Audio By Carbonatix
Saturday August 9
Each day millions of creatures, from the ordinary to the mysterious, wade in our shores. Various species of crustaceans, seahorses, pipe fish, and sea urchins live in the grasses that line the outer rim of South Florida’s natural mangrove habitats, themselves shelters for a seemingly endless supply of critters. This weekend the expert naturalists at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center (6767 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne) will lead willing adventure-seekers on an in-depth water-logged trek through the seagrasses surrounding Crandon Park. Participants will be equipped with nets, which they will use to catch undersea specimens. Once caught, the specially trained staff will help identify the creatures before releasing them back to their ecosystem.
If you haven’t explored the north side of Crandon Park, this is a great opportunity to see what the natural coastline looks like, with its wide seascape and seemingly endless shallows. Despite the fact that so little of it remains untouched, the naturalist area is home to what seems like zillions of creatures, from birds to turtles to alligators. Be sure to bring sunscreen and bug repellent.
The journey begins at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 9. Admission costs $10. To reserve a spot call 305-361-6767 ext. 119. — By Juan Carlos Rodriguez
Saturday August 9
Masked Marvels
Observe underwater life
You’re the sort of person who has to dog paddle in a kiddie pool, so splashing around an Olympic-size number is out of the question. But oddly enough, you’re not afraid of water. You’d like nothing more than to get decked out in scuba gear and explore the high seas. But until you improve your swimming skills, maybe you should try drifting above things on the water’s surface? Plunging beneath prematurely might guarantee you claustrophobia or worse, death. A 3:00 p.m. Snorkeling Workshop at Crandon Park Visitors and Nature Center (6767 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne) can get you started. Admission is $10, plus $5 for gear rental (bring your own, if hygiene is an issue for you). Call 305-365-3018 for reservations. — By Nina Korman
Saturday August 9
Garden of Eating
Animals nourish naturally
Some stripes, polka dots, and bold beautiful hues would surely add snap to those suburban shrubs. As long as the garden is rife with luscious things to nibble on, such lively landscaping accents are available. We refer to hummingbirds and butterflies, which add texture and activity to yards as they flit from flower to flower, sucking nectar and snacking on pollen. Roger Hammer, a naturalist for Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation Department, will share his knowledge of nature with a Hummingbird and Butterfly Gardening workshop at 9:00 a.m. at Castellow Hammock Nature Center (22301 SW 162nd Ave., Homestead). He’ll teach a form of gardening that offers value to the birds and insects who appreciate a bountiful place to nourish themselves, as well as to the hobbyist looking to relax. “Hummingbirds stop people in their tracks,” says Hammer about the native animals so tiny and fast (soaring at up to 80 miles an hour) that they usually aren’t seen. In a garden filled with their favorite flowers — often red and orange — hummingbirds hover, their wings a blur of motion, as their needlelike beaks drink in nectar. Generally, the same flowers that draw hummingbirds also attract plenty of butterflies, who’ll drop in for a bite too. Fee for the workshop is $15. Call 305-242-7688. — By Patti Roth
Sunday August 10
Equine Action
Horses get busy in the city
As Seabiscuit fever grips the nation, there are other, less financially draining places than the racetracks where the beauty of horses can be admired. In our midst is the Tropical Park Equestrian Center (7900 Bird Rd.), a full-service horse facility that boasts more than 250 stalls for rent and houses the City of Miami’s mounted police unit. All year long the arena plays host to more than 35 shows, where riders of Paso Fino horses, Arabians, and more compete for ribbons and trophies in front of crowds numbering up to 1000. From 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. today and tomorrow, the South Florida Hunter & Jumper Horse Show will occupy the ring. Admission is free. Call 305-554-7334. — By Nina Korman