The first presentation of Elusive Landscape will take place on Saturday evening, June 12, from 8 to 10PM at Arch Creek Park, 1855 NE 135 Street, North Miami, FL.
At the corner of NE 135th Street and Biscayne Boulevard, right next to the railroad tracks, sits the inconspicuous little paradise that is Arch Creek Park. Arch Creek Park was selected as the first site for this series of film/art events because of the park's bounty of native Floridian hardwoods, pines, shrubs and vines, including the elusive and legendary coontie plant, and because of its distinction as a rich archaeological site where ancient Tequesta shell mounds, known as middens, are preserved. I am especially grateful to Park Manager Sally Timberlake for sharing her wealth of knowledge about the history and environmental significance of this unique urban greenspace.
A small park with a large and significant history, Arch Creek Park was created around a natural limestone bridge formation that was once part of an important Indian trail. It is believed to have first been used by the now-extinct Tequesta Indian tribe and later by the Seminoles.
The park has a tiny but very informative historical museum containing artifacts left by natives who homesteaded the site as they passed over the arched bridge. Miami-Dade Parks naturalists guide visitors through the park as they point out native birds, animals and insects and identify the variety of trees growing in the area. Arch Creek Park is designated as a Florida State Historical Preserve and offers Eco-Adventures. To learn more about Arch Creek Park and its offerings, call (305)944-6111 or visit them online here.
