Florida is home to an incredible array of butterflies and moths that adorn our landscapes with vibrant colors and graceful flight. More than 160 butterfly species breed in Florida and about 200 species migrate through the state. These delicate creatures captivate our imagination and play important roles in nature. Our native butterflies require a broad … Read more
Snakes are among the most feared, maligned, and persecuted organisms on Earth. From biblical narratives to modern media, snakes are often cast as sinister creatures and symbols of temptation and danger. Despite these misconceptions, snakes are fascinating animals with great ecological significance. In this blog post, we’ll explore snake biology, discuss what to do if … Read more
On Saturday, April 1, our annual Wild About Nature Festival returned! This year was a reintroduction after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic and then cancellation due to severe weather warnings in 2022. An engaging afternoon of family fun with more than 30 partner organizations present, the festival’s return was a great success! This … Read more
As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, it’s time to enjoy what’s left of our spring. Here’s to the remaining months of spring-filled adventures, exploration, and family fun. Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor experiences or engaging educational activities, with our free line-up of programs and events we have something for everyone. Join us … Read more
What does land conservation have to do with climate change you ask? Great question! Saving land, whether it be tidal wetlands, mangrove forests, or inland ranches and marshlands, is our best natural defense against flooding, and a powerful tool to help protect communities against the impacts of our changing climate. But what exactly is climate … Read more
As winter descends and visitors flock to Florida, finding tranquility in nature can become a challenging endeavor. Our most popular parks and beaches are brimming with people seeking to relax in the sunshine and enjoy our perfect weather, but all human activity can detract from nature’s serenity. In this post, I’ll take you off the … Read more
A few years ago, I went on a field trip with other land trust educators to a preserve owned by a North Carolina land trust. After purchasing the land, the trust handed it over to a small outdoor school that hosted almost all of its classes and lessons outdoors. Parents would send their children off … Read more
Did the Hurricane Kill My Pine Trees? Short answer, probably. But the real question is, how can you be sure, and what do you do next? This year, many pine trees are looking bad. They look dead, or sick. In southwest Florida, the pine trees are usually slash pine, Pinus elliottii, but sometimes long leaf pine, Pinus palustris. … Read more
Florida is known for its sunny beaches, lush wetlands, and diverse wildlife. But hidden beneath its emerald canopy lies a world of fungi waiting to be explored! Mushrooms have caught my attention recently in a major way. After seeing massive interest in our first-ever Mushroom Walk program, hosted on a drizzly September morning at Sleeping … Read more
One thing that I find most appealing about living in Florida is that we live in paradise. You’re steps away from nature, the beach, and wide-open spaces of greenery. I find myself taking walks to get my steps at a trail or sitting by a large body of water to ease my mind. It is … Read more
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