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diamondback terrapin

Conservation Articles

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

A Peaceful Donation

Horse Creek

October 27, 2014    Sandra Friend

A donation of the 4,171 acre Peaceful Horse Ranch on the Peace River was turned down by DEP two years ago. It was just accepted as a future Florida State Forest

Springs of the Lower Suwannee

Algae growth on rocks at Manatee Springs

July 20, 2014    Sandra Friend

Visits to four springs along the lower Suwannee River enlightens us as to the changes occurring in Florida’s springs, even in rural areas.

Reflections on Madison Blue

Blue spring

June 18, 2014    Sandra Friend

Soaking in blue: reflections on the magical waters of Madison Blue Spring, an aquamarine pool along the upper Withlacoochee River, and its future as a spring.

Sea Turtle Walks in Florida

Green sea turtle nesting (FWC)

June 6, 2014    Sandra Friend

Watching a sea turtle come ashore to lay its eggs is an incredible experience. Here are some of the places where you can join sea turtle walks in Florida.

Chasing Rainbows: Florida Springs Protection

Submarine boat, April 1968 (Linda Friend)

April 3, 2014    Sandra Friend

April is Florida Springs Protection Month, according to our state agencies. A walk through Rainbow Springs State Park confirms that as beautiful as they look, the springs are not in good health.

FNST State of the Trail Report

FNST State of the Trail

September 24, 2012    Sandra Friend

The 2012 State of the Trail Report is a comprehensive overview of the Florida National Scenic Trail, including quality of footpath and land manager priorities. Download a copy for review.

2012 FNST Strategic Plan Released

FNST-Strategic-Plan

July 5, 2012    Sandra Friend

In early June, the USDA Forest Service, National Forests in Florida released the 2012 Florida National Scenic Trail Strategic Plan. This planning document is the first guidance document for the future of the Florida Trail since the trail’s original inception as a National Scenic Trail in 1986.

Texting tips to FWC

Bear at Kelly Park

December 27, 2011    Sandra Friend

A new way to let the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission know about things you see – positive or negative – on Florida’s trails is to send them a text.  Discover a dead alligator, hog, or bear?  Hear shotguns in the woods when it isn’t hunting season? Spot a rare or endangered species in …

The Weeks Act: a Century of Conservation

Pretty prairie in Juniper Prairie Wilderness

May 18, 2011    Sandra Friend

A follow-up to the conservation legacy of Teddy Roosevelt’s administration, The Weeks Act was signed by William Howard Taft in March 1911. It authorized the Federal government – for the first time – to purchase private land to protect watersheds throughout the eastern United States.

Endangered giant bat found at Picayune Strand

Florida bonneted bat FWC

June 16, 2010    Sandra Friend

During their first-ever bat monitoring program at Picayune Strand State Forest, FWC found a rare and endangered species – the bonneted bat, Florida’s largest bat.

Keeping track of Everglades pythons

Burmese python

September 20, 2009    Sandra Friend

I’m pleased to report that Everglades National Park is now on Twitter, sharing what their staff (and wild places) are up to, including trapping Burmese pythons.

Horseshoe Lake Park now thrives

Horseshoe Lake

August 15, 2008    Sandra Friend

It took community support to stave off a commissoner’s plan to sell a Marion County park

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