UPG turns 2 years old!

(North Miami, Florida) Urban Paradise Guild (UPG) celebrates its second year of progress, milestones and accomplishments at Oleta River State Park’s Angelfish Pavilion on 9/11.

Where: Oleta River State Park: 3400 N.E. 163rd Street, North Miami, Florida 33160

Why: This Volunteer-Powered organization has removed over 100,000 Destructive / Invasive Exotic plants and trees using Organic Stewardship (no herbicide) methods developed by the group. UPG has also planted mangroves, Hammock trees, and native groundcover by the thousands. In 2010 UPG has expanded, with the Location Adoption of Matheson Hammock (Miami-Dade County Parks) and new UPG Chapters at El Portal, Hialeah, Vizcaya, and Liberty City. UPG Nurseries at Oleta and Vizcaya are producing native plants, with the Liberty City Nursery coming on line soon. Partners make so much possible. Activities take place almost every weekend, ensuring steady progress toward UPG’s goal of “Creating Sustainable Paradise in South Florida, one Habitat at a time.”

Who: We extend a special invitation to UPG Volunteers, Interns and Staff, plus Partners including Florida DEP, Miami-Dade Parks, DERM & Vizcaya, MWC, and of course Miami Dade College and other schools, students, faculty & staff (Kindergarten – Grad School). The public is welcome. Bring your Families.

What: Birthday Activities include…
• Demonstration Planting on Oleta’s South Point (site of 1,000’s of UPG Stewardship hours).
• Picnic / BBQ, with separate grills for meat, veggies and seafood. Bring family-favorite food!
• Live Music by UPG Members and Friends (bring and instrument & play!)
• Kayaking & Canoeing on the Bay.
• Volleyball by the Beach. Bring Football, Futbol, Frisbee, and whatever you need.
• Swimming and Snorkeling.
• Weeds to Wonders activity: Building a Burma Boat (Kayak made from Exotic Burma Reed).

Cost: Admission is FREE for Planting Volunteers before 10am. $6 per car after 10am.

RSVP: Evite.com . If you encounter problems with Evite, send an e-mail to sam@urban-paradise.org and you will be added.

Email Michelle London: thebohemianchef@aol.com with what you are brining for the Picnic/BBQ. Please bring a family favorite food, or beverages (no alcohol), cups, plates, etc.

~ Reading and literacy are important – during the back-to-school season and throughout life ~

Reading and literacy are important – especially during this back-to-school season. Students can get off to a good start by reading a book at one of Florida’s state parks, which are offering free admission Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 12 in honor of Literacy Month. Just bring a library card, a book checked out from a library or donate a new or gently used family-friendly book.

Additionally, September is Library Card Sign-Up Month and Wednesday, September 8 is International Literacy Day.

Many state parks, along with local libraries and schools, will host special events to encourage participation. Events will vary from read-a-thons and book readings with local celebrities to book signings and storytelling. Reading is fun for people of all ages. Visit www.FloridaStateParks.org to find events near you or call (850) 245-2157.

Partners in the Florida Literacy Month celebration include the Florida Department of Education, Florida Department of State, the Florida Literacy Coalition, the Florida Lottery, Volunteer USA and local libraries, schools and reading programs statewide.

Oleta River park has 16 miles of trails to offer and we will spend 60 minutes on the beginner trails.

Afterwards, bring a sack lunch or buy a hot dog at the BMOC store then go for a swim on the beach.

COST: Bike rental fee $19.26 + park entrance fee
Own gear — FREE + park entrance fee Helmet and closed toe shoes required

RSVP: Call 305-957-3040 with credit card information

Kids 10 years and up are welcome to join this group. Younger kids should call to arrange an earlier time slot.

1. Saturday, July 17 – free day in honor of Recreation and Parks Month.
2. Friday, Sept. 10-Sunday, Sept. 12 – free for Literacy Month for visitors who bring a library card, library book, or who donate a new or gently used family-friendly book.
3. Thursday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/thingstodo/deals.cfm

Please come and check it out!

 WHEN: 7:30 – 10:00 p.m. Every Second Saturday

WHERE: Oleta River State Park 3400 NE 163rd St North Miami Beach , FL

Admission is free for ORAA members. $4 for others!

Mystery Mountain Bike Nite Ride Riders will meet in parking lot 1, you must have your own helmet and lights. Experience all that Oleta has to offer to mountain bikers… in the dark!

Riders can sign up at by calling 305-919-1846

Please note subject to cancellation.