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From crashing, blue waves to luscious, green forests, Mother Nature has it all. Now that quarantine has given the environment a break to flourish, Earth Day is a great time to go and appreciate nature. In fact, Earth Day actually marks the birth of the modern environmental movement. It began in 1970 as a response to increased air and water pollution, culminating in the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. A total of 20 million Americans took to the streets to demonstrate their concerns about the state of the environment. Every year, people plan protests and push for environmental policies, proving the powerful impact of people’s voices. This year, Earth Day will be on Thursday, April 22nd and there are plenty of activities in which you may participate and become a more environmentally conscious citizen.
For those looking to volunteer, Deering Estate has many opportunities to offer. One activity is becoming a Gardening, Weeding, and Adopt-a-Trail Volunteer. Volunteers will assist the grounds crew with the duties of maintaining Deering Estate’s gardens. It will involve many different types of landscaping tasks and volunteers should be able to handle basic garden tools, lift 25 pounds, and be accustomed to Florida’s humid weather. If gardening does not pique your interest, Deering Estate also offers a Coastal Clean-up. Here, volunteers will take part in marine debris removal at Deering Point. Tasks will include the removal of plastic and glass along the coastline. These are both great activities for people looking to give back to the environment on Earth Day. For more information, click the link here: https://deeringestate.org/volunteer/.
If you want to help the environment from the comfort of your home, you can consider planting native plants in your garden. Florida is constantly threatened by invasive plants and animals that compete and take over the natural ecosystem. Some examples of invasive plants are Australian pines, air potatoes, and Water Hyacinths. They disrupt the nature of South Florida and can lead to severe effects, such as habitat loss and reduced species diversity. By planting a native plant, you would be taking one step closer to overcoming this growing problem. Native plants can also help revitalize migration patterns for birds and butterflies, as well as replenish our groundwater supply. To find out which native plant should be the new addition to your garden, click here: https://www.abettersouthflorida.org/go-native/.
Earth Day is also an ideal time to just appreciate the area around us. South Florida is an eclectic region with its many beaches, lakes, rivers, and our beloved Everglades. The Deering Estate offers guests an amazing chance to explore its land and bask in the beauty of nature. On Earth Day, you can take your friends and family kayaking on Biscayne Bay. Guests can paddle over sea-grass beds and admire the mangroves around them. Hiking is also offered at Deering Estate. Visitors can walk through Pine Rocklands and Tropical Hardwood Hammocks, observing the flora and fauna throughout. Even the main lawn at Deering Estate allows guests to enjoy the outside. Grab a blanket, friends, and some food to set up a nice picnic on the lawn.
This Earth Day, think about the years of environmental pioneering and consider taking part in conservation yourself. Deering Estate can help you get started with its many volunteer opportunities and natural trails. Even small gestures, like planting native plants, can make a world of a difference.
Valeria is a sophomore at Doral Academy Charter High School. She is currently a Junior Ambassador for Miami Waterkeeper and a Deering Estate intern.
