New Excursion Vessel Named in Honor of Volunteer

Residents who haven’t visited Biscayne National Park for a while, or newcomers who have not yet experienced the pleasures of the park, will want to go check out the many available activities, as summer’s heat has finally lessened.

In his decades of advocating for and volunteering in the park, Lloyd Miller, an ardent conservationist, would quickly advise people to enjoy the entertaining and educatonal Dante Fascell Visitor Center, stroll along the boardwalk, bring a picnic to watch the bird life while relaxing, or spend the day on the water in one of the various excursions.

In marking his 100th birthday, only a month before his passing four years ago, he probably wouldn’t have imagined one of the boats at the park would later bear his name in honor of his selfless dedication and contributions. Those who knew and worked with him gathered on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 at the Visitor Center to reminisce and applaud this newest addition to the Biscayne National Park Institute fleet.

Miller’s memory was praised in a press release from the Executive Director of the Florida National Parks Association: “Lloyd Miller (July 10, 1920 – August 23, 2020), was a dedicated advocate for the protection of South Florida's unique ecosystems. As an outspoken figure for conservation, Miller inspired countless individuals to promote sustainable practices and community involvement, ensuring that the beauty of Biscayne National Park is preserved for future generations.”

In 2020, longtime friend Linda Wood penned an article for the South Dade News Leader detailing Miller’s tireless efforts to protect and preserve the southern Biscayne Bay he had come to love. From the article: “Lloyd was the last of the group of men that had successfully fought off the double threat of SeaDade, a major petrochemical plant and seaport that was to be built at the approximate location of today’s Dante Fascell Visitor Center, and the City of Islandia, a proposed city linking the northernmost islands of the Florida Keys with Miami Beach and Key Largo. The fight got nasty, with Lloyd receiving late night threatening phone calls. He had his car vandalized and his dog poisoned. But they prevailed, and Biscayne became a National Monument in 1968, followed in 1980 by the more correct designation: National Park.” (“Honoring the Life and Legacy of Lloyd Miller” By Linda Wood, South Dade Garden Club, Aug 28, 2020; Updated Aug 31, 2020)

Although 95% of the park is underwater, there are multiple options to choose from to explore the unique environment. Biscayne National Park Institute, official nonprofit partner of the Florida National Parks Association and the National Park Service, works closely with the park’s Resource Management Division and Interpretive and Education Division.

The institute’s highly trained staff provides an array of programs, and the proceeds go back to Biscayne National Park. The Heritage of Biscayne Cruise Snorkel Experience, Elliott Key Eco-Adventure, Snorkel and Paddle Eco-Adventure, and Kayak the Mangroves, are among the on-water activities offered. To see schedules, details, and pricing, go to https://www.biscayne nationalparkinstitute.org/biscayne-eco-adventures/.

If, like Miller, the idea of volunteering for the park is appealing, there are different opportunities to support. There is no fee for Biscayne National Park and the Dante Fascell Visitor Center is located at 9700 SW 328th St. Homestead, Tel: (305) 230-1144; https://www.nps.gov/bisc/index.html.