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Last week was our Thanksgiving camp here at Sawgrass Nature Center. We offer our educational learning camp during school breaks for children who want to be outside exploring nature and learning more about the world around us. They do this through different games, activities, and lessons that are offered throughout the week based on the theme of that week.  

The theme for this week was renewable resources and energy. We explored this topic by playing fun games and doing activities including using solar ovens to help demonstrate solar energy (and make yummy smores) and building pinwheels to learn about wind. This week also included lots of animal visits from some of our educational ambassadors that helped the campers learn more about the world around us and how humans interact with it.  

Our next camp is during winter break and is offered for two weeks. Below is a link with more information about the camp as well as the registration form. 

December 26^th-29^th Watery Wonders  

January 2^nd-5^th Native Apex Predators  

Here are some ways you can help reduce energy emissions in your daily lives: 

• Use energy-efficient lighting  

• By using LED lightbulbs and other alternatives, you can help conserve energy and save some money because traditional incandescent bulbs tend to waste around 80% of their energy  

• Home gardening  

• The plants in home gardens help the overall environment in different ways. Some indoor plants help purify the air while tree canopies outside the house can shade your home and reduce energy usage.  

• Wash on cold  

• By washing your clothing in cold water instead of warm, you avoid the energy costs for heating the water. This has many benefits for your clothes too including less stretching and fraying and minimal bleeding of colors.  

• Air dry what you can  

• When possible, try hanging clothing out to air dry instead of using a dryer. By doing this, it helps prevent wrinkles, wearing, and shrinkage from the heat. As a bonus, your clothes smell SUNSHINE GREAT! 

Green Friday is a worldwide movement that coincides with the day designated as Black Friday. While Black Friday focuses on getting great deals, Green Friday is meant to promote a more mindful approach when shopping. This is done by encouraging consumers to buy from more ethical and sustainable brands or choosing not to shop to help curb the overconsumption of goods. The idea is to support brands that work to help improve the world around us and become more conscious about how our shopping and consumption habits affect the world. 

You can do this by researching the brands you choose to buy from and how they source, manufacture, and distribute their products. You can also investigate their corporate culture by seeing the causes they support and the certifications they may have. This can be done through the company’s website most of the time. Below are some items to look for on a company’s website to look for when trying to support a company that is sustainable.  

• Sustainable certifications  

• Certifications are a great indicator of the values of the company and what they want to support. Good sustainable certifications to look for include the B Corporation certification, 1% for the planet, and climate neutral. These certifications are given to companies that benefit the planet which includes neutralizing their carbon footprint and giving away a percentage of their profit to certified environmental organizations.  

• Product distribution/sourcing   

• Another thing to look for is where a company chooses to source their products from and how they handle their distribution. Sourcing closer to their warehouse or using more environmentally friendly distribution methods are ways companies can reduce their carbon footprint. This includes limiting carbon emissions through the movement of products and limiting their contribution to landfills.  

• Product waste  

• The ways companies choose to dispose of their products is another vital thing to look for when trying to be more sustainable. Companies like Patagonia offer the ability to repair their items to reduce waste. Other companies will take advantage of broken-down products and reuse them in other ways. This is a process called cradle-to-grave where parts or the entire product gets recycled into something new.  

While shopping this holiday season, be sure to be mindful of the items you buy and companies you choose to support. Do your research and take time to consider what you need rather than rushing into a purchase at a sale- who knows, you may end up saving money in the long run. 

To learn more about the cradle-to cradle certification follow the link below 

Cradle to Cradle Certified® – Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (c2ccertified.org) 

As we enter November, we have entered the dry season here in the Everglades. The Everglades have two distinct seasons that are categorized by the water levels in the area. The wet season comes with a period of intense rains that typically lasts from April or May to October or November. The dry season typically occurs from November to April as the weather starts to cool off. During these months there is usually less humidity during the day and clearer skies leading to less rain. This period causes the area to dry up with the water levels changing dramatically each month depending on the amount of rain in the environment. These seasonal changes bring about balance within the ecosystem by helping maintain the health of the ecosystem.  

While this abrupt season change may seem like a lot to handle, the organisms within this area are adapted to handling the drastic change in the weather. Plants like sawgrass have long roots that help ground them during the intense periods of rain and allow them to access water that is deep underground in the dry season. American alligators dig holes in the ground that fill up during the wet season and stay filled during the dry season providing not only them, but other organisms with water and shelter. Other organisms work to retain water during this time to ensure their survival. Plants are adapted to utilize the water they have around them at whatever level is available. Lichen and moss take moisture from the air whereas local succulents store water in their roots and leaves to access later.  

These months also tend to attract other animals as well. Migratory birds and other migratory animals spend time in the Everglades during the cooler months due to the favorable conditions in the area compared to other areas of the country. The dry season provides access to food and shelter for these birds and other animals as they migrate to other areas south. The milder season is also usually accompanied by a nesting season for many animals. Rookeries (which refer to the group of breeding animals as well as the nesting area they use) are prominent within the Everglades where groups of migratory birds utilize the trees to nest and raise their young. These animals choose to escape the cold to reproduce in a warmer climate before making the journey back just in time to escape the rainy, humid wet season in the spring.  

 Here in Florida, there is a large diversity of animals that live throughout the different ecosystems that exist here. In southern Florida alone, the Everglades provide different ecosystems that house thousands of unique organisms. In these areas, all organisms serve a valuable purpose in the overall health and balance of the ecosystem. A great example of this is the apex predator- the organism on top of the food chain within that ecosystem. These animals help keep the balance within the food chain in the ecosystem by keeping other organism’s populations at bay. In Florida, we have many examples of apex predators around the state that are vital to maintaining balance in the ecosystem.  

American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis 

The American alligator is a well-known animal, especially here in Florida. They are seen in local lakes and ponds and have sometimes wound up in pools or backyards. However, this has not always been the case for these reptiles. The American alligator population was almost entirely wiped out because of overhunting and habitat destruction. Although alligators were always hunted by indigenous populations, around a century ago, the skin and meat of alligators proved to be very valuable to the public which led to overhunting. Because of the loss of most of the alligator population, the ecosystem of the Everglades quickly changed.  The American alligator was later discovered to be a keystone species or a species within the ecosystem that serves a specific role that affects the overall health or balance of the entire ecosystem. Because of protection afforded to the species through the Endangered Species Act, the populations today have made a comeback and are considered a success story of an endangered animal.  

Florida Black Bear, Ursus americanus 

The Florida black bear is one of 16 subspecies of the black bear and is the only bear species that is found here in Florida. Florida black bears eat mostly plants, insects, and carrion which does not describe what you typically think of as an apex predator. However, since there are few other animals that hunt and eat black bears in Florida (besides humans), they are at the top of the food chain. While the black bear populations in Florida have diminished over the years, scientists estimate that around 4,000 black bears still reside in Florida today. The main issues that black bear populations face in Florida are urban development and habitat fragmentation. Their habitat has been broken up by roads and development increasing interactions between bears and cars which have caused many casualties. The black bear requires from 15 to 300 miles of habitat to survive depending on food availability and the quality of habitat. Many Florida organizations are working to protect and reconnect land that is still available to help ensure the survival of this population.  Work is being done to educate local communities on how to protect the bear populations and learn how to live with them in Florida.  

Florida Panther, Puma concolor 

The Florida panther is a subspecies of the mountain lion. This species is found in southern Florida around swamplands such as the Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. The species is currently listed as endangered on the endangered species list due to overhunting in the 1960s by ranchers concerned about their cattle. The low population left the species vulnerable to major threats such as mercury pollution, disease, and low genetic diversity. Habitat loss and fragmentation continue to be an issue facing this species with the increase of urban development. The Florida Panther was one of the first animals to be placed on the endangered species list which has helped improve the population over the years. The local populations have grown from around 20-30 wild panthers in the 1970s to around 200 wild panthers statewide today.  

National bison is always celebrated on the first Saturday in November. This national day celebrates and recognizes the importance of the American Bison. Now we may not have any here in Florida, but American Bison have played a fundamental role in the expansion and growth of the indigenous people’s populations here in the US- specifically in the Midwest. The indigenous relied on the bison populations (among other things) for food and resources. They would eat the meat the bison provided and utilize the fur for coats and shelters. Today their role is just as important for the ecosystem of the Great Plains here in the US. The bison help maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem by providing food and shelter to many organisms. The American Bison is considered a keystone species in the Great Plains based on the way they walk and move through their environment. The bison will move through their environment and help aerate the soil around them. This allows the growth of different species of plants within the environment. Their fur also provides a way to help distribute the seeds of native plants in the area. The seeds get caught on their fur coats and will get distributed as the bison roams around the environment. These are two of the many services that these animals provide for the grassland ecosystems they live in. The plants that grow and flourish because of them also provide food and shelter for other animals in the ecosystem.  

While there are no bison here in southern Florida, the impact they have on their environment is important to recognize. Many different species here in Florida are also considered keystone species and are being threatened. Species like the gopher tortoise and American alligator here in the Everglades are examples of more local keystone species. Both of these species impact the environment around them in very specific ways that impacts the entire ecosystem. Below is an article that shows how important these native keystone species are to areas and why we need to protect them.  

Native keystone trees, flowers and shrubs keep keep food web healthy (floridatoday.com) 

National Bat Week works to celebrate and recognize these wonderful animals. There are more than 1,300 species of bats around the world which makes them the second-most common mammal species after rodents with a huge diversity among them. These animals play vital roles in the ecosystem scientists have discovered and need to be protected. Insect-eating bats are reported to eat millions of insects a night and act as a natural insect control for both humans. Nectar-drinking and fruit-eating bats help various types of plants and fruit species. By visiting the plants for food, they help to pollinate which in turn leads to increased production of fruit. This largely impacts the food chain for both humans and animals and can affect the overall health of ecosystems around the world. Pollinators in general are key to food supplies around the world. 

Bat species in general are primarily threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation that is happening around the world. Bats live in and around forests and rely upon trees as shelter and protection in addition to providing food. The insects and fruit that bats need to survive also rely heavily on these ecosystems and without them, the bats lose their food source. These areas are being affected by deforestation because of urban development and agriculture. This is a common story with a lot of different species that rely on forests and trees for food, shelter, and protection. There are ways to help out these bat species that you can do in your backyard. Simple things like keeping up dead trees (when it is safe), placing bat houses in your backyard (houses for bats to rest in), and reducing the use of pesticides can help protect and encourage bat populations.  

Below are more resources available to help educate about bats and their role  

Why are bats important? | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov) 

Why bats are the real superheroes of the animal world (nationalgeographic.com) 

Hibernate or Migrate – Bats (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) 

13 Awesome Facts About Bats | U.S. Department of the Interior (doi.gov) 

The Florida heat and humidity paired with a diversity of habitats provide the perfect environment for reptiles. Here in Florida, there is a large diversity of reptile species that are seen throughout the state. These include the iguanas you see roaming around your neighborhood, the sea turtles that make their nests on the beaches, the snakes that slither across the road, and the alligators that live in the Everglades. The native reptile species you see around (which does not include iguanas) play important roles in the ecosystem that are important for the survival of these areas. While the list above are well-known reptiles, there are many others that are not as easily recognized or talked about. Below is information about some of the lesser-known or protected reptile species that are native in Florida. 

Gopher Tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus 

The gopher tortoise is a threatened species here in Florida mainly due to habitat loss. Suburban development has fragmented and paved over the land that these animals use to make their burrows which results in less areas for the tortoises to live and reproduce. The gopher tortoise is a keystone species due to the important role it plays in its environment.  The burrows that are created by gopher tortoises house not only themselves, but other animals as well. Over 350 species rely on these burrows which include species of snakes, owls, rodents and mammals. As the gopher tortoises’ populations decrease, so do many of the animals that rely on them for survival. 

Eastern Indigo Snake, Drymarchon couperi 

The eastern indigo snake is another threatened species here in Florida. This is also due to habitat loss and habitat fragmentation (the breaking up of habitat) resulting from suburban sprawl. Adult eastern indigo snakes can travel for a span of three miles during warmer seasons to hunt. Therefore large, intact landscapes are essential for their survival. Developments like roads cause issues for these snakes due to their need to travel and hunt. More people mean more cars and vehicle collisions have become a major concern for them now. Here in Florida these snakes tend to inhabit pine flatwoods, hardwood forests, moist hammocks, and areas that surround cypress swamps and can be found throughout Florida and Georgia.  

Green Anole, Anolis carolinensis 

The Green anole is the only native anole species here in Florida. Although we see many other anole species throughout out Florida, they have all been introduced into the environment in different ways. These anoles can be found living in suburban areas with little trouble, but their preferred habitats are large, open areas to help them hunt. The green anole has a wide distribution area and is not considered threatened, but the competition with non-native species may limit resources for our native species. 

We have 5 native owl species that roam around our surrounding natural areas here in Florida. The burrowing owl, barred owl, barn owl, eastern screech owl, and great horned owl are all native to Florida. While most owl species are more active at night, several are common in urban areas so you may spot them around your neighborhood or even in your backyard. Florida’s only diurnal (active during the day) species is the burrowing owl which is often seen in open areas such as sports fields.

Owls are beneficial to our ecosystem and provide many necessary services. The main service they provide is population control, especially rodent species. By helping to control rodent populations, owls help prevent the spread of disease in addition to minimizing the damage they can cause. These rodent species have been known to damage crops, homes, and even land with an overgrowth of their populations. While owls play a vital role in the ecosystem, many owl species are decreasing in population due to a loss of habitat associated with an increase of development activities such as logging, agriculture, and urban sprawl. Owls rely on forested areas to live and hunt so by removing these areas they have fewer options for nesting and their food supply is reduced. You can help declining populations by introducing nesting boxes into their habitats, help protect natural areas where these animals naturally live, remove soccer nets when not in use to prevent entanglement, adopt a poison free stance on pest control and keep your cat indoors or closely monitored when outside.

 Energy impacts our lives every single day. We use it to power electronics, homes, businesses, and even cars. The goal of Energy Efficiency Day is to highlight how to produce and use energy in the most sustainable way and to reduce its negative impacts on our world. This includes energy production and energy waste. While we rely on energy every day, studies have shown that energy production and usage have had a negative impact on the world around us. Energy generation and waste has impacted our air and water quality through the release of particles, pollutants, runoff and contamination. These pollutants and emissions contribute to environmental decline and global warming. By working to reduce energy usage and being more energy efficient we can help reduce the effects that energy production and waste have on the environment and save money too!

Below are ways to be energy smart:

• Wash your clothes in cold water instead of warm water
  • This helps reduce your energy bill, prevents clothes bleeding into each other, and helps clothing last longer
• Change your lightbulbs to LEDs or more energy efficient lighting
  • More efficient lighting uses less energy to generate the same amount of light and saves you money
• Turn off lights and unplug chargers when they are not in use
• Use a smart thermostat
  • This helps to optimize energy efficiency in your home

Happy World Vegetarian Day! October 1st kicks off Vegetarian Awareness Month while also serving as World Vegetarian Day. This day and month are not meant to single out vegetarians, instead, it celebrates and educates others about this popular way of eating. Meat consumption worldwide has increased significantly in recent decades, with per capita consumption almost doubling since the early 1960s, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. While this may not seem significant in the grand scheme of things, meat consumption and demand worldwide has had a massive impact on environmental and human health. By reducing the amount of meat that humans consume, we can help reduce the impact this industry has on the environment. This does not have to mean completely giving up consumption of meat products. Being meatless even for a meal can have positive impacts on the world around us and our own health.

The meat industry alone contributes greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere through the production and raising of different meat products. Cows emit gases such as CO2, nitrous oxide, and methane into the atmosphere which are three gases that have been linked to global warming. In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, the meat industry overall uses energy to raise and produce the amount of meat needed to feed humans worldwide. Freshwater ecosystems are also impacted by the animal-based food industry. Not only are organisms (such as trout, clams, and crayfish) removed from the ecosystem for food, but their harvesting can increase water pollution in these areas. There are other benefits to eating a vegetarian diet besides helping the environment. Vegetarians tend to eat less fat and focus on foods that are rich in other nutrients such as fiber and vitamins. Decreasing meat consumption helps us focus on balance within our diets.

Below are some easy ways to incorporate meatless options into your everyday meals:

Instead of using meat for your tacos, try using refried beans

In your salads, try using nuts or seeds instead of shrimp or chicken

Use tofu as a substitute for meat in dishes like stir fry or dumplings

When making soups or chilis, chickpeas or lentils make a good substitute for meat

Try making a curry with sweet potatoes and/or chickpeas

Instead of deli meat, try using hummus or tofu for your sandwiches

Use meat alternatives instead of beef in lasagna and sauces

Here are some fun and easy vegetarian recipes:

Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas {Easy Vegetarian} – WellPlated.com

Easy Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers | Healthy Fitness Meals

Quick & Easy Vegetarian Curry {15 minutes} – Family Food on the Table