Tropical Hammock is Nature's Last Refuge

Virginia Key’s Tropical Hammock


In the center of Virginia Key, a 1,000 acre barrier island off the coast of Miami, is a rare tropical hammock, where endangered plant and animal species find a last refuge.

The hammock is a treasure trove for the naturalist in all of us eager to explore an ecosystem where native butterflies and migrating songbirds abound.

After Hurricane Andrew, the alternately barren and exotic-laden landscape was reforested with native plants. Removing exotics allowed the native seed pool waiting under the rubble to come to life. The state endangered plant, the Biscayne Prickly-ash, began to flourish - its population growing from one species to more than 40 in a short time period.

Field biologist Samuel Wright, who has been working with City of Miami naturalist Juan Fernandez and his staff to restore the 15-acre hammock, documents the restoration project and discovery of new species in the Virtual Herbarium website of Fairchild Tropical Garden http://www.virtualherbarium.org/GardenViews/VirginiaKey.html
Here’s his invitation to explore:

“Imagine getting out of your car and taking a five-minute walk through such rare habitats as coastal dunes, coastal hammocks and mangroves. Could you envision a pleasant, relaxing day with a beach all to yourself in the middle of Miami? Come and lose yourself as you stroll through the Virginia Key Coastal Hammock Interpretive Trail. With all its diverse flora, fauna and cultural history, Virginia Key has a lot to offer.”

The Tropical Hammock entrance is off the parking lot of Virginia Key Beach (Windsurfer’s Beach). The hammock trail is free but there is a City of Miami parking fee of $5 to enter the island off Rickenbacker Causeway.