Biscayne National Park Celebrates 40 Year Anniversary

It has been 40 years since the creation of Biscayne National Park, originally known as Biscayne National Monument. Biscayne National Park stretches from the south point of Key Biscayne to the north end of Key Largo, and most of its 300 square miles are underwater. The tropical sanctuary was created after decades of struggles by local conservationists to prevent residential and industrial development on the bay’s chain of barrier islands.

The Deering Estate at Cutler is pleased to partner with Biscayne National Park to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a series of events in October. A month long exhibit entitled "Biscayne Bay - Then and Now" will open on October 1st at the Deering Estate at Cutler. The exhibit chronicles the 40 year history of Biscayne National Park and new plans for the Biscayne - Everglades Greenway. The exhibit will be on display in the Richmond Cottage from October 1st - November 14th. The exhibit is free with admission to the Estate.

The South Florida National Parks Trust will host a fundraising and awareness dinner on Friday, October 17th at the Deering Estate at Cutler to honor those who led the effort 40 years ago to save Biscayne Bay and establish the park.

On Saturday, October 18th the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) will host a symposium on the state of Biscayne National Park and the marine resources it protects. The symposium will be held at the Deering Estate at Cutler from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. The cost is $15 and includes breakfast, lunch and entrance to the Estate. Keynote speakers include: Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson. For more information, please call 954-961-1280 ext. 201 or email suncoast@npca.org. Please RSVP by October 9th to 305-235-1668 ext. 233.

The celebration will conclude on Sunday, October 19th, from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm, with a birthday party at the Biscayne National Park in Homestead. Enjoy a free, fun-filled day with a concert featuring Grant Livingston, a book signing with Lloyd Miller and hands-on activities for the whole family.

Canoeing and Kayaking in Miami

Miami-Dade Parks offers a variety of EcoAdventure Tours, including canoeing and kayaking on Biscayne Bay. The Deering Estate offers naturalist-guided canoe trips on Sunday mornings. On the trip, you will canoe to Chicken Key, a seven-acre mangrove island and restored bird rookery, which is located one mile offshore from the Deering Estate. Keep a look out for the manatees and sea turtles, as well as other marine wildlife along the way. The canoe trip is from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and is $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 9-14.

Interested is trying something different? Then checkout the Moonlight Canoe Tour also at the Deering Estate. You will canoe to Chicken Key under the light of the full moon. This night-time adventure includes a camp-fire and light snacks on the island. The moonlight canoe trip is from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm and is $35. You must be 18 years and older for this trip. Helpful hint: reserve your space early because this trip is sold out months in advance.

Kayak rentals are available on weekends from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Deering Estate. The cost for adults is $10 per hour plus regular park admission. The cost for children, ages 9-15, is $8 per hour plus regular park admission.

Patti Austin and Gerald Albright to perform at the Deering Estate's "Fall in Love" Jazz Concert

Enjoy an evening of jazz at the Deering Estate’s “Fall in Love” Concert featuring Patti Austin and Gerald Albright on Saturday, November 8, 2008. The concert is presented by Clear Channel Communications and Love 94FM and the Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department.

The outdoor concert will be held on the beautiful manicured lawn that overlooks the tranquil waters of Biscayne Bay. The gate opens at 5 pm and the concert begins at 7 pm. Guests can bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets. No coolers will be permitted on the premises. Beverages will be available for purchase as well as a variety of food.

Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the gate. Tickets go on sale October 1st and can be purchased through Ticketmaster and the Deering Estate located at 16701 SW 72nd Avenue. For more information call 305-235-1668 ext. 233.