Creating a New Wetland

By Ron Magill

When “Florida: Mission Everglades” was constructed at Zoo Miami, the new design isolated portion of a body of water located between the Tiger Temple and the Conservation Action Center. Because the natural flow of filtration had been altered, attempts were made to artificially chlorinate and aerate the water with the hope that it would remain clean and clear. When those attempts did not provide the desired results, Mike Hitchcock, Horticulture Manager at Zoo Miami, suggested a plan to create a wetland that would be naturally filtered by aquatic plants while also providing a home for native wading birds. Thanks to a generous donation by the Cobb Family Foundation, that plan was initiated and the installation of several “islands” and new surrounding landscape was recently completed.

Working closely with previous Zoo Miami staff member, Luis Valdes, now of Ground Effects of Miami, the Horticulture Team drained and cleaned the artificial lake in preparation for the transformation to a more natural wetland. As part of that process, the existing surrounding landscape was also removed so that new native landscaping could be installed. Non-native species such as firecracker plants and bromeliads, along with a myriad of other volunteer foliage was replaced with Fakahatchee grass, dune sunflower, beautyberry, wild coffee, and native powder puff.

Inside the newly upgraded body of water, several “islands” were constructed to support special plants and trees that could provide shelter and nesting areas for birds as well as serve as natural filters for the water.

The first islands were made by installing large boulders that served as a base for a special liner that could support substrate in which a variety of aquatic vegetation could be planted. These are known as “wet islands” and were planted with mangroves, pond apple, pickerel weed, water lilies and bald cypress. All of these plants had their roots submerged underwater and were basically floating.

”As time passes and the islands continue to grow and mature, it is expected that they will become a home for many other native birds.”

Next to be installed were a series of “dry islands.” They were constructed using large barrels that were filled with sand and clustered together. The barrels allowed the sand to extend above the water level and were planted with a variety of native aquatic plants such as spatterdock, giant rush and duck potato. These islands provide a more solid area for certain aquatic birds to nest.

Since the upgrading of this new wetland area, several species of wading birds have already been observed utilizing it. In addition, some birds have already nested there and successfully raised chicks! The area has also been officially listed as a “Certified Wildlife Habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation for its commitment to sustainably providing the essential elements for wildlife habitat.

As time passes and the islands continue to grow and mature, it is expected that they will become a home for many other native birds that will take advantage of this beautiful new sanctuary in the middle of Zoo Miami.