Monthly Archives: August 2024

On the morning of Monday, August 19th, 2024, some strange development plans were leaked to the people of Florida detailing some new introductions into some of Florida’s most beloved state parks. These plans were proposed by the Executive Office of the Governor in the form of nine different amendments to the current management plans for these state parks. Very soon after, these leaked plans were publicly announced by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). After issuing a press release containing the new management plans for nine state parks (that were titled “The 2024-2025 Great Outdoors Initiative”), some commotion began among the nature-lovers of Florida because these plans all included developments of new 9 to 18-hole golf courses, resort hotels, pickleball and disc golf courses, and many more expansions that would be built into these natural areas. Johnathan Dickinson State Park, found in Martin County, was one of the most impacted parks. These plans included the construction of an 18-hole and a 9-hole golf course expanding to roughly 550 acres of land and another 18-hole golf course encompassing roughly 500 acres of land. If this development were to be completed, over 1000 acres of natural land would be paved over in this state park. And that is just one of nine.

Below are some links more information on the development plans of each state park and some other resources on how to help:

https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/environment/2024/08/24/heres-what-to-know-about-proposed-development-plans-at-florida-parks/74901488007

Florida State Parks Threatened by Development

https://floridadep.gov/parks/public-participation

Many native Floridians quickly became outraged at this advancement and the FDEP received an influx of backlash against their proposal. This was not only due to the nature of the construction plans, but also because of the timely manner in which they were announced. After the initial documents were released, the FDEP announced the scheduling of public meetings discussing the management plans with only 1 week’s notice. With the wording of the FDEP’s initiative announcement vague and potentially misleading, the people of Florida decided to act. Hundreds of thousands of emails were sent in disagreement with the plans, and many Floridians took to peaceful protest at the parks themselves. After all the uproar, the FDEP announced on Sunday, August 25th that they would be withdrawing the development plans for Johnathan Dickinson State Park from agency review. This acted as a great representation of the power of the people’s voice!

If you would like to learn more ways to help speak out about this initiative, check out the link below!

UPDATED: How You Can Help Protect Nine Florida Parks from Proposed Development

Here is a link to a portion of the initial leaked plans:

https://floridawildlifefederation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-Overview.jpg

Here is a link to the “2024-2025 Great Outdoors Initiative” Announcement:

https://floridawildlifefederation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DEP-Announces-2024-25-Great-Outdoors-Initiative-to-Increase-Public-Access-Recreation-and-Lodging-at-Florida-State-Parks.pdf

 There are many things that Florida is known for: its hot summers, beautiful wildlife, vast wetlands, sunny beaches, and most of all, its erratic and rainy weather. The wet season in Florida runs roughly from mid-May to mid-October according to the National Weather Service. For those who have grown to know Florida’s personality like the back of their hand, the random rain and intense heat don’t seem to phase them at all. But those folks also know the importance of properly preparing for a natural disaster. One kind being the most common disaster of the Florida rainy season that the locals know all too well: hurricanes.

https://www.weather.gov/media/mfl/news/RainySeasonOutlook2024.pdf

               As we slowly approach the end of the wet season here in Florida, it is important to keep all of your family’s hurricane supplies well-stocked and up to date. Just because we are nearing the end does not mean we are invincible! In fact, almost all the major hurricanes to make landfall in or near Florida in the past two decades have occurred during the months of August-October. Hurricanes Wilma, Ian, and Michael were all very intense hurricanes and proved the importance of hurricane preparedness. Hurricane Andrew, occurring in August 1992, was one of the most dangerous ones in United States history and remains the seventh-costliest hurricane to hit the U.S.

               One of the foremost things to do to prepare for hurricane season is to stay in the know. Knowing what storms have been spotted in the Atlantic Ocean and which ones are at risk of making landfall is going to give families plenty of time to prepare. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides great updates as the hurricane season continues. Here is the latest update on how our current hurricane season is turning out:

https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/highly-active-hurricane-season-likely-to-continue-in-atlantic

               Many people will prepare for a hurricane by having a constant supply of materials in case a storm was to hit at any point. It is important to make sure these items are necessary and non-perishable. Although a hurricane kit can look very different to different people, especially to those living in different parts of Florida or different states, there are a few essential items that should be included in every preparation kit. Some of those items being batteries, non-perishable foods, water, flashlights, battery-operated radios, and much more. It’s also critical to note that animal and pet safety is just as important! Many people would agree that their pets are part of their family, so it is necessary that, during a hurricane, their safety is prioritized too. Make sure to add non-perishable pet food, extra water, and maybe some of your critter’s favorite toys to your hurricane kit. Here is a great link including all kinds of lists, tips, and tricks to create your own hurricane kit.

https://www.stateofflorida.com/articles/hurricane-preparedness-guide

               Although nothing major has hit us south Floridians this season yet, there is always time to prepare for a hurricane at any moment to keep you and your family safe! Here at the Sawgrass Nature Center, we hope you stay up-to-date, prepped and safe this hurricane season!

It’s that time of year again! The start of a new season filled with new friends, new teachers, and new knowledge! With another new school year comes another school supply list with new notebooks, new pencils, the latest trendy backpack, and more shoes for all the growing feet! Although the materials for a new school year are necessary, the costs can start to add up, and not just financially, but environmentally too!

According to the Environmental Paper Network, the production and disposal of three 100-page spiral notebooks (about 3.6 pounds of paper) would represent about 10 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.  Multiplying that by the number of spiral notebooks used in the U.S. in one school year equals out to a pretty substantial carbon footprint. Although totally outlawing the use of paper notebooks is not feasible, many families can try to reduce their own carbon footprint by using less paper and focusing on electronic solutions. In this article, one Standford University master’s student calculates the comparison between the carbon dioxide emissions and environmental impacts of three spiral-bound notebooks and one Macbook laptop.

https://stanfordmag.org/contents/should-i-ditch-my-spiral

               For many young students, switching from paper to electronic notetaking is not exactly possible, especially at the elementary grade level. However, this is not the only way to prioritize the environment when going back to school shopping! Rather than settling for the usual name brands of spiral and composition notebooks, there are countless eco-friendly brands that sell similar products that can be utilized. Some of those brands include Honeyoung Notebooks, Notely Stationary, Decomposition Books, and many more! The key is finding a brand that can be made from zero-waste, sustainable, and recyclable materials.

An eco-friendly paper notebook is not the only shift in back-to-school shopping. There are many other ways your family can reduce waste and live sustainably. Decreasing the dependence on plastic products can have a huge impact on the environment. Almost every standard school supply required for student participation in a classroom is manufactured with some kind of plastic. Making the switch to reusable lunch containers, recycled pencil pouches, staple free staplers, and other plastic free items may have a positive effect on the environment. Have you ever had to wait in a long pick-up car line? It might seem nice to be first in line to pick the kiddos up from school, but sitting with the car running for an hour burns about one-fifth of a gallon of gas and produces about 4 pounds of carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere. For an entire week, that’s 20 pounds of carbon dioxide added to your carbon footprint! As an alternative, save on gas and wait a bit to join the pick-up line! For more information on easy environmentally friendly back-to-school switches, check out this link:

https://ecolunchboxes.com/blogs/news/great-green-products-for-an-eco-friendly-back-to-school

Here at the Sawgrass Nature Center, we wish you happy sustainable shopping and good luck in a blooming new school year!