The Landings neighborhood showcases its natural landscapes

Many drivers along North Tamiami trail may not know that The Landings neighborhood contains the largest amount of privately owned mangroves in the United States, according to its management association.

However, the public had the chance to see it for themselves during the neighborhood's third year of Nature Day by the Bay on March 29. 

Members of the public turned out to walk on trails and visit 16 exhibitors along the path, while local residents assisted with activities like fishing, kayak rides and staffing the booths. 

"Every year it just gets larger because there's more to celebrate, there's more involved, and all the people who live here know it," said volunteer Darka Hawrysz. "We love living here. That's the key. What people don't understand is that this is not just a place to live. It's really just like Nirvana."

Looking around at the mangroves in both directions, she added, "I mean, seriously, look at this!"

The trails also included the neighborhood's microforest, which was planted in late 2024 and early 2025. It features 1,800 plants representing 60 native species according to Hans Hawrysz, Darka Hawrysz's husband, who is treasurer of the Landings Management Association.

With an upcoming addition, the forest will total close to an acre, says Pamela Callender, a specialist in the design of Florida native gardens. 

She says these environments are essential for restoring habitats that the state of Florida has not preserved, and says complaints about an overabundance of animals like rabbits stem from a lack of habitat for their predators, like foxes, owls or bobcats. 

Hawrysz says the forest has grown significantly in a short time. 

"People are kind of astonished at the level of growth," he said. "These things were 3 feet tall, and now they're 15 feet tall."