Matt Johnson A Tequesta child free-dives for conch from a dugout canoe, a Bahamian woman watches the sunset across a tidal creek, a wooden ship smashes against a knife-edged reef while the hurricane wind howls, and wealthy industrialists gather under a shady palm to toss horseshoes and make plans to increase their fortunes. The parade of human history in the park spans 10,000 years. Though the park was established for its natural history, signs are everywhere of people and the many ways they lived on these lands and waters. Shell midens reveal evidence of habitation by native peoples. Underwater, dozens of shipwrecks rest as silent witnesses to violent moments in time, each holding the promise of teaching us about our collective past. The park's origin story is one of grassroots environmentalists earning public support while teaming with stalwart bay protectors like Lancelot Jones, to protect the bay, reef, and islands against incredible pressure to develop. It almost didn't work. Dive in to discover Biscayne's people and places. Their stories are written on the land and water. |
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Last updated: June 18, 2025