If you need to count on something, don't count past 10. Don't make this harder than it is. If you find a tag with only six numbers, assume the first four are 25 40. and 80 09.
Bill Baggs State Park is open from 8 am to sunset. Entrance fees are $8 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $4 per single occupant vehicle & $2 per bike/walk-in.
Located at the southern tip of the large barrier island Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park was founded in 1967 following the State Purchase of the land in 1966. The park is named after the late Miami newspaper editor who championed this area for a public park.
There is a rich history here as the park contains one of the oldest standing South Florida landmarks, the Cape Florida Lighthouse, built in 1825. In the1950’s a proposed development got underway here, and much of the natural ground was filled. The result of this disturbance was a total infestation by Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia), which will be well remembered by people who had visited the park prior to Hurricane Andrew. Following Andrew in 1992, a comprehensive ecological restoration effort was undertaken with the help of thousands of volunteers who restored the park’s historic native plant communities. The cooperative effort between Florida Parks and the American Littoral Society spent untold money and man-hours to clear the downed exotic trees, restore former wetlands, control invasive exotic plants, and replant lost habitats, including coastal strand, coastal hardwood hammock, isolated freshwater wetlands, mangrove swamps, dune and back-dune communities. Other restorative efforts by the park have included the installation of dune boardwalks, fishing platforms and the restoration of the Cape Florida Lighthouse in 1996. It cannot be underscored enough how big a role volunteers have played in supporting the park in these goals.
The Friends of Cape Florida, a Citizens Support Organization (CSO), continues the work of those dedicated volunteers as they strive to promote, protect and restore the natural and cultural resources of the park. Volunteers serve as park guides, assist with special events, and participate in critical activities including the Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring Program, provide newsletters and pamphlets for park visitors as well as raise funds for programs, equipment and building and renovating park facilities. See: http://www.capeflorida.org/ for more information regarding Bill Baggs and The Friends of Cape Florida including membership information.
This cache is dedicated to all the staff and volunteers at Bill Baggs who have helped make this park one of the jewels of the state park system. The various stages will take you to many of the showcase aspects of the park. After completing this cache, you will hopefully come to appreciate the beauty of this area that has inspired many to give their blood, sweat and time to serve her.
Stage One: This stage will afford you a nice view of the beach, lighthouse and back-dune habitat. No need to leave the boardwalk to find the stage.
Stage Two: Cache location will provide you with a good view of historic “Stilts-ville”. Contact the National Park Service for more information/tours regarding these houses on the water. Use the sign and COUNT on it "Eddie in in in Crawfish its"
Stage Three: Cache location also overlooks Stilts-ville as well as No Name Harbor. Across No Name Harbor is an extensive mangrove restoration area. (Use the blue sign-YOU CAN COUNT ON IT)- "recycle keep your fishing keep waterways"
Stage Four: Another view of No Name Harbor. If you are hungry, be sure to grab a bite at the Boater’s Grill. (Use the brown sign-YOU CAN COUNT ON IT)- "fees anchoring boat use boat please"
Final: A bit of bushwhacking required for this one in restored coastal hammock habitat.
Note: The original 50 cal ammo-can final disappeared before the FTF. The replacement is a small can in a banyan.