Category: Wildlife

National Endangered Species Day

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Today is National Endangered Species Day. It’s the result of the America’s Endangered Species Act of 1973; the act sparked domestic and international conservation by providing a framework for protection. Protecting endangered species is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity and the maintenance of healthy ecosystems. Every species plays an essential role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems; 881 animal species have gone extinct since around 1500. We need to protect the ones that are left. 

Unfortunately, endangered species are currently under attack due to the America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act. Currently up for voting in Congress, this act masquerades as positive wildlife conservation while actually working to revoke funding from critical conservation programs. The Act also seeks to weaken the Endangered Species Act by tightening the definition of “critical habitat” under the law. By tightening the definition, the Act will keep crucial areas from being protected and increase the danger to endangered animals. 

Do you want to help your favorite endangered species? Giant pandas, sea turtles, polar bears, and whales are just some of the over 1,300 endangered species under threat by this Act. Sign the Ocean Conservacy’s Protect the Endangered Species Act petition, call your elected officials, and share the crisis with friends and family. 

Sea Turtle Nesting Season

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Sea turtle nesting season is officially underway on beaches in the Florida Panhandle! Turtles will lay their eggs from May through September. Did you know that a female turtle may nest several times in a season? Baby turtles hatch after 45-60 days; typically, a nest contains 50-150 turtles. Only 1 in 1,000 hatchlings make it to adulthood which makes limiting the human impact on their numbers especially crucial; they already have to fight through all kinds of natural predators to make it to the ocean!

Below is a list of some ways visitors can help the sea turtle hatchlings make it safely to the sea:

  • Turn off your outdoor lights if you live close to the beach. Turtles come ashore at night in the dark; any bright lights along the shoreline from condos, restaurants, homes, or even walking along the beach with a bright flashlight discourages them from coming ashore. Additionally, hatchlings can end up wandering towards the lights rather than the sea. 
  • Volunteer to walk the beach to find, mark, and protect turtle nests. These volunteers are called turtlers.
  • Leave No Trace; remove chairs, umbrellas, trash, and other beach equipment each night to help the mama turtles and hatchlings a clear, safe path. 
  • If you dig a hole at the beach, fill it in! Turtles can get trapped or injured in holes.
  • Education! Learn about sea turtles and share your knowledge with others. Many organizations educate on sea turtles and their nesting habits. Consider visiting the St. George Island Visitor’s Center or the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. 

First Ever ASC

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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).

Florida is a Hotspot

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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. 

 

National Bird Day 2024

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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.

Wakulla River Manatee Viewing

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Join Harry Smith Outdoors and fellow paddlers on a leisurely trip down the beautiful, spring-fed Wakulla River in search of manatees! The trip will be a 3 mile, 2.5 hour float perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned kayakers alike. For the price of $60/person, you get a knowledgeable guide, transportation (if needed), shuttle service, sit-on-top kayaks, a paddle, and a life jacket.
The trip begins at the “upper” bridge along Shadeville Highway and continues 3 miles down to the “lower” bridge where the shuttle will be waiting to transport everyone back. Please note: we recommend avoiding cotton in the cooler months. Additionally, we recommend bringing:
  • Water/weather-appropriate clothing & footwear
  • Wide-brimmed hat or ball cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water or your drink of choice. There is plenty of room in the kayaks for a small cooler. Alcohol is not allowed.
  • Lunch and/or snacks depending on the length of trip
  • Waterproof camera
  • Small dry bag (Ziplocks work great!) for personal belongings (ie. keys, wallet, phone, etc.)
  • Any personal items you may want and/or need (ex. medication, inhaler, etc.)

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. 

Visit the Facebook event page to learn more or message Harry Smith Outdoors, LLC via Facebook direct message.

Panhandle Butterfly House

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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. 

Right Whale Festival 2023

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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. 

Florida Bat Festival

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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. 

Panhandle Pioneer Settlement Rentals

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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.