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diamondback terrapin

Conservation Articles

Articles on land and wildlife conservation efforts, as well as the management of Florida’s waters.

Conservation articles

Big Cypress Backcountry Access

An obvious watery path through wetlands

December 4, 2020    Sandra Friend

By December 15, all public comments are due on the new Big Cypress Backcountry Access Plan. Here’s our analysis of it and our opinions, along with a discussion of backcountry and wilderness in Florida.

Expand Econ River Wilderness

Econ River Wilderness east shore hammock

February 19, 2020    Sandra Friend

A proposal has been made public of a land swap offer between a developer and Seminole County for possession of Econ River Wilderness Area. We think that the existing preserve should be expanded, instead. Here’s how.

Hiking During Hunting Seasons

Hikers and hunters

How-To in Florida      ( Feature Articles )      

Florida’s hiking season is also the prime season for hunting in Florida. Be aware of where you’re hiking – many public lands permit hunting – for your personal safety.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day

Buck Lake Ocala

September 13, 2019    Sandra Friend

The last Saturday of September is National Public Lands Day, celebrated across America with fee-free entry to Federal public lands and volunteer activities at the state, local, and national level.

The Future of Florida’s Key Deer

Key Deer

August 21, 2019    Sandra Friend

A public meeting by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on August 22, 2019 is the first step in informing the public of the potential of Key deer being removed from the Endangered Species List.

Paynes Prairie: A North Florida Gem

Paynes Prairie blooms

July 31, 2019    Sandra Friend

A natural landform between Gainesville and Micanopy, Paynes Prairie is an immense and ever-changing basin

Identifying Florida Species

water striders

Use our photos and descriptions to help you identify Florida birds, plants, trees, wildlife, and more

Bioluminescence on the Indian River Lagoon

Bioluminscence in the Indian River Lagoon

June 30, 2019    John Keatley

It’s a summer thing, this shimmering glow of blue that rises from the shallows of Florida’s largest lagoon. Learn why it happens and how to see it yourself.

Bear season in Florida

Bears opening trash can

February 23, 2019    Sandra Friend

As Florida black bears become active in late winter and spring, the chances of a bear encounter go up significantly if you leave food unsecured outdoors – whether in your campsite or at home.

Our National Trails Legacy

Taquamenon Falls

September 14, 2018    Sandra Friend

Our beloved Florida Trail is only one piece in a nationwide network of trails born of the National Trails System Act, established 50 years ago by the U.S. Congress. Learn about the many National Trails across America.

Alligators Everywhere

La Chua gators

April 6, 2018    Sandra Friend

In spring, alligators become more active as the days warm up. It’s also mating season, so alligators are on the move. Expect to see them anywhere and everywhere along Florida’s trails.

Do Not Feed the Bears

Bear bags hanging at sunset on the AT in Georgia

February 27, 2018    John Keatley

Bear bagging is the art of hanging your food properly out of reach of bears. If you’re a Florida backpacker and haven’t learned how, here’s a short course. Securing your food from bears is required in the Ocala, Osceola, and Apalachicola National Forests.

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Big Cypress Swamp. East Coast Greenway. Everglades National Park. Florida National Scenic Trail

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Apopka. Belleview. Brandon. Brooksville. Bushnell. Canaveral National Seashore. Christmas. Chuluota. Clearwater Beach. Clermont. Coast to Coast Trail. Cocoa Beach. Cross Florida Greenway. Crystal River. Dade City. Daytona Beach. De Leon Springs. DeBary. Deland. Deltona. Dunedin. Dunnellon. Frostproof. Geneva. Inverness. Kenansville. Kissimmee. Lake Mary. Lake Wales. Lakeland. Largo. Leesburg. Longwood. Melbourne. Melbourne Beach. Merritt Island. Merritt Island NWR. Mims. Mount Dora. New Port Richey. New Smyrna Beach. Ocala. Ocala National Forest. Ocklawaha. Orlando. Ormond Beach. Osteen. Oviedo. Palm Bay. Ridge Manor. Sanford. Silver Springs. Spring Hill. St. Cloud. St. Petersburg. Tampa. Tarpon Springs. Titusville . Walt Disney World. Weeki Wachee. Winter Springs. Withlacoochee State Forest. Withlacoochee State Trail. Yeehaw Junction

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