HARB hosts local botanists for Pine Rockland visit

  • Published
  • By Mr. Josh Friers
  • 482nd Civil Engineer Squadron

Homestead Air Reserve Base hosted 11 botanists and environmental scientists from federal, state and county agencies to view HARB’s ongoing Pine Rockland restoration efforts here Nov. 4. 

Pine Rocklands are a critically endangered ecosystem that occurs in South Florida and parts of the Caribbean. Less than ten percent remain in Miami-Dade County. Pine Rocklands are home to a variety of plant species including the Smalls Milk Pea, Pineland Croton, West Indian Lilac, Sable Palm and Dade County Slash Pine. Pine Rocklands are also home to range of threatened and endangered animals including the Florida Bonneted Bat, the Miami Tiger Beetle, and the secretive Rim Rock Crowned Snake, according to Josh Friers, HARB Natural Resources Program Manager.

“Bringing these scientists together not only allows for an exchanging of ideas and management techniques,” said Friers. “But it also shows HARB’s commitment to the environment and helping preserve it.”

The Pine Rockland Working Group was able to view the results of years of dedicated Air Force restoration efforts and obtain a better understanding of how such efforts are put into place.

For more information contact the 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at (786) 415-7330.