The Right to Biodiversity... Pine Rockland

Most people think of Miami as sandy beaches and palm trees.

But the most natural terrain of South Florida is the lesser beauty, the pine rockland.

Characteristic to this geographical area where the tropics meets the temperate zone,

a major element is its very specific kind of soil layer on the Earth's surface.

This habitat is now reduced to 2% of its original, much of it in the Miami area.

It is stripped down to pockets and corridors found on
both land where people live and more rural areas where they don't live.

Pine Rockland

A coalition of several organizations work hard to document the condition of the pine rockland, in an effort and battle to save, protect, and restore it, including
the Institute for Regional Conservation (IRC).

Field biologists gather data which makes a historical documentation of the species living in the pine rockland, about 200 taxa, or named species.
This information guides efforts of conservation and restoration.

Some people live within a pine rockland yard.

About 10 years ago, the IRC went around to educate owners who lived on this type of land, even in less than an acre plot, to convince them to preserve it
rather than knocking it down to make lawns.

Now, a city ordinance makes it illegal to destroy it, but with a lot of money,

a person can still get permission to cut it down and develop the land.
Development and human population growth are the biggest enemy
to the natural pine rockland species.
Their second biggest enemy are "invasive" species.

If you live in this area, an IRC web page offers a zip code entry that gives you 

a list of native plant species they encourage you to plant.
Support the Right to Biodiversity!

Update: Commenter AC suggests that "when properties are being sold on endangered land,
they should be informing buyers about the land before they buy."
Sounds like a great idea for a new environmental protection law.