What is now Virginia Key was the southern end of a barrier island that extended from the New River inlet in Fort Lauderdale to just north of Key Biscayne. Hurricanes in 1835 and 1838 opened a new inlet, Narrows Cut, separating Virginia Key from what is now Fisher Island at the south end of Miami Beach.

Today Virginia Key is an island of approximately 1000 acres located two miles east of downtown Miami and about one mile southwest of the southern tip of Miami Beach. Although there has been some limited development, the island is non-residential and includes ponds and waterways and a large wildlife conservation area. A diverse mix of ecosystems are found on Virginia Key: seagrass beds, coastal dunes, coastal hammocks, and mangrove forests, among smaller micro-ecosystems teeming with wildlife...all just several miles from downtown Miami. For these reasons, Virginia Key is an important environmental, cultural, and educational resource that must be preserved.

Virginia Key has many stories to tell — ancient coral reef, semi-tropical paradise, historic black beach, landfill, abandoned property, proposed eco-lodge destination, and more recently, a place of renewal.

Ecosystems found on Virginia Key

Beach and Dune The beach and dune community is found along the shoreline, and is formed by rigorous wave activity and wind depositing sand, which forms a mound called a dune. Dunes provide habitat for a number of plants specially adapted to the salty environment and nutrient poor “soil.” Back to Top
Coastal Hammock Coastal Hammocks establish on older dunes that have become stable enough to allow trees to grow. Plant species include live oak, cabbage palm and wild coffee. Many animals live in maritime hammocks, including squirrel tree frogs, gray squirrels, and many migrating birds. Coastal hammocks are in rapid decline because their well-drained soils
and relatively-protected setting makes them prime habitat for development. Back to Top
Mangrove Mangrove trees, with their complex system of prop roots, filter urban runoff, keeping the surrounding water clean and provide feeding, breeding, and nursery grounds for animals, birds, and marine life. Scientists estimate that 75% of the game fish and 90% of the commercially important species in South Florida depend on the
mangrove system at some point in their life cycle. Of special importance to South Florida, mangroves protect the shoreline against wind, waves, floods, and resulting erosion, particularly from hurricanes. For this reason, mangroves are an essential component in stabilizing shorelines and the homes, hotels, and condominiums found there. Back to Top
Seagrass Lush seagrass beds found offshore help stabilize shifting sediment of the ocean and bay bottom, maintain water clarity, and are home to a vast array of marine life. Many species, such as the Florida spiny lobster, pink shrimp, crabs and small fish depend on this habitat for food, shelter and protection. When mature, these
species account for over 70 percent of Florida’s commercially harvested marine species. Boats and other personal watercraft propellers are currently the main source of damage to the shallow seagrass meadows within Biscayne Bay. Back to Top

Threats and Conservation

Due to many reasons, such as habitat fragmentation, global warming, and use as ornamentals in the landscape, Invasive Species consistently threaten the ecology and native biodiversity of Virginia Key, as they threaten many natural areas across south Florida. Park managers and volunteers work continuously on removing invasive species and replanting natives as part of the overall restoration and maintenance of the Key.

Likewise, natural coastal areas, with their beautiful vistas, sea breezes, and access to the ocean, are severely threatened by development across the globe. Virginia Key is no exception. On several occasions, various groups have attempted to develop large tracts of Virginia Key for private projects. Fortunately the project was halted by citizens concerned that public land was being misappropriated for private projects, as much of Virginia Key is designated as public park land.

For the Virginia Key Beach Park (the southern portion of the Key), a group of citizens called the Virginia Key Beach Park Civil Rights Task Force organized themselves in June 1999 in response to plans of private development of the Beach Park. Later that year, the Miami City Commission established the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust to oversee the development of the historic Park property. The Trust has been working diligently to restore and preserve the culture and history of Virginia Key Beach Park ever since.

Across south Florida's coastline, public access to coastal areas has been severely restricted by private development. Already, much of Biscayne Bay is off limits to the public. Any citizen concerned with their ability to access, enjoy, and preserve our remaining beautiful coastline found at Virginia Key should voice their concerns and participate in the Master Planning Process.

Master Planning Process

The City of Miami, in conjunction with the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust, are conducting a master planning process of Virginia Key. As a citizen of the City of Miami, you have a right to participate in the planning process and help protect the endangered natural and cultural resources found at Virginia Key. To find out more information about participating in the Master Planning Process, please visit the Virginia Key Master Planning Site.

Citizens and Environmental Education

Come join in the restoration of Virginia Key! Citizens for a Better South Florida has been actively involved with the City of Miami in leading volunteer groups to participate in restoring the ecology of Virginia Key. Volunteers are guided by naturalists through the Virginia Key nature trail, then work with City of Miami and Citizens' staff in propagating native plants in Virginia Key's native plant nursery, removing invasive exotic

plants, cleaning the coastline, and planting native plants in the coastal hammock and dune areas. Together the community, Citizens, and the City of Miami are quickly turning Virginia Key into the gem of south Florida's parks. Learn more about Virginia Key's restoration...

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