Rio Vermelho State Park: A Coastal Sanctuary

Rio Vermelho State Park, located on the northeastern coast of Santa Catarina Island in Florianópolis, is a 1,532-hectare (3,790-acre) protected area offering a diverse landscape of restinga, dense rainforest, and recovering exotic plantations. Created in 2007, the park aims to conserve the region's Atlantic Forest ecosystem and associated fauna, maintain the balance of the area's water resources, restore altered ecosystems, and promote scientific research and public visitation. Originally, the area was degraded and used for agriculture, grazing, and firewood collection. In 1962, it was designated as the Rio Vermelho Forest Station for experimenting with various pine species. Today, the park features an ecological trail where visitors can observe rescued wild animals, including monkeys, hawks, macaws, and parrots. The park is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, offering a green space for recreation and environmental education. Visitors can explore the park's diverse flora and fauna, including a variety of bird species. The park also holds historical and cultural significance, with one of the island's oldest sambaquis (ancient shell mounds), dating back approximately 5,020 years, located within its boundaries.