Park Life

Our national parks are protected from the intrusion of bulldozers as much for the benefit of the indigenous plants and wildlife as for the enjoyment of all who wish to frolic upon the grounds. But those good intentions are worthless when cans, condoms, and contraband litter these oases. The National Parks America Tour is rolling into Miami to revitalize one of our local gems, Biscayne National Park. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to come out from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and help with trail maintenance, riverbank cleanup, and litter patrols. Don’t worry about getting your hands dirty; you’ll walk away with a free breakfast and a Great American Picnic lunch, a commemorative tee, and a warm, fuzzy feeling for doing something great for your country.

But if the fuzzies aren’t enough, Miami-Dade Park and Recreation is putting on a free concert at Jefferson Reaves Sr. Park (3090 NW 50th St., Miami), featuring the bluesy grooves of the Ruby Baker band, and Greg Jackson and the Mojo Band. The concert takes place from 3 to 6 p.m. and will also include kid-friendly fun like face-painting, arts and crafts, and a puppet show. Visit www.miamidade.gov/parks.
Sat., Dec. 8, 2007