GUIDE TO SCOUTING. at Miami Dade County Park & Recreation NATURE CENTERS

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1 GUIDE TO SCOUTING at Miami Dade County Park & Recreation NATURE CENTERS

2 GUIDE TO SCOUTING Dear Boy and Girl Scout Leaders, Scouting has long been known to be a rewarding and valuable part of many people s lives. It s because of people like you, who make time in their busy lives to guide and support young Scouts through their journey, that Scouting has been such a success. We also understand what a challenge being a leader can be, and we want to help. Come to Miami-Dade Parks & Recreation Nature Centers located across the county and let our experienced naturalists bring education to life with a program that is certain to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature, build confidence, encourage stewardship and be just plain fun. The following pages list contacts at the various Nature Centers and programs being offered at their site developed especially for Scouts. Customized programs are also available, and we can be flexible when scheduling a program to accommodate your group. Unless specified, we provide all materials to complete the program. If you have any questions or need additional information please do not hesitate to contact us at your convenience. Sincerely, Miami-Dade County Parks & Recreation Nature Centers: A.D. Barnes Sense of Wonder Nature Center Arch Creek Park Bill Sadowski Castellow Hammock Park Crandon Park Visitors & Nature Center Deering Estate at Cutler Fruit & Spice Park Greynolds Park Boathouse

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Guide to Scouting at Nature Centers 3 Reservations and Information 6 A. D. Barnes Sense of Wonder Nature Center 8 Arch Creek Park 9 Bill Sadowski Park & Nature Center 10 Castellow Hammock Park 11 Crandon Park Visitors & Nature Center 12 Deering Estate at Cutler 13 Fruit & Spice Park 14 Greynolds Park Boathouse 15

4 GUIDE TO BOY SCOUTING AD BARNES SENSE OF WONDER NATURE CENTER 3401 SW 72 AVENUE ( ) ARCH CREEK PARK 1855 NE 135 STREET ( ) BILL SADOWSKI PARK AND NATURE CENTER SW 79 AVENUE ( ) CASTELLOW HAMMOCK PARK SW 162 AVENUE ( ) CRANDON PARK VISITORS & NATURE CENTER 6767 CRANDON BOULEVARD ( ) DEERING ESTATE AT CUTLER SW 72 AVENUE ( , EXT. 233) FRUIT AND SPICE PARK SW 187 AVENUE ( ) GREYNOLDS PARK BOATHOUSE WEST DIXIE HIGHWAY ( ) CUB SCOUTS Please call your local nature center for more information. BOY SCOUTS - MERIT BADGE RESOURCES ONSITE Archaeology Archery Art Astronomy Backpacking Bird Study Camping Canoeing Environmental Science Fishing Forestry Gardening Geology Hiking Insect Study Mammal Study Naturalist Nature Oceonography Orienteering Outdoor Activity Photography Plant Science Reptile and Amphibian Study Small Boat Sailing Soil and Water Conservation Wilderness Survival Wood Carving World Conservation OTHER ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS OFFERED Leave No Trace - Leave What You Find Leave No Trace - Travel on Durable Surfaces Leave No Trace - Pack it in, Pack it Out Eagle Scout Project & Leadership Programs Hiking Canoeing Kayaking Sailing Picnic/Shelters Overnight Camping (LIMITED) Other

5 GUIDE TO GIRL SCOUTING AD BARNES SENSE OF WONDER NATURE CENTER 3401 SW 72 AVENUE ( ) ARCH CREEK PARK 1855 NE 135 STREET ( ) BILL SADOWSKI PARK AND NATURE CENTER SW 79 AVENUE ( ) CASTELLOW HAMMOCK PARK SW 162 AVENUE ( ) DEERING ESTATE AT CUTLER SW 72 AVENUE ( , EXT. 233) FRUIT AND SPICE PARK SW 187 AVENUE ( ) CRANDON PARK VISITORS & NATURE CENTER 6767 CRANDON BOULEVARD ( ) GIRL SCOUTS - JOURNEYS RESOURCES ONSITE It's Your World, Change It! These programs are currently in development to align with NEW It's Your Planet, Love it! Journeys programs issued by Girl Scouts. Please call your local It's Your Story, Tell It! nature center for more information. Brownie Try-Its Earth & Sky Eco-Explorer Listening to the Past Outdoor Adventurer Plants Science in Action Space Explorer Watching Wildlife Water Everywhere Junior Badges Earth Connections Eco-Action Finding Your Way Hiker Local Lore Outdoor Creativity Outdoor Fun Plants and Animals Rocks Rock Science Discovery Science in Action Sky Search Visual Arts Water Fun Wildlife Your Outdoor Surrounding Cadette Scout Journey Awards All About Birds Digging Through the Past Eco-Action From Shore to Sea Heritage Hunt Orienteering Outdoor Survival Planet Power Plant Life Visual Arts Wildlife GREYNOLDS PARK BOATHOUSE WEST DIXIE HIGHWAY ( )

6 GUIDE TO GIRL SCOUTING AD BARNES SENSE OF WONDER NATURE CENTER 3401 SW 72 AVENUE ( ) ARCH CREEK PARK 1855 NE 135 STREET ( ) BILL SADOWSKI PARK AND NATURE CENTER SW 79 AVENUE ( ) CASTELLOW HAMMOCK PARK SW 162 AVENUE ( ) DEERING ESTATE AT CUTLER SW 72 AVENUE ( , EXT. 233) FRUIT AND SPICE PARK SW 187 AVENUE ( ) CRANDON PARK VISITORS & NATURE CENTER 6767 CRANDON BOULEVARD ( ) Additional Activities Leave No Trace - Leave What You Find Leave No Trace - Travel on Durable Surfaces Leave No Trace - Pack it in, Pack it Out Get with the Land Digging Nature Predators of Florida Owl Walk OTHER ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS OFFERED Special Leadership Development Programs Hiking Canoeing Kayaking Sailing Picnic/Shelters Overnight Camping (LIMITED) Other GREYNOLDS PARK BOATHOUSE WEST DIXIE HIGHWAY ( )

7 RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION RESERVATIONS Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance to allow for scheduling staff and acquiring any necessary supplies. Please contact the individual nature center office to check the availability of your preferred dates and programs. If you need to cancel a program or activity you have already booked for any reason, you may do so up to 48 hours in advance without incurring any additional fees or charges. Our girl and boy scout programs and activities are conducted rain or shine; however, we will cancel or postpone any outdoor program if lightening is observed. For any activity or program or if a small craft advisory is in effect for water related activities. FEES Payment is expected on or before the day of the scheduled program or activity unless prior arrangements have been made with nature center management. Payments may be either cash, check (made out to Miami-Dade County ), via credit card. AMENITIES There are water fountains and restrooms at each of the nature centers, however there are no shower facilities. Vending machines and concessions are limited to only a few of the nature centers. Some nature centers have campfire rings available for overnight visiting scout groups. Firewood in provided, removing anything, including firewood from any part of the nature centers is strictly prohibited. CHAPERONES Nature centers require there be at least one adult chaperone for every ten participants (1:10) for land based activities and at least one adult chaperone for every six participants (1:6) for water based activities. There is no charge for the required number of chaperones for land based activities. All chaperones or participants in water related activities are charged the regular program or activity fee. Adults over the required number of chaperones will be charged the regular program or activity fee. Chaperones, not nature center staff, are responsible for the behavior, discipline, and safety of their group. Please be observant and safety conscious to prevent accidents from occurring. Youth participants should be supervised in all areas by a member of the visiting scout group at all times. REQUIRED ATTIRE For your safety, please wear enclosed-toe shoes, bring plenty of water and mosquito repellent. A hat and long pants are recommended when participating in outdoor activities and programs. NATURE CENTER MANNERS Loud noises keep animals in hiding and reduce your chances of seeing them.. Harassing wildlife is against the law and can harm the animals. Feeding of animals or any disturbing or damage to the natural or built environment is strictly prohibited. Please help keep your nature center clean and litter free for other visitors and wildlife. Feeding the animals encourages them to be dependent on humans, which leads to increased chances of humans being bitten by that animal. Plant require their leaves to make food and their flowers to produce seeds so please do not pick the leaves, flowers, or bark of the plants. Please make sure this information is relayed to all participants. INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Individual Nature Center staff will make every effort to meet your groups program needs. Please inform staff of any special needs or considerations when making a reservation for your program. To request material in accessible format, information on access for persons with disabilities, or sign language interpreter services (7 days in advance), call

8 A.D. BARNES SENSE OF WONDER NATURE CENTER FEATURED BADGES Wildlife Forestry A.D. Barnes Park is a 65-acre nature center nestled in the heart of one of Miami's busiest areas. The nature center is home to The Sense of Wonder Nature Center and Trail set within one of the few remaining Pine Rocklands in Miami-Dade County. As a result, it has become an "oasis" for migrating birds and, according to the National Audubon Society, is one of the best places to see birds in Miami. The Nature Center is also home to the Miami-Dade Fire Department's Anti-Venom unit's reptile collection. A.D. Barnes Sense of Wonder Nature Center 3401 SW 72 Avenue, Miami, FL (305) /Fax (305) rcarmon@miamidade.gov Outdoor Adventurer Wildlife

9 FEATURED BADGES ARCH CREEK PARK Plant Science Arch Creek Park was created around a natural limestone bridge formation that was once part of an important Indian trail. It is believed to have first been used by the now-extinct Tequesta Indian tribe and later by the Seminoles. The nature center has a museum containing artifacts left by natives who homesteaded the site as they passed over the arched bridge. Miami-Dade Parks naturalists guide visitors through the nature center as they point out native birds, animals and insects and identify the variety of trees growing in the area. Arch Creek Park is designated as a Florida State Historical Preserve. Arch Creek Park 1855 NE 135 Street, North Miami, FL Aimee Scott (305) Reptile & Amphibian Study Outdoor Adventurer Eco-Explorer

10 FEATURED BADGES BILL SADOWSKI PARK AND NATURE CENTER Nature Reptile & Amphibian Study Bill Sadowski Park and Nature Center offers three distinct habitats within thirty acres; pineland, tropical hardwood hammock, and a drained Everglades slough. A nature trail leads visitors through various plant communities to a canal where canoeing and fishing are available. Encompassed within the nature center grounds are also a native tree arboretum, and a bird watching area. Bill Sadowski Park & Nature Center SW 79 Avenue, Palmetto Bay, FL (305) rcarmon@miamidade.gov Sky Search Eco-Explorer

11 FEATURED BADGES CASTELLOW HAMMOCK PARK Bird Study Insect Study The nature center is well known to bird and butterfly enthusiasts, botanists, and those who simply enjoy being close to nature. And, because the nature center is such a supreme place to see birds, it is included as a destination along the 2000-mile Great Florida Birding Trail established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Bill Sadowski Park & Nature Center SW 79 Avenue, Palmetto Bay, FL (305) rcarmon@miamidade.gov Eco-Action Wildlife

12 FEATURED BADGES CRANDON PARK VISITOR S & NATURE CENTER Nature Canoeing Crandon Park Visitors & Nature Center is located on the breathtaking barrier island of Key Biscayne, with the Atlantic Ocean on the east side and Biscayne Bay to the west. Visitors to the nature center can explore the various ecosystems of the Key including the dunes, mangroves, and coastal hammock and sea grass beds; and observe herons, ospreys and many brilliantly colored butterflies. Crandon Park Visitor s & Nature Center 4000 Carndon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL (305) ext 112/ Fax (305) ksolms@miamidade.gov Water Everywhere Wildlife

13 FEATURED BADGES DEERING ESTATE AT CUTLER Archaeology Oceanography Located along the edge of Biscayne Bay, the 444-acre Deering Estate at Cutler is an environmental, archeological and historical preserve. From canoe tours to butterfly walks and guided nature hikes, the Deering Estate has diverse activities for the whole family to enjoy. The Estate is part of the Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department, which manages the Estate on behalf of the State of Florida. Deering Estate at Cutler SW 72 Avenue, Miami, FL (305) ext 242/ Fax (305) Earth Connections Finding Your Way

14 FEATURED BADGES FRUIT & SPICE PARK Plant Science Forestry The Fruit & Spice Park is the only tropical botanical garden of its kind in the United States. The unique 37-acre public facility is owned and operated by the Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department. The Nature center's tropical climate can be found nowhere else in the continental U.S. and hosts over 500 varieties of fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and nuts, and other commercially important plant specimens from around the world. The Nature center showcases 150 varieties of mango, 75 varieties of bananas, 70 bamboo varieties, and numerous other exotic edibles. Fruit & Spice Park SW 187 Avenue, Homestead, FL Nancy Solomon (305) Earth Connections Finding Your Way

15 FEATURED BADGES GREYNOLDS PARK BOATHOUSE Forestry Reptile & Amphibian Study The newly refurbished Greynolds Park Boathouse sits on the edge of a former rock quarry filled in with fresh water from the adjacent Oleta River. During its early days the Boathouse served as a launch site for row boats and the Dixie Bell, a scaled down replica of an old passenger steam boat. Today this man-made lagoon still provides recreational opportunities for visitors to Greynolds Park. Kayak, canoe and paddleboat rentals are available on the weekends and holidays. For those interested in learning about local history and wildlife, the boathouse features a nature exhibit and serves as the interpretive center where you can participate in guided nature walks, nighttime programs, campfires, and more. Wildlife Greynolds Park Boathouse West Dixie Highway, N. Miami Beach, FL Eric King (305) / Fax (305) Eco-Explorer