Monthly Archives: January 2025

This year, the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital (SNC) celebrates an incredible milestone—30 years of wildlife rehabilitation, education, and community engagement! Founded in 1995 by Joan Kohl, SNC began as a humble effort in her home, driven by a passion for wildlife and environmental education. In 2006, the center found its permanent home on Sportsplex Drive in Coral Springs, FL, where it has continued to thrive. Over the past three decades, the SNC has provided care for thousands of sick, injured, and orphaned native Florida wildlife, nursing them back to health and releasing them into their natural habitats. 

But the SNC is more than a wildlife hospital. It is a vibrant hub for environmental education and conservation advocacy. Through a variety of hands-on learning opportunities, including Camp Wild and educational programs like Meet Your Wildlife Friends, Bird Adaptations, and Everglades Communities—SNC has inspired generations of young minds, fostering a love for nature that lasts a lifetime. 

One of the most heartwarming aspects of SNC’s history is its community of dedicated volunteers, many of whom walked through its doors as young campers and later returned to give back. Owen Prager recalls their first experience at SNC: 

 
“My first experiences with the Sawgrass Nature Center were as a Camp Wild camper in 2017! I still remember how fun and exciting Camp Wild was for me, a young child with very few friends and a HUGE interest in nature and animals. I memorized creature names, traced out the best paths for bug hunting, and made friends—with people and animals alike!” 

As Owen grew, they moved into both Counselor-in-Training (CIT) and volunteer positions, helping to guide new generations of campers. Today, they still visit SNC to reconnect with the place that shaped their love for wildlife and conservation. Roksanna Keyvan’s journey with SNC started even earlier:  

“I stepped through the screen door, sunscreen still sticky on my skin, clutching a Barbie lunchbox and backpack, brimming with excitement for the outdoor adventures ahead. Within moments, bug box in hand and curiosity guiding me, I found myself surrounded by human, furry, feathered, and scaly friends—and I never looked back.” 

From a five-year-old camper to a Head Counselor and Environmental Outreach Intern, Roksanna’s time at SNC shaped her aspirations. Today, she is an environmental litigator-in-the-making, advocating for sustainability and justice through constitutional law and public service. Recognized as a Yale Conservation Scholar, she credits SNC as the place where it all began: 

 
“Watching generations of young people cultivate a love for nature and a commitment to conservation has been one of the greatest gifts of my life.” 

As we celebrate 30 years of impact, we reflect on the countless lives—both human and animal—that have been transformed by the work of the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital. From the tireless staff and volunteers to the passionate campers and visitors, SNC continues to be a place where curiosity flourishes, wildlife is protected, and a love for nature is nurtured. Here’s to many more years of conservation, education, and community! Happy 30th Anniversary, SNC! 

Florida, land of palm trees, beaches, and now snow? This week, the Sunshine State just saw one of its rarest weather events—actual snowfall! Between January 20th and 22nd, 2025, parts of the Florida Panhandle were transformed into a scene from a Hallmark movie, with some areas seeing a whole 5 to 12 inches of snow! That’s not just a light dusting—it’s enough to make a snowman, have a snowball fight, and completely shock lifelong Floridians! 

Historically, Florida and snow do not go well together. The previous snowfall record was set in 1954, when Milton, FL, received 4 inches. Before that, the state’s most famous snow event was in December 1989, when the flurries hit parts of North and Central Florida. Although it may seem impossible, South Florida has even seen snow within the last century. On January 19, 1977, Miami saw light snowfall, marking the only recorded snowfall in the region’s history. 

Being so used to boiling temperatures, many Floridians are asking, what caused Florida to turn into a winter wonderland? A powerful blast of air swept down from the Arctic, colliding with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. This combination created a rare winter storm that blanketed parts of Florida in snow. This storm may have fostered a fun snow day for many, but it also shut down a 70-mile stretch of the Interstate 10, stranded commuters, and left thousands without power.  For locals, it was both exciting and chaotic. Schools closed, flights were canceled, and social media exploded with videos of Floridians seeing snow for the first time. Some ran outside in shorts and sandals, while others dug out their long-forgotten winter coats.  

While the snow has already melted, this event will go down in history as one of the most unexpected weather moments Florida has ever seen. Some meteorologists even link events like this to climate change, as shifts in the north and south poles may be making extreme weather more unpredictable.  

So, if you’re a native Floridian who built your first snowman this week, congratulations! You’ve officially witnessed a once-in-a-generation phenomenon. 

Environmental education is a vital component in creating a society that values and protects the natural world. Even greater is the importance of establishing this connection with nature during childhood. By equipping individuals, especially children, with knowledge, skills, and a sense of responsibility, environmental education fosters a deeper understanding of the range of ecosystems all around and the role humans play within them. One mission of the Sawgrass Nature Center is to showcase the significance of environmental education and its impact on children while incorporating outdoor experiences and knowledge of the natural world. 

Right now, the next generation of scientists sit in their first classrooms and learn about all that the world has to offer them. This is the generation that is going to face the brunt of the climate challenges discussed today. This is why it is crucial that children gain experience with the environment, in and out of the classroom. Children who engage with environmental topics often develop a deep-rooted empathy for nature. This allows them to feel connected to the natural world. These children are also more likely to adopt sustainable habits along the way. Studies also show that integrating environmental education can enhance the overall academic performance of a child. Not only can environmental education foster skills that can be taken into the complex world, but it can embed the beauty of nature into the next generation, pushing towards a sustainable future! 

More often than not, the best forms of environmental education go beyond the four walls of a classroom. Getting children outside and teaching them the true application of their knowledge can have lasting impacts. Nature-based learning can deepen the understanding of ecological concepts, provide familiarity with local ecosystems, a personal connection, and commitment to conservation efforts. Finally, time spent in green spaces can reduce stress, enhance creativity, and improve overall well-being. 

Environmental education is more than a tool for understanding the natural world; it is a foundation for creating a sustainable future. By inspiring curiosity, environmental education gives individuals the skills to face the pressing environmental challenges of our time. For children, these lessons go beyond the classroom, shaping habits and values that will influence their decisions for many years. As we look to the future, investing in environmental education is investing in the well-being of our planet and the generations to come. 

Sources:  

https://www.neefusa.org/story/environmental-education/encouraging-youth-engagement-outdoors

https://www.neefusa.org/what-we-do/k-12-education/benefits-environmental-education?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://naaee.org/programs/eeworks/benefits-k12-students?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00958964.2017.1366155?utm_source=chatgpt.com#abstract

Florida is known for its sunshine, beaches, and, perhaps most famously, oranges. As the state fruit, oranges hold a special place in the heart of Floridians and their surrounding economy. But what makes Florida oranges so iconic? Let’s dive into the history of how this fruit became the state’s delicacy.  

Despite what many people may think, oranges are native to Southeast Asia, including regions of China, India, and Vietnam. They were first cultivated thousands of years ago and eventually made their way to Florida through trade systems and Spanish explorers. One of these explorers, Juan Ponce de León, is given credit for planting the first orange seeds that would eventually become the agricultural industry seen today. Over the centuries, Florida’s warm, subtropical climate and sandy soil proved to be an ideal environment for orange trees, allowing the industry to flourish. Today, Florida is the second-largest producer of oranges in the world, behind Brazil. 

Florida’s orange-growing season typically runs from October through June, varying slightly depending on the kind of orange being grown. The most popular varieties grown in Florida include Navel oranges, Valencia oranges, Hamlin oranges, each being harvested at different times during the growing season. Navel oranges, usually eaten fresh, are some of the most popular and are known for their sweet taste. Florida’s unique climate, characterized by warm days, cool nights, and abundant rainfall, creates the perfect conditions for growing sweet and flavorful oranges. 

Although the orange tree is not originally native to Florida, it has become a staple piece of the state’s personality. So much so that, in 2005, the orange was designated the state fruit. The citrus industry not only contributes billions of dollars to the state’s economy but also supports tens of thousands of jobs. The orange also helps cultivate the aesthetics of the state of Florida, orange groves dotting the landscape to the iconic imagery of orange juice served at many Floridians’ breakfast tables.  

Whether you enjoy a glass of fresh orange juice or admire the endless groves on a drive through the state, oranges are an historic symbol of Florida’s natural beauty and agricultural power. The next time you peel an orange or sip on a tangy glass of juice, you’re savoring a piece of the Sunshine State’s history and heart.