Protecting the Porter-Russell Pine Rockland (MLK Day 2017)

“Life’s Most Persistent and Urgent Question is: What are YOU Doing for Others?” 
     - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.                                                                                     

Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a "day on, not a day off."  The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community."  This year’s MLK Day of Service will take place on Monday, January 16th, and HandsOn Miami will lead the charge locally by activating 100 volunteers in service at 4 locations across our Miami-Dade County community during our MLK Weekend Celebration.  

The description that follows is for the "Protecting the Porter-Russell Pine Rockland" project site. 

The Tropical Audubon Society maintains the Porter-Russell Pine Rockland, an 8-acre property located in Goulds (South Miami-Dade County) on the east side of 124th Avenue between 222nd and 223rd streets, about a block west of Cauley Square shops.  The Porter-Russell Pine Rockland - a vestige of the 186,000 acres of Pine Rockland that historically covered large portions of high ground in Miami-Dade County - is one of the few remaining tracts of globally imperiled Pine Rockland habitat remaining outside of Everglades National Park. Porter-Russell.  The unique habitat is home to three endemic species, including Mosier’s False Boneset with its tiny spindly white flowers.

Volunteers are needed to help trim back overgrown vegetation and remove undesirable invasive/exotic plants that are taking over the Porter-Russell Pine Rockland and diminishing the native habitat it was meant to preserve.  

There will be tasks for volunteers of all ages!  Volunteers 16 years of age or older can participate on their own, while those under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. To register volunteer who is under the age of 16, please email Darrill@HandsOn Miami.org 

NEED TO KNOW:
+Closed-toe shoes are required for participation.  Those wearing flip-flops or sandals will not be able to actively participate.  
+Volunteers should dress comfortably for outdoor work.  We will be working in a natural habitat, so long pants (jeans or other pants you don't mind getting dirty) are encouraged to protect your legs from scrapes and cuts.  Similarly, a long-sleeved shirt is recommended to protect arms.  A hat and sunglasses will make you even more comfortable!
+Please bring a refillable bottle.  Plenty of ice water will be available, but you will need a container to fill.  

Join us as we Protect the Porter-Russell Pine Rockland!