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Sandhills Native Nursery, based in Fountain, is hosting its first Annual Sandhills Celebration (ASC)! Starting tomorrow, the three-day event will offer community education, kids’ activities, and opportunities to do some DIY activities. There will also be a collection of wares by local artists and snacks/drinks available for purchase from Wild Root. The event will run Thursday (12pm-5pm), Friday (9am-5pm), and Saturday (9am-5pm).
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Did you know that Florida is a biodiversity hotspot?! The state ranks 7th for animal biodiversity with 4,368 known species. We rank 6th for vascular plant diversity, with 3,038 species. Florida also ranks among the top five states in endemic species; endemic species are animals or plants that are found only in our state. For instance, 269 species of animals can be found only in Florida.
In fact, Florida is part of the North American Coastal Plain – the low-lying land stretching from Texas to Florida to New England. In 2016, the North American Coastal Plain was named the 36th biodiversity hotspot in the world. Biodiversity expert Reed Noss said, “Florida, in term of endemic species, is the hottest spot within the Coastal Plain.” There are one-of-a-kind species such as turtles, frogs, freshwater fish, mice, birds, and many types of plants and invertebrates.
Why are biodiversity hotspots important? Well, there’s a lot to cover but the overall message is that biodiversity creates a healthier ecosystem for all life on Earth, including humans. To learn more, check out this article by the Rainforest Action Network.
on The Avian Welfare Coalition makes use of the annual National Bird Day to bring attention to the harm caused by keeping birds in captivity. These glorious, free creatures are often stolen from their homes, have their wings clipped, and sent to be sold in pet stores or to the highest bidder. An estimated 60% of wild-caught birds die before they even reach international markets; this increases the number of birds that are stolen, devastating local ecologies and irreparably damaging bird populations.(1)
Even those exotic birds who have been bred in captivity experience devastating effects. The deprivation of their natural behaviors (for example; flying, flocking, nesting) is an inescapable component of captivity; no matter the size, a cage can never give them the space their instincts call for – the wide open sky. Confinement in cages can lead to neurotic behavior, excessive screaming, feather plucking, self-mutilation, and other destructive habits.
So, this National Bird Day, consider helping bring awareness to the plight of those birds caught in the global bird trade. Talk about exotic birds, do some research, take your kids out to see native bird populations, support reputable bird sanctuaries, or watch a documentary on the wild bird trade, birds in captivity, or the intelligence of birds.
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We look forward to guiding you on a unique, enjoyable, safe, and memorable experience! Have questions? Contact the event host, Harry Smith Outdoors, by phone – (850) 559-3400 – or email at hsoutdoors@hotmail.com.
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Did you know that the Panhandle is home to a butterfly house? No, not the world-famous Gainesville Butterfly Rainforest and McGuire Center for Lepidoptera & Biodiversity. The Panhandle Butterfly House had it’s grand reopening this spring and has been slowly improving it’s grounds throughout the year. It was originally located in Navarre but recently relocated to Milton.
The Panhandle Butterfly House is committed to displaying exclusively Florida-native butterflies; this allows visitors to learn about the butterflies they may encounter in their backyards and throughout nature in their area. Additionally, the House raises native butterflies, allowing volunteers and visitors to witness the full butterfly life cycle from egg to hatching to caterpillar to chrysalis and then – the emerging of adult butterflies!
Learn more by visiting the official Panhandle Butterfly House website.
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The 2023 Right Whale Festival will take place on November 4-5 at Main Beach Park in Fernandina. The festival is part of a regional effort to educate and protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. Every year in late fall, these endangered whales return to the warmer waters off the coast of northeast Florida to give birth and nurse their young. There are fewer than 350 right whales left.
The festival features family-friendly education, marine exhibits, animal ‘ambassadors,’ a beach clean-up, live music, kids activities, food, and more. Learn more about the event by visiting the festival website.
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Lubee Bat Conservancy is hosting the 2023 Florida Bat Festival. Come out on October 21st to enjoy the 19th annual event; it will run from 10am to 5pm. There will be a plethora of bats including the largest bat species – a Malayan Flying Fox which has up to six-foot wingspan. There will also be baby bats, bat-themed merch, educational seminars, live music, food trucks, vendors, a kids zone, and a beer garden. The beer garden is exclusive for participants ages 21 and up; the Beer Garden includes a souvenir glass and unlimited pours from local craft brewers like Swamp Head Brewery, Azalea City Brewing Company, and First Magnitude Brewing Company. Visit the Lubee Bat Conservancy website to learn more.
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The Pioneer Camp is excited to offer new rental options for families or large group gatherings. This is a great getaway for individuals, families, and youth/adult group gatherings for both single-day or overnight options. For additional information, pricing, and availability, please contact the office at 850-674-2777 or visit the Panhandle Pioneer website.
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Keystone Heights is a small North Central Florida town tucked away amidst several lakes. It boasts holiday parades down the main street, a great selection of outdoor activities for all ages, and a welcoming small-town community home to all kinds of people and wildlife.
Love lake days? There are SIXTEEN lakes for you and your family to visit including Santa Fe Lake, Keystone Lake, Paradise Lake, Crystal Lake, White Sands Lake, Little Lake Johnson, and more!
Craving some seafood and a fun festival? Check out the Cedar Key Seafood Fall Festival, the Sponge Docks Seafood Festival, or nearby festivals in Gainesville – a nice day trip.
Prefer parades? Check out the annual Christmas Parade, Christmas Boat Parade, the Micanopy 4th of July Fireworks Parade, the nearby Hawthorns Christmas Festival, and more!
Does this sound like your dream town? Check out this current listing by CLICKING HERE and start your journey to your small-town, dream home!
on Paradise Plants and Palms is excited to announce that they’re hosting the first-ever Emerald Coast Native Plant Fair! Join them on September 16th from 10am – 4pm EDT. The Fair will be a celebration of all things Florida Native Plants and conservation. There will be a variety of conservation groups, local artisans, native plant sellers/nurseries, and arts-n-crafts vendors. There will also be a food truck!
Along with arts-n-crafts, native plants, and food for sale, the event will feature free educational classes, wildlife conservation experts, and coastal ecosystem informational services. A complete list of native plant sellers, vendors, and conservation groups listed below:
Visit the event Facebook page HERE for more information.