Highlands Hammock State Park Volunteer Information
Did you know that Florida’s Bromeliad (air plants) populations are in danger? It’s true! The Metamasius callizona (Mexican bromeliad weevil) is causing serious damage to our native bromeliad populations. In fact, several species are now listed as "endangered" due to the possibility of the weevil wiping out some of our bromeliad species throughout Florida. At Highlands Hammock State Park, we are trying to protect our bromeliads with with the help of some very dedicated volunteers. A monitoring protocol has been set up by Teresa Cooper of University of Florida’s entomology department. Check out Teresa’s work at Save Florida’s Native BromeliadsTeresa has graciously donated her time and expertise to train park staff and volunteers in the art of bromeliad monitoring. This great activity is extremely interesting, simple, and not at all strenuous. You simply need an objective mind, the desire to help and a little bit of time each month to view and record data on specific plants. You can check out what Highlands Hammock’s "weevil watchers" have been up to by going to Save Bromeliads Why not keep up with us as we monitor the weevil’s attack on Highlands Hammock? Better yet, why not contact your local state park and offer to become involved in collecting seeds from that park’s bromeliads? This is another easy, relaxing volunteer activity that will reap many rewards in the future for our parks. Information on all these activities are available within the save bromeliads web site, or by contacting me at Dorothy Harris Dorothy L. Harris, Park Services Specialist for Highlands Hammock State Park
