Pine rocklands are unique  

Over 400 native plants occur in pine rocklands, including 31 endemic species (found nowhere else on earth), of which seven are listed as federally endangered.  Miami's pine rocklands also support the bald eagle, Kirtland's warbler and the eastern indigo snake, as well as more common urban-adapted critters like foxes, raccoons, possums and squirrels.  The rare and beautiful atala butterfly, Florida leafwing butterfly and rim rock crowned snake are occasionally glimpsed.  

Benefits to society 

At Fairchild we are concerned about the persistence of all pine rockland plants, both rare and common, as well as the animals that live among these plants.  The benefits of biodiversity and functioning ecosystems are well-established:  they provide us with fresh air, clean water and productive soils; food, medicines (many still undiscovered) and other natural products that keep us healthy; economic resources that maintain a vigorous economy; and sources of renewal and inspiration for a higher quality of life.  Nurturing our pine rocklands not only beautifies

the environment for those of us who live here, but can serve to attract visitors seeking to explore new habitats.

Scattered remnants

Habitat fragmentation has put at risk the pine rockland ecosystem in Miami-Dade County.  This map (found on the CTPN main page) shows the approximately 300 parcels that remain of the original ecosystem, ranging in size from much less than one acre to about 300 acres.  Isolation of the plant populations has reduced their numbers.  This, in turn, decreases opportunities for pollinators to find flowers, thus affecting both seed production and the genetic health of these plant populations.  Ultimately the rare plants that live in pine rocklands become more vulnerable to catastrophic events such as hurricanes, from which recovery becomes increasingly less likely. 

If you are ready to join the Connect to Protect Network or would like more information, please contact Joyce Maschinski at jmaschinski@fairchildgarden.org  or 305-667-1651 X 3416.