In 1945, Girl Scouts of the USA acquired Camp Mahachee, a woodsy tract near Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. This 11-acre property has been a cherished outdoor space for young girls for over 75 years. However, invasive plants have taken a toll on the camp’s natural habitat, damaging the native hardwood hammock. The entrance has been marred by a suffocating sewer vine emitting an unpleasant odor.
Bill Kerdyk Jr. and his wife Lynn, decided to take action after witnessing the camp’s decline. They partnered with the Coral Gables Garden Club to raise funds through the Coral Gables Community Foundation and the Kerdyk family PARKnership fund. The project requires approximately $178,000, and thanks to community efforts and donations, almost $130,000 has been raised so far.
The restoration project began in June 2022, with the removal of invasive plants done by a contractor. However, volunteers, including the Girl Scouts, played a crucial role in other aspects of the restoration. In October, around 200 Girl Scouts planted 1,100 native trees to restore the camp’s original hardwood hammock.
Chelsea Wilkerson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida, highlighted the significance of Camp Mahachee as a place where girls can experience nature for the first time. It offers them the opportunity to camp, explore night noises, and roam safely outdoors. Wilkerson emphasized the importance of being good stewards of the camp’s resources and restoring them.
Phase three of the project started on April 16th with the Camp Mahachee Butterfly Garden Planting event. Approximately 200 Girl Scouts and local allies participated, learning about the habitat and butterflies from community partners such as Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami Blue, the EEL Department of Miami-Dade County, and the UF/IFAS/Extension Miami-Dade County Office.
Recognizing that invasive species don’t respect property boundaries, the Girl Scouts aim to be responsible neighbors. The neighboring Matheson Hammock Park will also undergo restoration, inspiring a partnership between the two lands to prevent the spread of invasive species.
While the entrance restoration is nearly complete, there is still work to be done throughout the property. The restoration project is considered the first phase of an ongoing effort to fully restore Camp Mahachee to its original beauty as an endangered habitat in South Florida.
Restoring and preserving this natural oasis ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy its beauty and learn about environmental stewardship. By supporting the Camp Mahachee restoration, we protect a valuable space for young girls to connect with nature and create lasting memories.
Read more on Miami Herald: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article274652606.html