized by an open canopy of slash pines with a rich understory of wildflowers, palms, and shrubs, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Once covering much of Miami-Dade County, these habitats now exist in small, isolated patches due to decades of urban development, making them one of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States.
The award acknowledges Fairchild’s tireless efforts during the past decade to protect, restore, and expand critical habitat for more than 20 federally listed species, while also engaging local, state, and federal partners in long-term recovery solutions. The Pine Rockland Conservation Team was one of five organizations honored this year, alongside others including Miami-Dade County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands Program.
“This recognition is a testament to the passion, science, and collaboration that drive our work every day,” said Jennifer Possley, MS, director of Regional Conservation at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. “Pine rocklands are one of the rarest ecosystems on Earth, and their survival depends on the collective commitment of many partners, from land managers to scientists to community advocates. We are honored to stand alongside dedicated colleagues in this fight for biodiversity.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cited Fairchild’s leadership in developing innovative restoration strategies, expanding rare plant populations, and increasing public awareness of pine rockland conservation. These efforts have transformed the trajectory of this fragile ecosystem, which has been reduced to a fraction of its original range due to urban development and habitat fragmentation.
As part of the recognition, the Pine Rockland Conservation Team received a commemorative Ecological Services Challenge Coin, a distinction awarded to individuals and teams who demonstrate exceptional service and innovation in protecting the nation’s natural resources.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden remains committed to ensuring the survival of pine rocklands through science-based restoration, habitat management, and community engagement.
For more information visit www.fairchildgarden.org or call 305-667-1651
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