Matheson Hammock Tidal Creek Restoration (Biscayne Bay)

This project aims to clear dead trees and debris deposited by Hurricane Andrew in 1992 from mangrove tidal passageways in Matheson Hammock Park on Biscayne Bay. In a five-year effort to prevent further damage to this sensitive habitat, the debris are removed by volunteers using canoes and manual labor instead of large machinery. By 2003, a total of 3.9 miles of fish corridors have been cleared and approximately 27.5 acres had been restored. Since tidal flow was restored, the mangrove forest has served again as a vital nursery and foraging ground for young fish and many species of invertebrates.