Consider the yu-kery plant. Its leaves close when touched, opening again after a time. The indigenous people extracted salt from this plant. They called it yu-kery. Welcome to Parque Estadual do Juquery.
This park is a vital area. It preserves the last remaining Cerrado in the Sāo Paulo metropolitan region. Parque Estadual do Juquery spans 19.3 square kilometers. It is located in Caieiras and Franco da Rocha.
Let’s step back in time. Areas of Fazenda Juquery were acquired by the state beginning in 1895. The state government then built the Hospital Psiquiátrico do Juqueri. They also built the first Colônia Penal Agrícola. In 1989, the architectural complex was signed by Ramos de Azevedo. The Fazenda’s documentary collection and green area were listed. CONDEPHAAT protected the historical and artistic heritage.
Parque Estadual do Juquery was created in 1993. Its purpose is to preserve the Cerrado area permanently. The park faces threats. These include urban pressure and criminal fires. In 2021, a fire devastated much of the park. It was caused by an illegal hot air balloon.
The climate here is humid with warm summers. The annual temperature averages 20°C. Rainfall is concentrated between late spring and summer. The dry season is between autumn and winter.
The park’s terrain features rounded hilltops. It has convex slopes. The average altitude is 700 meters.
The Rio Juqueri and its tributaries drain the park area. It is part of the Represa Paulo de Paiva Castro drainage area. This feeds into the Cantareira System. This system supplies much of the water for metropolitan Sāo Paulo.
Parque Estadual do Juquery features diverse ecosystems. These include Mata Atlântica and Cerrado.
The park is home to various animals. Mammals include the giant armadillo and the pampas deer. Reptiles include rattlesnakes and coral snakes. Birds include toucans and seriemas. Various arachnids and insects also live here.
The park also has diverse flora. These include the wolf fruit and barbatimāo.
Several research projects take place in the region. These include studies on invasive species. They also work on erosion control.
The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday. It is open from 8 AM to 5 PM. There is no entrance fee. You can visit the lagoon. You can also visit Ovo da Pata. This peak offers panoramic views. You can hike. You can observe wildlife.
The park faces challenges. It is increasingly surrounded by urban areas. Exotic species threaten the native environment.
Parque Estadual do Juquery protects important biodiversity. It provides recreation. It also offers crucial ecosystem services. Remember the yu-kery. Like its leaves, may our appreciation for nature open again.