Nature
Nature’s bounty at Wacissa Springs
Weekdays are the best days to savor the natural beauty of Wacissa Springs, a step back in time to Florida’s past, a panorama perfect for birding and photography.
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
See one of Florida’s most unique, and most threatened ecosystems at Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve. Scrub habitats are easy to spot, because they look like a patch of beach or desert even though you’re nowhere near the water. Scrub habitats resemble mini-islands, because when Florida was still mostly underwater, these bits of scrub are …
The Science Behind Sinkholes: How and Why Sinkholes are Formed
Many Florida residents (myself included) have a secret fear of sinkholes. The earth suddenly opens up before your feet, and decides that it is hungry for your house, your car, and your very being. Terrifying to think about, and highly unlikely to actually occur. That being said, sinkholes tend to occur in areas that have “karst” topography. What …
Get Outdoors Florida! Targets ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’–We’ve Got the Cure!
Come to Natural North Florida and get cured of ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’. The Get Outdoors Florida! coalition is an union of public and private partners that include federal and state land managers; state conservation, health, and education agencies; educators; healthcare providers; non-profits, and businesses. These groups realize an imperative need to reconnect communities, families and …
Plant Spotlight: Cabbage Palm
The cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) is Florida’s state tree, and is also one of the most easily recognizable trees. It can be found nearly everywhere in Florida and is commonly used in landscaping. Cabbage palms are easily identified by the shape and size of their leaves. The leaf of a cabbage palm is very broad …
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park: The Beginning of Blooming Season!
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens is located right on the outskirts of Tallahassee, and offers year-round opportunities for visitors to experience outdoor Florida. The Park offers many different activities that should not be overlooked (see this post for details!) including several hiking trails, canoeing, swimming, fishing, and five miles of biking trails. However, it is the gardens themselves that …
Plant Spotlight: Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is one of the most notorious and commonly found plants, but it can be difficult to identify for those who do not have much experience outdoors, as it comes in a variety of sizes and is easily confused with other plants. The most commonly seen plants are the juveniles, and the leaves on these …