... resources bordering the Oleta River. Miami-Dade County employees removed exotic pest plants from the site, supervised removal of fill material, and replanted red mangroves and other shoreline vegetation. This will help begin the slow restoration of uninterrupted natural mangrove forest along the river. Exotic pest plants posed a threat because they degrade natural habitats, making them less useful to birds and other wildlife. This natural resource is highly valued by local citizens who formed the Friends of the Oleta River, a non-profit organization that has worked tirelessly along with local governmental agencies to ensure its protection. THE IMPORTANCE OF MANGROVES Mangroves are the guardians of Florida's rocky and muddy shorelines. They take the full brunt of storm surges created by tropical storms and hurricanes, protecting what lies behind them. Ecologically, mangroves are one of Florida's most important habitats. Countless species of marine animals seek refuge among the prop roots of red mangroves, which also ...

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