Category Archives: Uncategorized

Aquaculture is a farming technique designed to offset commercial fishing practices due to the high demand for these products. This is the practice of growing and tending aquatic plants, animals, and other organisms for commercial, recreational, and scientific purposes. These are grown to supply not only markets with food, but fish for bait, the pet industry, sport fisheries, ornamental practices, and food for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. This is done in both coastal and freshwater settings around the globe- not just here in the US thanks to more modern technological advancements. The growth of the aquaculture industry has also been linked to the limited amount of natural supply of ocean resources to meet increasing demands for fish and shellfish. 

With the positives this brings, however, to help meet demands for the fishing industry, some negatives have risen over the years. One of these concerns is pollution and contamination of local water sources. Waste production within these farms is disposed of in non-effective ways including contaminating local water sources. This has improved over the years with advancements in technology and research, but there are still concerns with waste management. This is where practices like aquaponics become desirable. As you will read below, this practice helps manage waste more efficiently and decreases waste production.  

Aquaponics combines aquaculture with hydroponics allowing farming of fish and crops together. Instead of using water for fish farming and crop production, water is recycled from the fish tanks and used to water crops. By recirculating and filtering the water in this system between the crops and fish, it helps prevent water waste and pollution. This also allows the crops and plants to have access to natural fertilizers and bacteria. These closed-looped systems also help prevent disease spreading among the fish populations increasing the fish’s survival rates. While the idea of farming fish and crops together may not be new, the 1970s and 1980s brought about aquaculture research which helped develop more modern ideas. Recent advances have made it possible for this farming to be done year-round, increasing the industry’s productivity.

I hear them before I see them. A distinct chirping and buzzing sound alerts me to look up and try to spot the quick moving Ruby-throated hummingbird. Although the Ruby-throated hummingbird typically migrates North through Florida in late February through March, they head to South and Central America in late summer to early fall and some even over winter in South Florida. Every year, they make an appearance at the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital in late November on our Powderpuff Trees. (Calliandra haematocephala) and hang around for several months. They also love purple salvia and have been spotted at our Orchid and Plant Festivals in December and February flitting around one of our plant vendor’s booth. It is such a thrill to see these beautiful creatures up close. 

Fascinating Facts about Ruby Throated Hummingbirds: 

• only breeding hummingbird in the eastern North America. 
• A Ruby-throated Hummingbird has only about 940 feathers in average, which are all replaced every year. For this, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds hold the record for having the least number of feathers of any bird. 
• It can fly straight to a speed of 25 miles per hour, and 40 miles per hour during courtship dives. 
• While most hummingbirds die within their first year, there are significant numbers of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that live an average of 3 years or so. The oldest known Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a lifespan of 9 years and 1 month. 
• Despite its small size, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird can fly over 3000 kilometers from the eastern United States, crossing over 1000 kilometers of the Gulf of Mexico to winter in Central America in just one flight. 

Interesting Facts about the Ruby Throated Hummingbird – Hummingbirds Plus 

With the holidays around the corner, we just wanted to take the time and say happy holidays to everyone. We have had another successful year here at our nature center and wildlife hospital helping the community in many different ways. From school programs and outreach events to animal intake, we have been busy doing our mission’s work within the community. This year, our summer camp was able to reach over 100 kids throughout the 10 weeks it was offered. This break camp allows children to become more connected with the world around them through activities and lessons focused on environmental themes. Our hospital was able to help over 1,200 animals such as opossums, squirrels, turtles, and different types of birds including hawks, owls, and songbirds as well. Throughout the year, we were able to reach and help educate over 6,000 individuals through school field trips and outreach visits with our programs. Our year was only successful because of the individuals who helped us including our volunteers. We had over 400 volunteers that were able to log over 7,000 hours with us. This includes volunteers who help us take care of our property, ones who help in our hospital with animal husbandry, and in our office with data input and customer service. Lastly, we were able to reach over 7,000 individuals through visitation, outreach, and events that we host and over 150,000 people through our social media platforms.

If you would like to help us continue our work here, please consider donating below.

  

The winter solstice is an annual occurrence that marks the shortest day of the year. During this time, the sun appears lowest in the sky and the Earth receives less sunlight- the days are shorter, and the nights are longer. This is due to the rotation of the Earth around the sun. In December, the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, and the winter solstice marks the time of the year when the northern hemisphere of the Earth is tilted farthest away from the sun. The opposite is occurring in the southern hemisphere. There the winter solstice is celebrated in June because in December, the southern hemisphere is tilted closer to the sun and in June, it is tilted away from the sun due to the rotation of Earth on its axis.  

If you look back in history, the winter solstice historically has been a time of celebration for many different religions and cultures to celebrate the winter season and the return of light after harvest. There has been proof of humans observing the winter solstice as early as 10,200 BC (around the end of the Stone Age). These traditions and celebrations often are accompanied by fire and light to celebrate the return of light. This is because after the winter solstice, days start becoming longer and the nights shorter as spring approaches.  

In November of this year, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) updated the plant hardiness zones. Although this might not seem like a big deal, changes in these zones could have greater impacts than you would expect. Plant hardiness zones are standards used by gardeners and growers to help determine which plants can grow and survive in your local area. These hardiness zones are determined based on each location’s average annual minimum temperature. These annual minimum temperatures affect the plants and insects that can survive over the winter. Insect species need to be considered in this because they also affect the types of plants that can survive in an area. Insects help contribute to beneficial processes for plants such as pollination, controlling pests, and maintaining healthy soil. Without the assistance of these insects, these plants would not survive.  

Due to increasing temperatures, these zones have needed to be adjusted. This affects not only the native plants in your area but the crops that farmers grow as well. With the change in hardiness zones, these growers need to make sure that the variety of plants they are growing can withstand these new conditions. In addition to the annual minimum temperature, other factors such as local rainfall and soil type also affect which plants can survive in an area. This could lead to issues down the road. These shifting conditions could expand the range of harmful and/or invasive plant and insect species which can overtake native species and cause competition within the ecosystem.  

See the updated map (linked below) to ensure success with your garden  

What’s Your Planting Zone? | USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map | The Old Farmer’s Almanac 

 World Wildlife Conservation Day is celebrated in the US on December 4^th every year. This day recognizes the continuous efforts to help protect and preserve the declining populations of plant and animal species worldwide. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (the most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus, and plant species) over 42,000 species are currently at risk of extinction. Of the total assessed species, 27% of mammals, 41% of amphibians, 13% of birds, 21% of reptiles, 37% of sharks and rays, and 28% of crustaceans are under threat. This is due to various factors including habitat loss (the decline of viable habitat), habitat fragmentation (the separation of habitat), hunting and poaching efforts, competition among species, and a lack of genetic diversity.  

This day also focuses on helping to combat wildlife crime and working to help enforce efforts set forth in the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA was created to help ensure the survival of species by protecting organisms that are threatened or endangered. This is done through seeking out and funding education and local conservation efforts, funding and providing the necessary means for research and data collection, and having governmental organizations (USFWS, NOAA, etc.) carry out work as well. These actions have helped improve the populations of many species that are threatened and have helped bring some species back from extinction. Some efforts have been so successful that some species have even been taken off the endangered species list. Animals like the bald eagle and American alligator were originally placed on this list, but with funding and efforts assisted by the ESA, were able to successfully recover and be taken off the list.  

Below is a list of ways you can help conserve wildlife: 

• Be more mindful of what you choose to support 

• Some of the products you use daily such as body wash and make-up are made from materials that can be harmful to the planet. Items such as palm oil and microbeads have had a negative impact on the environment. Be sure to research the products you use and the ingredients in them if you want to be more environmentally conscious. Buying from sustainable brands and sites helps the planet from reducing emissions and waste to supporting environmental organizations through these brands and companies. 

• Support local environmental center and areas  

• By supporting local areas and centers, you help support local conservation efforts in your community. Local organizations are focused on regional concerns such as native animal rehabilitation, environmental education, research, and conservation efforts that can have an impact in your backyard.  

• Backyard ecosystem  

• Your own backyard can be a chance to help improve local populations. By having native plants in your backyard and incorporating items such as bird baths and butterfly habitats, you can help support native species. Simple things like this help ensure the survival of pollinators which are valuable to the ecosystem. Bird baths provide rest as well for not only bird species, but for small insects as well.  

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.