Tequesta Indians, a bridge made of natural limestone, an old starch mill, an oak hammock, and settlers from Elmira, New York: all part of the past and present of Arch Creek Park, a 9.4-acre green space in North Miami dedicated in 1982 after decades of preservation efforts. Today the Indian artifacts are displayed in a museum/nature center fashioned after a Florida pioneer house, and a butterfly garden attracts the delicate creatures to flutter around a nature trail and more than 500 trees. Pay tribute to those who trekked through the park long ago during Arch Creek Park History Day from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 185 NE 135th St. Admission is $3. Call 305-944-6111. -- By Nina Korman
Bay Trip
History lives on key
SUN 4/11
There was a time when you could cruise on a yacht to your very own island in the company of cronies and doze away the hours drinking rum punch while watching a Biscayne Bay sunset. In the 1930s industrialist Mark Honeywell would invite his posh pals to his private island, now known as Boca Chita Key, to "discuss the problems of the day." Of course any given day for these guys was no problem at all. You can relive those times with an all-day excursion to the tiny isle, nostalgically named Millionaire's Retreat. A boat leaves at 1:30 p.m. from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Biscayne National Park, 9700 SW 328th St., Homestead. Admission costs $24.45 adults and $19.45 children. To reserve call 305-230-1100. -- By Juan Carlos Rodriguez
Bird Fever SAT 4/10
The Tropical Audubon Society keeps count of the multitude of birds that pass through South Florida in the winter. The organization's Birdathon 2004 is the chapter's annual inventory, where birders help the effort while raising money for continuing programs. From the sanctity of your favorite birding location, keep a tally of all the birds you see during any 24-hour period between April 10 and April 25. Then collect pledge money from lucky co-workers who just can't resist fundraising solicitations, and maybe win prizes. Pledge forms and rules are available at www.tropicalaudubon.org or call 305-667-7337. -- By Margaret Griffis
