Oleta River State Park

Oleta River State Park
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Entrance sign to Oleta River State Park
Location	North Miami Beach, Miami, Florida, United States
Coordinates	25°55′08″N 80°08′24″W
Area	1,043 acres (4.22 km2)
Created	1986 (1986)
Governing body	Florida State Parks
Website	Oleta River State Park

The Oleta River State Park is a 1,033-acre (418 ha) state park on Biscayne Bay in the municipal suburb of North Miami Beach in metropolitan Miami, Florida. Adjoining the Biscayne Bay Campus of Florida International University, the park contains one of the largest concentrations of Casuarina trees (Australian 'pine'), an invasive species in the state park system. Along the park's coastline are mangrove forests. They provide vital nurseries for aquatic life and filter urban pollutants from coastal waters. The state park promotes biodiversity of flora and fauna through the assistance of Friends of Oleta River State Park. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit citizen support organization (CSO); sponsors events, raises funds, and advances the goals of Oleta River State Park. The state park hosts about 15 endangered species.

The weather in the area has the lowest average temperature in January, being at 58 degrees Fahrenheit. The highest average temperature is in July and August, being at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The lowest average rainfall is in January, with about 1.95 inches of rainfall. The highest average rainfall is in September, with about 9.21 inches of rainfall.

Facilities

The central feature of this park is the mouth of the Oleta River, for which it is named. The river has drawn human inhabitants to the area since about 500 B.C, when its shores served as a campground for Tequesta Indians. It was used by U.S. troops (who called it Big Snake Creek) in 1841 during the Second Seminole War, and further explored in 1881 by Naval Captain William Hawkins Fulford, whose ventured inland to what is now the city of North Miami Beach. The area became more heavily settled in the 1890s and in 1922, developers changed the name from Big Snake Creek to the Oleta River.

The river itself no longer flows to the Everglades, but remains a popular area for canoeing. The park also boasts some of the best wilderness bike trails in the country and is a frequent host for triathlons and other extreme sports events. There is a beach on Biscayne Bay, kayak rentals, and primitive cabins. A Florida State Parks Annual Pass allows unlimited entrance into any of the state parks. Oleta River State Park is also the headquarters to one of the state's five AmeriCorps Florida State Parks chapters. The state park welcomes approximately 25 million visitors annually.

Health concerns

Oleta River State Park is adjacent to Munisport landfill, a former superfund site. However, no health issues at Oleta River State Park have been linked to the landfill. There are four water treatment plants nearby the state park. The nearest wastewater treatment plant is the North District Wastewater Treatment Plant, which handles their wastewater and others nearby.

Gallery

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  Path to beach
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  Picnic area by beach
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  View of the beach
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  Picnic area and pier
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  Picnic area and paths
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  Cocoplum growing in Oleta River State Park
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  Detail of branches
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  Mature and immature fruits
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  Marsh and mangroves
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  Close-up of red mangroves
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  Sabal palm growing in the park
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  Wild Lantana flowers growing
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  Lantana growing near road leading to entrance to park
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  General view of beach
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  Underside of bridge leading to the park
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  View of barrier underneath bridge to protect pylons
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  View of water with sediments and oyster beds underneath Oleta River bridge
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  Mangrove forest
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  Zebra longwing
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  White checkered butterfly
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  Female northern cardinal
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  Red-bellied woodpecker
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  Northern mockingbird
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  Grackle
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  Dolphin
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  Manatee

See also

• Oleta River

External links

• Oleta River State Park at Florida State Parks
• Oleta River State Recreation Area at Absolutely Florida
• Oleta River State Recreation Area at Wildernet
• Oleta River State Park Mountain Bike Trail at Dirtworld.com