#Birds

[xtruss]

Florida’s Vanishing Sparrows

A group of eccentric endangered birds serves as a bellwether of the climate crisis.

— By Dexter Filkins |July 17, 2023

The survival of the Florida grasshopper sparrow is in doubt, but the scientists who are working to help the species refuse to give up.Photograph from Nature Picture Library/Alamy

The Avon Park Air Force Range, in central Florida, is a noisy place. Most weeks, American pilots practice dropping bombs and firing rockets there, turning old Humvees into clouds of scrap metal and smoke. Last month, a crowd gathered at the range to listen for the song of the Florida grasshopper sparrow—a faint chittering noise that evokes an insect’s buzz, giving the bird its name. As the crowd looked on expectantly, a group of tiny birds, small enough to fit in your palm, ventured tentatively from a pen, looked into the sunshine, and then flew away. The grasshopper sparrow, a modest and eccentric creature that inhabits the prairies of the central and southern parts of the state, is considered the most endangered bird in the continental United States. The birds at the bombing range were part of a program to bring their species back from the brink. “It will be hard, but we think this sparrow is worth saving,” Angela Tringali, a researcher at Archbold Biological Station, which is involved in the effort, told me.

With its subtropical climate, Florida hosts a vast array of wildlife that exists nowhere else in the county. But years of relentless human population growth have driven many to the vanishing point: Florida is home to sixty-seven species of threatened and endangered animals, among the highest numbers in the continental U.S. Those include the Miami blue butterfly, the Everglade snail kite, and the Florida panther, of which fewer than two hundred and fifty remain.

Birds that nest on or near the ground—like the Cape Sable seaside sparrow and the grasshopper sparrow—are especially vulnerable. Grasshopper sparrows can fly, but they spend most of their lives on the ground, nesting in clumps of tall grass. This provides easy access to the insects that they eat (though it also makes them susceptible to predators, like skunks and snakes). As more and more people moved to Florida, their habitat—in the prairies that used to cover much of the state south of Orlando—gave way to shopping centers and housing tracts.

For decades, scientists watched the sparrows’ numbers slowly ebb. In 1986, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared them endangered; by the end of the century, there were thought to be fewer than a thousand left. Shortly after that, the population began dropping precipitously, and by 2012 as few as seventy-five males remained. Beyond habitat loss, the reasons for the steep decline weren’t entirely clear, though some scientists suspected fire ants, an invasive species. “We started to panic,” Mary Peterson, an endangered species biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said.

As the sparrows approached extinction, Peterson and other scientists decided that they couldn’t risk letting the bird continue to breed only in the wild. After identifying three concentrations of birds in protected habitats, and one on a private ranch, they gathered what adults they could and began breeding them in captivity around the state. Captive breeding is generally considered a last resort—some species of birds and other animals don’t survive it. But, Peterson said, “the risk of not doing anything could be catastrophic.” The scientists released their first batch of youngsters, a dozen birds, in 2019. Since then, they have bred and released more than seven hundred. In a good year, about a quarter of the chicks survive to adulthood in the wild; the release at the Avon Park bombing range last week brought the estimated number of birds to about two hundred and fifty.

The Avon Park range appears to be an especially promising venue for the birds. With more than a hundred thousand acres, it contains more than a dozen other threatened and endangered species. Twenty years ago, before populations collapsed, it was home to about three hundred grasshopper sparrows. The Department of Defense has proved to be an eager partner in preservation: Charles (Buck) MacLaughlin, the range operations officer, told me that the Air Force and the Fish and Wildlife Service periodically survey the landscape, when there aren’t air strikes scheduled. “I don’t think any have been killed there,” he told me.

Still, the survival of the grasshopper sparrow is in doubt. “Extinction is still a possibility,” Peterson said. The scientists aim to create ten protected sites of at least fifty breeding pairs each—a goal that is many years away, at best. The challenge is less in breeding sufficient numbers than in finding space for them; some ninety per cent of the bird’s historic habitat is gone. There are similar stories throughout the state. The Florida panther is making a modest comeback, but it’s constrained by human presence in the Everglades; last year, some twenty-five panthers were killed by cars. In the oceans off the coast, temperatures of ninety-plus degrees threaten coral reefs. But the scientists who are working to help the grasshopper sparrow refuse to give up. Tringali, the biologist, told me, “It’s really easy to do nothing. We are not done. We have a long way to go.” ♦

[udo0stories]

  Posted: 2/20/24 | February 20th, 2024 Miami is a lively city with a reputation for its beach culture, nightlife, and Cuban It is undoubtedly regarded as one of America's livelier, more entertaining cities Millions of tourists visit Miami each year. of visitors per year. Personally, Miami isn’t my favorite city in the States (though I do love the beaches), but there’s absolutely no denying that there’s a lot of fun to be had here. From beaches to partying to Cuban culture to the nearby Everglades, you can do a lot. (And if you’re looking to splash out, there are tons of luxurious hotels, upscale shopping districts, and high-end dining to be found here.) Here are some of my top things to see and do in Miami:   1. Explore the Everglades Everglades National Park has 1.5 million acres of swamps and prairies and is among the biggest and most distinctive public parks in the country. It is home to 14 rare and endangered species, including the Florida Panther, American Crocodile, and West Indian Manatee, among others. It has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. This exceptional habitat is home to more than 350 bird species, 300 fish species, 40 mammal species, and 50 reptile species.s liveYou can traverse the park on foot using a variety of hiking and biking trails, but you will need to take an airboat to get across the waterways. need to hop in an airboat. The park is only an hour from the city. Airboat tours cost around $37 USD. If you want a more active boating experience, kayak tours are also popular (expect to pay around $100 for a kayak tour that includes a kayak rental). 2. Visit Little Havana Little Havana, Miami’s Cuban neighborhood, was born almost overnight. In the mid-1960s, an estimated 300,000 refugees fled Cuba, with most landing and settling in Miami. Today, over 1.2 million Cuban Americans live in Miami, with Little Havana centering around “Calle Ocho” (SW 8th Street). This is one of my favorite parts of the city, and the food here is incredible. Eat in one of the little restaurants and bakeries, walk the vibrant streets, enjoy a Cuba Libre (rum and coke) or Café Cubano (espresso shot sweetened with brown sugar), or get in on some salsa dancing. It’s an arty, quirky neighborhood worth exploring. Food tours around Little Havana cost around $69 USD and are the best way to learn about the area from an expert local guide. 3. Admire the Art Deco of South Beach Located in South Beach, the Art Deco Historic District is an area of Miami Beach noted for its concentration of over 800 Art Deco buildings all within one square mile. Art Deco was a popular architectural style from France, common between 1910 and 1939, characterized by its bold geometric shapes, lavish ornamentation, and embrace of modern materials and technology. You can also take an Art Deco bike tour of the area to gain even more insights into the architecture and history. 4. See the Art in Wynwood Wynwood is a former industrial neighborhood that has evolved into a cultural hub and trendy hotspot for graffiti and street art, as well as hip shops, cool restaurants, chill cafes and coffee roasteries, artisan breweries, and art galleries. The most popular attraction here is the Wynwood Walls, a collection of 40 murals by some of the world’s best street artists. The impressive 35,000 square feet of outdoor space, built around existing warehouses, features artists from 21 countries. The murals are constantly changing, so you never know what you’ll get to see, but many murals address social and political issues, offering commentary on topics such as environmental conservation, immigration, racial justice, and human rights. The Museum of Graffiti, the first museum in the world dedicated to this art form, is also located in the Wynwood neighborhood. Wynwood Walls: 2520 NW 2nd Ave., (305) 531-4411, thewynwoodwalls.com. Open Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm, Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 10am-8pm, and Sun 10am-7pm. Admission is $12 USD, while a guided tour is $20 USD (includes admission).

Museum of Graffiti: 276 NW 26th St., (786) 580-4678, museumofgraffiti.com. Open Mon-Fri 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat-Sun 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Admission is $16 USD. 5. Take a Sightseeing Cruise Seeing the city by boat allows you to get a different perspective on Miami and its coastal sights, which are otherwise inaccessible by land. You’ll see sights such as the scenic Brickell Key, departing cruise ships from the Port of Miami, and the striking Miami Skyline. You’ll also see the opulent residences along the exclusive Millionaire’s Row (a section of Miami Beach nicknamed such for its luxurious waterfront mansions) and Fisher Island (an affluent barrier island known for its upscale residential community). There are a lot of cruises to choose from, but some of the most popular are Millionaire’s Row Cruises or Speedboat Tours. Sightseeing cruises are generally around $30–45 USD. 6. Learn to Salsa Renowned for its sizzling nightlife and rich Latin culture, Miami’s salsa scene is something that must be experienced. From the iconic Calle Ocho in Little Havana to trendy South Beach, salsa aficionados can find a variety of venues catering to different styles and skill levels. In Little Havana, Ball & Chain has free salsa classes every Thursday starting at 9pm. If you’re looking for more of a nightclub experience, Mango’s Tropical Café is the best place to go. They offer a Sip, Savor, & Salsa experience every day from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $89 USD and include beginner salsa and bachata lessons, a mojito, food, and entrance to go dancing in Mango’s Nightclub afterward (it opens at 10pm). 7. Immerse Yourself in Art An artsy, avant-garde city, Miami offers many different quirky immersive art experiences, with interactive installations, cutting-edge technology, and multi-sensory environments. Here are some of the most popular: Superblue Miami: Superblue is a huge (50,000 square feet) experiential art space that showcases large-scale, immersive artworks created by contemporary artists. The exhibits often involve interactive elements and cutting-edge technology. Tickets are $38.50 USD. ARTECHOUSE Immersive Art Experience: Artechouse is a space in South Beach that combines art, science, and technology to create immersive digital art installations. The exhibits often use projections, lights, and sound to create visually stunning and interactive environments. Admission is $30 USD. Museum of Illusions: Situated in Miami Beach, this museum offers mind-bending optical illusions and immersive exhibits that challenge perception. It’s a fun and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. Tickets are $30 USD. Paradox Museum: Fittingly situated in Wynwood, the Paradox Museum is a quirky and interactive museum of optical illusions. It’s also a fun activity to do with kids. Tickets are $30 USD. 8. Visit the Museums While museums aren’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of Miami, there are actually quite a few museums in the city worth checking out. Most museums here are art-focused (Miami is a big art city, if you haven’t picked that up yet), though there are also a few science and history museums. Some of the museums worth checking out include: The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, located in downtown Miami, offers interactive exhibits on science and technology, a planetarium, and an aquarium. It’s a great destination for families and science enthusiasts. Tickets are $29.95 USD. Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): PAMM is a contemporary art museum located in downtown Miami, featuring a stunning waterfront setting and an outdoor hanging sculpture garden. It showcases international modern and contemporary art, with a focus on artists from the Americas. Admission is $18 USD. HistoryMiami Museum: Offering a comprehensive look at the history of Miami and South Florida, this museum features exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs that explore the region’s cultural heritage. Admission is $15 USD. Bass Museum of

Art: Located in Miami Beach, the Bass Museum of Art focuses on contemporary art and features a diverse range of exhibitions, including works by emerging and established artists. Admission is $15 USD. 9. Do Some Water Sports Whether it’s the adrenaline-pumping excitement of jet skiing, the rhythmic experience of paddleboarding, the exhilaration of windsurfing, or the quiet calm of kayaking, there are tons of options to choose from. You can find pretty much every water sport here, including things like flyboarding, which involves riding a water-propelled device called a flyboard and combines elements of wakeboarding, snowboarding, and acrobatics. Jet ski tutorials are $139 USD (per group of two), parasailing is $130 USD, and flyboarding is $175 USD. If you’re on a budget or simply want to go out on your own, kayak or paddle board rentals are $19 USD per hour. 10. Visit the Vizcaya Estate No visit to Miami is complete without a stop at this historic 50-acre estate. This European-style mansion offers a glimpse at life in turn-of-the-century South Florida. It was built by industrialist James Deering as a way to show off his wealth to all his friends and is filled to the brim with Renaissance furniture, artwork, and tapestries. The 10-acre formal gardens were built to resemble France’s Versailles, but with palm trees, rare orchids, and Cuban limestone. It is one of my favorite things to do in the city. Don’t miss it! 3251 South Miami Avenue, (305) 250-9133, vizcaya.org. Open Wednesday-Monday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Admission is $25 USD (advance tickets are required). 11. See Coral Castle Coral Castle was created by Latvian-born Miami resident Ed Leedskalnin as a monument to his lover, who cancelled their wedding the day before they were meant to get married. Ed channeled his heartbreak into hand-carving 1,1100 tons of coral rock, creating various monuments and sculptures over the span of 28 years. He originally started building in Florida City, yet when a subdivision was planned nearby, he bought land further away, single-handedly moving the heavy coral carvings to Homestead (where Coral Castle is now). It’s a bit of a trip from downtown, but well worth the time. 28655 South Dixie Highway, (305) 248-6345, coralcastle.com. Open Thurs-Sun, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Admission is $18 USD. 12. Visit the Ancient Spanish Monastery Built in Segovia, Spain, in 1141, this monastery was intended to be a part of businessman and newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst’s property in California (Hearst saw it in Europe in 1925 and decided he wanted it for himself for his personal “castle”). However, after shipping the building to the US, there was an outbreak of disease. The US government was worried shipments from abroad would spread it, so he was not allowed to unload his cargo. Then the Great Depression hit, and Hearst had to sell the property. It remained in New York until 1954, when businessmen bought it and finally assembled it in Miami. 16711 West Dixie Highway, (305) 945-1461, spanishmonastery.com. Open Wed-Thu 10am-4pm, Fri-Sat 10am-2pm, and Sun 2pm-5pm. Admission is $10 USD, and guided tours are available on weekends. *** Miami is the ultimate escape for fun in the sun. People come here to let loose, visit nightclubs, lounge on the beach, and drink the nights away. And while that can certainly all be a fun time, there’s a lot more to Miami than just beaches and clubs. The city offers a dynamic fusion of art, music, and great food, and I encourage you to get out there and explore it! Book Your Trip to Miami: Logistical Tips and Tricks Book Your FlightFind a cheap flight by using SkyScanner. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is left unturned! Book Your AccommodationYou can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com, as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Don’t Forget Travel InsuranceTravel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.

It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are: Looking for the best companies to save money with?Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel, and I think they will help you too! Looking for more information on visiting Miami?Check out my in-depth destination guide to Miami for more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!    

[unesco-bmw]

National parks are present to fulfill several important purposes, aiming to protect and preserve natural, cultural, and historical resources for the benefit of present and future generations. These are some of the key reasons for the existence of national parks.

a. Conservation of Biodiversity

National parks are designated to safeguard diverse ecosystems, plant and animal species, and their habitats. These protected areas play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and preventing the extinction of endangered and threatened species.

b. Preservation of Natural Beauty

National parks encompass breathtaking landscapes, unique geological formations, and scenic wonders. They provide opportunities for recreation, outdoor activities, and connecting with nature.

c. Research and Education

National parks serve as living laboratories for scientists and researchers to study various aspects of the environment. They offer educational opportunities for visitors, promoting environmental awareness and appreciation.

d. Cultural and Historical Significance

Some national parks hold historical and cultural significance, protecting archaeological sites, cultural artifacts, and traditional practices of indigenous communities. They showcase the nation's heritage and history.

e. Mitigating Climate Change

National parks contribute to climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon, preserving natural carbon sinks like forests and wetlands, and protecting watersheds.

Eliminating national parks from our cities would have several adverse effects on the environment, communities, and overall well-being. The Everglades National Park in Florida, USA, is an excellent example of the potential adverse effects of eliminating a national park from a city.

a. Loss of Biodiversity

The Everglades is a unique and diverse ecosystem, providing habitat to numerous species, including the endangered Florida panther and the American alligator. Eliminating the national park could lead to habitat destruction and a decline in biodiversity.

b. Environmental Degradation

The Everglades act as a natural filter for water, improving its quality and supplying clean water to cities and communities. Without the park's protection, water pollution and degradation of wetlands could harm water quality and ecosystems.

c. Impact on Recreation and Tourism

The Everglades attract tourists from all over the world, providing recreational opportunities like bird-watching, boating, and hiking. Eliminating the national park would reduce recreational options and tourism revenue for local communities.

d. Disruption of Ecosystem Services

The Everglades support essential ecosystem services like flood control and water purification. Losing the park's protective status might lead to increased flooding and compromised water quality.

e. Cultural and Historical Loss

The Everglades have cultural importance to the indigenous Seminole Tribe and hold historical significance as a unique natural landscape. Removing its national park status would jeopardize these cultural and historical resources.

National parks like the Everglades play a vital role in conserving biodiversity, protecting natural beauty, providing research and educational opportunities, preserving cultural heritage, and mitigating climate change. Removing national park status from such areas would have significant adverse effects on the environment, local communities, and the overall well-being of present and future generations. It is crucial to recognize the value of these protected areas and prioritize their preservation for the greater benefit of both humans and the natural world

[roamanddiscover]

Cuba

Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, is a country that boasts a rich culture, fascinating history, and vibrant tourism industry. From its stunning natural landscapes to its colorful cities and warm people, Cuba has something to offer everyone. Let's take a closer look at some of the key aspects that make this country so unique and attractive to visitors. The name "Cuba" is believed to have its origin in the Taíno language, the indigenous people of the island prior to its colonization by the Spanish. They called the island "Coabana," which is thought to mean "great place." Over time, the name evolved into "Cuba." Cuba has a long and complex history. Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the late 15th century, the island was inhabited by the Taíno people. During the colonial period, Cuba became a major center of trade and commerce, particularly in sugar production. In the 20th century, Cuba underwent a series of political upheavals, including the Cuban Revolution of the 1950s, which saw the establishment of the socialist government that remains in power today. Despite its tumultuous past, Cuba is now a country rich in culture and history, with a unique blend of African, European, and indigenous influences. Cuba is geologically unique due to its location at the boundary between two major tectonic plates, which gives rise to a diverse range of landscapes and features. The island is home to a number of mountain ranges, as well as low-lying plains, wetlands, and coastal regions, all of which provide habitats for a rich variety of plant and animal species. Cuba's geology also contributes to its stunning natural beauty, with beaches, waterfalls, and limestone caves attracting millions of tourists each year. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and is located just 90 miles south of Florida. The country is divided into 15 provinces, each with its own unique cultural and natural heritage. From the bustling streets of Havana to the mountainous terrain of the Sierra Maestra, Cuba's geography is as varied as it is picturesque. The island is also home to a number of important wetlands and natural reserves, which are vital for the conservation of both endemic and migratory species of plants and animals. Cuba's ecology is one of its greatest assets, with a wealth of unique habitats and species found nowhere else on earth. From tropical rainforests to coral reefs, Cuba's natural beauty is a testament to its commitment to conservation and environmental protection. The country has a number of national parks and protected areas, such as the Ciénaga de Zapata, which is the largest wetland in the Caribbean and home to over 900 plant and animal species. Cuba's biodiversity is legendary, with over 7,000 species of plants and animals found on the island. This includes over 350 species of birds, as well as endemic species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Cuba is also home to a number of endangered or threatened species, such as the Cuban crocodile, the Cuban hutia, and the ivory-billed woodpecker, which is considered extinct in all other parts of the world. Cuba's climate is tropical, with year-round warm temperatures and high humidity. The island experiences two main seasons – the wet season, which runs from May to October, and the dry season, which runs from November to April. However, there are regional variations, with the eastern parts of Cuba experiencing a longer wet season than the western parts. Hurricanes can also occur between June and November, particularly in the northern and eastern regions of the island. Like many countries, Cuba faces a number of environmental challenges, including deforestation, erosion, and soil degradation. However, the Cuban government has taken a proactive approach to tackling these issues, with a number of policies in place to promote sustainable land use, habitat conservation, and renewable energy. The country is also a pioneer in organic agriculture, with over 200,000 small-scale farmers producing organic crops and livestock. Cuba is a socialist republic with a one-party system of government. The Communist Party of Cuba is the only legal political party in the country and exercises significant control over government policies and decision-making. The current president of Cuba is Miguel Díaz-Canel, who took office in 2018. Despite its political system, Cuba is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world, drawn by its unique culture, history, and natural beauty. Cuba's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which generates significant revenue for the country. Other important industries include agriculture, mining, and construction. Despite the country's wealth of natural resources, Cuba's economy has faced significant challenges, including an ongoing trade embargo by the United States. The Cuban government has introduced a number of economic reforms in recent years to try and stimulate growth and attract foreign investment. Cuba's infrastructure is somewhat limited, with many areas of the country lacking basic services such as reliable electricity and running water. However, the government has made significant investments in transportation, energy, and communication systems in recent years, particularly in the tourism sector. Cuba has a number of airports, ports, and highways, as well as a national railway system that connects many parts of the island. Cuba has made significant advances in the fields of science and technology, particularly in the areas of medicine and biotechnology. Cuban scientists have developed a number of innovative drugs and medical treatments, including a lung cancer vaccine that has shown promising results in clinical trials. The country is also a pioneer in renewable energy, with a number of large-scale wind and solar projects aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Cuba has produced a number of famous artists, writers, musicians, and sports figures over the years. Some of the most notable include author Ernest Hemingway, musicians Compay Segundo and Ibrahim Ferrer, and baseball players José Contreras and Yasiel Puig. Cuba's cultural heritage is an important part of its identity and remains a major draw for visitors from around the world. Cuba is a multiethnic country with a population of over 11 million people. The majority of Cubans are of mixed Afro-Caribbean and European descent. The country has a high literacy rate, with education and healthcare being free and available to all. Life expectancy is also relatively high, with Cubans living, on average, into their late 70s. Cuba is a predominantly Christian country, with the Catholic Church being the largest religious institution. However, there are also significant numbers of Protestants, as well as practitioners of African and indigenous religions such as Santeria and Yoruba. Religious freedom is guaranteed by the Cuban constitution, and the country is known for its vibrant and colorful religious festivals and traditions. Spanish is the official language of Cuba, spoken by the majority of the population. However, there are also significant numbers of Cubans who speak English, French, and other languages, particularly in the tourism industry. Cuban Spanish has its own unique accent and vocabulary, which reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and diverse influences. Cuba has a world-renowned healthcare system, which is free and available to all citizens. The country has a high number of doctors and nurses per capita, and has made significant advances in the fields of medical research and biotechnology. Cuba is also a major medical tourism destination, with thousands of people from around the world traveling to the country each year to receive high-quality, low-cost medical treatments. Cuba's culture is as diverse and colorful as its history. From its music and dance traditions to its literature and art, Cuba has a rich and vibrant cultural heritage that is unique in the world. Some of the most famous cultural exports include salsa music, which has its roots in the Cuban son style, and the visual arts, which are known for their bold colors and dynamic themes. Cuban cuisine is also a major part of the country's culture, with traditional dishes like ropa vieja and arroz con pollo being beloved by both locals and visitors alike. Cuba is home to a number of fascinating cities, each with its own unique character and charm. Havana, the capital, is a colorful and vibrant city steeped in history and culture, with its colonial-era architecture and famous Malecon seawall. Santiago de Cuba, the second-largest city, is known for its Afro-Caribbean music and dance traditions, while Cienfuegos, on the southern coast, is noted for its French-inspired architecture and picturesque bay. - Havana - Baracoa - Trinidad - Camagüey - Viñales There are countless places to visit in Cuba, from the charming colonial cities to the stunning natural landscapes. Some of the top tourist destinations include: - Varadero Beach - Valle de Viñales - Havana's Old City - El Malecon - Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca in Santiago de Cuba Cuban cuisine is a unique blend of Spanish and African flavors, with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and bold seasonings. Some of the most popular dishes include ropa vieja (shredded beef), arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), and lechon asado (roast pork). Cuba is also famous for its rum, which is used in many popular cocktails such as the mojito and the Cuba libre. Flights to Cuba are available from many major cities around the world, including New York, Toronto, and Mexico City. Havana's José Martí International Airport is the country's main gateway, with direct flights to Europe, Latin America, and various cities in the United States. Visitors to Cuba have a range of accommodation options to choose from, including hotels, resorts, and private homestays known as casas particulares. Many of the country's larger hotels are located in the major cities and tourist areas, while casas particulares are often found in residential neighborhoods and provide visitors with an authentic Cuban experience. Cuba has always been a country of intrigue and fascination for people around the world. From its famous musicians and writers to its revolutionary government and tropical landscapes, Cuba has captured the imagination of people from all walks of life. While there are certainly challenges facing the country, its unique culture, history, and natural beauty continue to make it a beloved destination for millions of visitors each year.

Etymology

The name 'Cuba' is believed to have originated from the Taíno language, which was spoken by the indigenous people of the island. The exact meaning of the word is unclear, but it is thought to mean "where fertile land is abundant" or "great place." However, there are other theories about the origin of the name, including that it came from the Carib word 'cibao,' which means "rocky place," or the Guanajatabey language, where it meant "place." During the colonial period, Cuba was also known as 'Juana' in honor of the daughter of the Spanish monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. Later, it was called 'Fernandina' after the Spanish king Ferdinand VI and 'Santiago' after the patron saint of Spain's army. However, the name 'Cuba' continues to be the most commonly used name for the island. The name has also been used in various cultural references and popular media. For example, the famous drink, 'Cuba Libre,' meaning 'Free Cuba' in Spanish, was invented in 1900 when American soldiers mixed Coca-Cola with rum and added a slice of lime to celebrate Cuba's independence. Cuba has been featured in numerous literary works and films, and its name has become synonymous with its unique culture, history, and political situation.

History

Cuban history is a rich and complex tapestry of different cultures and influences. The island was first inhabited by various indigenous groups, such as the Ciboney and the Taíno peoples, who lived there for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The Spanish first discovered Cuba in 1492, during Christopher Columbus' first voyage to the Americas. The island was claimed by Spain and soon became a major center of sugar production and slave trade. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, Cuba grew in significance as a center of maritime commerce, and became a frequent target of attacks by other European powers, such as England and France. In the late 19th century, Cuba began to fight for its independence from Spain, culminating in a series of wars and revolutions that persisted until 1898 when Spain was forced to cede Cuba to the United States. Under American occupation, Cuba underwent major social and economic changes, with much of the country's infrastructure and natural resources being developed to benefit American interests. In the early 20th century, Cuban nationalism began to take hold, leading to the overthrow of American-backed regimes and the establishment of a new, socialist government under Fidel Castro in 1959. Cuba remained at the center of Cold War politics for several decades, with tensions between Cuba and the United States often coming to a head. Despite being under embargo by the US since the 1960s, Cuba has managed to maintain its independence and develop its own unique political and social systems. Today, Cuba is a vibrant and culturally rich country, home to a diverse array of peoples and traditions. Its history is one of resilience and resistance, and continues to shape the country's identity and relationship with the world.

Geology

Cuba is known for its unique geology, which has played an important role in its history. The island was formed by a series of geological events, including volcanic activity, tectonic movement, and erosion. Cuba's geology is diverse, with different regions of the island featuring distinct geological features. One of the most unique geological features of Cuba is the karst landscape found in the western part of the island. This area is characterized by limestone formations, including mogotes, or steep-sided hills, and caves. The mogotes are particularly striking, rising abruptly from the surrounding farmland and creating a visually stunning landscape. The caves in this region, such as the Cueva de los Portales, have played an important role in Cuba's history, serving as hiding places for revolutionary forces and as ceremonial sites for the indigenous Taino people. In addition to the karst landscape, Cuba is home to several mountain ranges, including the Sierra Maestra and the Sierra del Escambray. These mountains are not only visually striking but also function as important watersheds and habitats for a variety of plant and animal species. The island's geology also plays a role in Cuba's economy. The limestone found in the karst landscape is used for construction and building materials, while clay deposits in the eastern part of the island are mined for ceramics. Cuba's geology has also shaped its history in less positive ways. The island is located in a region of frequent seismic activity and is susceptible to earthquakes. In 1932, a devastating earthquake struck the eastern part of the island, causing widespread damage and loss of life. Cuba's geology is an important aspect of its identity and has played a significant role in shaping its history and economy. It is also a visually stunning feature of the island that attracts visitors from around the world.

Geography

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean Sea. Located between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the island spans approximately 1,250 km from east to west, and 100 km at its narrowest point. Cuba has an area of 109,884 sq. km, making it the 17th largest island in the world. Cuba is divided into 15 provinces and one special municipality, the Isla de la Juventud. The provinces are further divided into municipalities. The capital of Cuba is Havana, which is also the largest city in the country. The island's topography is characterized by a chain of mountains that run parallel to the southern coast and the Sierra Maestra range in the southeast. The highest point in Cuba is Pico Turquino, which stands at 1,974 meters tall. Regions Description Western Cuba This region encompasses the provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, and part of Havana. It is characterized by rolling hills and lush valleys. Central Cuba Central Cuba includes the provinces of Villa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, Cienfuegos, and part of Matanzas. It is a mountainous area with fertile plains and beautiful beaches. Eastern Cuba This region comprises the provinces of Camaguey, Las Tunas, Holguin, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantanamo. It is the most mountainous region in Cuba and is known for its rugged terrain, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Cuba is also known for its long coastline, which stretches over 5,700 km. It is dotted with beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and cays. The Gulf of Mexico lies to the north of Cuba, while the Caribbean Sea lies to the south. The Windward Passage separates Cuba from Haiti and the Dominican Republic to the east. Thanks to its unique geography, Cuba experiences a diverse range of climates. The western part of the island has a semi-tropical climate, while the east is more tropical. The average temperature in Cuba is around 25°C and the island has a rainy season that lasts from May to October. The varied topography and beautiful coastline make Cuba an attractive destination for tourists. Visitors can enjoy hiking, scuba diving, and snorkeling, as well as learning about Cuba's rich history and vibrant culture.

Ecology

Cuba is known for its rich ecology and diverse natural habitats. From lush rainforests to pristine beaches, the island has a wide range of environments that support a variety of plant and animal life. The country's commitment to conservation and sustainability has ensured that these habitats remain protected for future generations to enjoy. Cuba's ecology is characterized by its tropical climate and unique geography. The island is home to some of the largest wetlands in the Caribbean, as well as to the popular Sierra Maestra mountain range. The geography allows for a wide range of habitats, including mangrove swamps, coral reefs, and deciduous forests. The island also benefits from its location, which acts as a natural barrier to invasive species, helping to preserve the unique flora and fauna found in Cuba. Cuba's isolation has allowed for the evolution of many unique species that cannot be found elsewhere in the world, including the Cuban crocodile, the Cuban hutia, and several species of bats. Cuba's coastline is another key natural habitat. The island's beaches are home to several species of sea turtles, as well as to numerous bird species that nest along the shore. The coral reefs that surround the island are also teeming with aquatic life, including many species of fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. Despite the country's commitment to conservation, Cuba is facing numerous environmental challenges. Deforestation has led to the loss of many habitats, particularly in the mountainous regions. Read the full article

[allvtg]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: VINTAGE Florida Everglades Shirt Adult Large All Over Print Gator Snake Eagle.

[seniorlivingselections01]

ASSISTED LIVING IN PORT CHARLOTTE

CHARLOTTE

Boating at Port Charlotte Beach Park, hiking through Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, and admiring flora and fauna at the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens are just a few outdoor activities available in Port Charlotte, Florida.

If you are not a fan of outdoor activities, Port Charlotte has various other exciting locations to offer, such as the Charlotte County Historical Centre and the Port Charlotte Town Centre. Meanwhile, the Cultural Center of Charlotte County and the Visani Restaurant and Theatre offer fantastic possibilities for art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the city’s distinct culture.

Make sure to check out the activities listed below if you’re planning a trip to Port Charlotte soon:

NORTH CHARLOTTE REGIONAL PARK

There are adult and teen baseball fields, four soccer fields, and a disc golf course in North Charlotte Regional Park. A playground is available for use by younger children who are more interested in some enjoyable playtime. Baseball lovers in Port Charlotte should know that North Charlotte Regional Park has hosted several tournaments, including the Snowbird Baseball Classic, which draws teams from Ohio State University, the University of Michigan, and the Air Force Academy.

BAYSHORE LIVE OAK PARK

Bayshore Live Oak Park stretches along Bayshore Road’s picturesque coastline. There are numerous walking and bike trails as well as a picnic pavilion, fishing jetties, and boat piers. Bayshore Live Oak Park is a perfect place to spend a great day out with your family while soaking up some sun.

CULTURAL CENTER OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Visit The Cultural Center of Charlotte County for a variety of concerts, art fairs, and other activities. These events vary depending on when you visit, so check their website for more information before your next trip. Jordan Feliz, Hotel California, and Big Daddy Weave, all well-known American artists from around the country, have performed at previous events here.

PORT CHARLOTTE BEACH PARK

Port Charlotte Beach Park is a perfect place for adventure and sports enthusiasts. Fishing, canoeing, kayaking, as well as basketball, volleyball, tennis, and swimming at the pool or beach are all available here.

The leisure center in Port Charlotte Beach Park also offers various entertaining activities for adults and children, such as an Open Water Scuba Diving Class and a Family Storytime: Stories in the Stars session.

TIPPECANOE ENVIRONMENTAL PARK

Tippecanoe Environmental Park is a large nature preserve with three distinct terrains: coastal scrub, pine flatwoods, and salt marsh, all within a short distance of each other. The Florida scrub-jay and the bald eagle are just two of the endangered and rarely seen wildlife species that may be found at this preserve. Throughout the year, a diverse assortment of wading birds, singing birds, and birds of prey can be observed here, and many migratory birds can be seen during the winter.

MAPLE LEAF GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

The Maple Leaf Golf and Country Club is a fantastic spot to play golf with friends and family. It offers breathtaking views of crystal clear lakes and lush greenery. The club is also a favorite vacation hangout for celebrities and politicians, so if you want to live a high life like a star, this country club is the place to go.

CHARLOTTE SPORTS PARK

Charlotte Sports Park is a fantastic venue to witness a thrilling baseball game — or participate in one yourself! Although admission to Charlotte Sports Park is free, there is a rental fee if you want to use their baseball fields or open spaces. A children’s play area, an outfield bar, some batting cages, a covered pavilion, and conference rooms are all available in the area.

ASSISTED LIVING IN PORT CHARLOTTE

If you love nature, art, and sports, you might want to consider assisted living in Port Charlotte, Florida for you or your loved ones. Aside from plenty of worthwhile outdoor and indoor activities, this city offers excellent senior facilities. Senior Living Selections’ assisted living services in Port Charlotte include specialized care programs for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

[rjzimmerman]

The pleasant surprise of the day!

Excerpt from this story from National Geographic:

Florida made conservation history by enacting a bill and securing $400 million in funding to help protect the state’s vast network of natural areas.

Known as the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, the legislation passed the Florida State Senate and House unanimously in late April. It was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on the evening of June 29.

The act formally recognizes the existence of the Florida wildlife corridor, an interconnected web of green spaces throughout much of the state that includes forests, swamps, fields, pastures, timberlands, and even the edges of suburbs.

These areas are crucial for the existence of Florida’s rich wildlife, especially wide-ranging species such as Florida panthers, black bears, otters, alligators, and many types of birds. Habitat fragmentation, caused by roads and development, is one of the most critical but least recognized threats to biodiversity.

Along with the bill, the legislature has also earmarked $300 million toward protecting lands within the corridor, which can be used to fund conservation easements on private property or acquire land. That’s in addition to $100 million allocated generally to the main state’s land conservation program, called Florida Forever, which functions similarly, though over a slightly broader geographic area.

The act is also intended to protect agricultural lands from development, to provide for continued recreational access to natural areas, and to safeguard clean water and air. That’s vital in the third most populous state, where an average of nearly a thousand people move every day.

“It’s the best hope we got,” says Cary Lightsey, a sixth-generation cattle rancher who lives near Lake Kissimmee, of the corridor bill. Protecting these lands will “keep our natural resources going, protect our endangered species, and most of all, the landscape.”For an environmental bill to pass with unanimous bipartisan support is unusual in today’s political climate, but it shows that land conservation, and specifically wildlife corridors, can transcend  partisan divisions, says Jason Lauritsen, executive director of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Coalition.

“It’s an issue of marrying green infrastructure and a healthy ecosystem with vibrant economies,” Lauritsen says.

[tcm]

Classic Environmental Films for Earth Day By Raquel Stecher

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, a global initiative to promote awareness about a variety of environmental issues. Earth Day was founded by U.S. Senator from Wisconsin Gaylord Nelson. He was spurred to action after witnessing the devastating effects the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California had on the local wildlife. The first Earth Day was held on April 22nd, 1970 and has been celebrated yearly ever since. It began in the U.S. with teach-ins, public demonstrations and protests at schools and universities across the state. By 1990, it had become a global event.

Over the years, films have highlighted a variety of environmental concerns. Director Pare Lorentz made the ground-breaking government films THE PLOW THAT BROKE THE PLAINS (’36) and THE RIVER (’38), which used extensive documentary footage and dramatic music and narration to demonstrate key ecological crises happening in pre-WWII America. Other more contemporary documentaries, like Godfrey Reggio’s visual poem KOYAANISQATSI (’82) and Al Gore’s hard-hitting AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH (’06), made a profound impact on viewers. By the mid-20th century, the conservation movement had come to a tipping point and environmental issues continued to pop up in feature films.

Let’s take a look at some feature films of that time with notable environmental themes.

WIND ACROSS THE EVERGLADES (’58) — After the success of ON THE WATERFRONT (’54), Budd Schulberg started a production company with his brother Stuart and their first project was the Warner Bros. film WIND ACROSS THE EVERGLADES. The film stars Burl Ives as Cottonmouth, a rare bird poacher who rules the Everglades with an iron fist. His nemesis is Walt Murdock (Christopher Plummer), an ornithologist who is determined to save the endangered birds. The film was shot on location in the Everglades of South Florida, the first production of its kind according to the proclamation in the film’s trailer. The story touches upon the challenges environmentalists face in doing their jobs, often putting their lives at risk to do so.

NO BLADE OF GRASS (’70) —When actor Cornel Wilde started working behind the camera as a director, he took on some interesting projects including THE NAKED PREY (’65) and the environmental disaster film NO BLADE OF GRASS. The year 1970 proved to be important in the environmental movement, and Wilde’s film explored the chaos that ensues during an ecological catastrophe. A viral pandemic sweeps the globe killing plant life, including grass, wheat and rice. The rapidly shrinking food supply causes widespread famine and political unrest in the form of bombings, rioting, looting and mass killings. Wilde’s film was based on John Christopher’s novel The Death of Grass published in 1956. In addition to directing, Wilde also produced and co-wrote the screenplay under the pseudonym Jefferson Pascal.

SILENT RUNNING (’72) —If you take the impending ecological disaster in NO BLADE OF GRASS and take it one step further, you get the post-apocalyptic science fiction movie SILENT RUNNING. Directed by Douglas Trumbull, the film takes place in the distant future when all of Earth’s flora has gone extinct and humans are now living in space. It stars Bruce Dern as Freeman Lowell, a botanist working on a spaceship, a Noah’s Ark of sorts, where he tends to the last remaining specimens of plants. While Freeman’s shipmates are happy with their new lives, Freeman is determined that his work can bring back life on Earth. When asked why he wants to go back to the now-abandoned Earth, he responds with the timely response “because it’s not too late to change it.”

SOYLENT GREEN (’73) — Set in the year 2022, SOYLENT GREEN imagines a world where pollution and over population have destroyed the majority of food supply leaving little for consumption. The rich still get access to fresh food and clean water while the poor are rationed food in the form of Soylent (soy and lentil) wafers. Directed by Richard Fleischer, the film stars Charlton Heston as a police detective who, while investigating an assassination, uncovers more than he bargained for. While the famous line of the film spoils the ending, it’s still a fascinating and engaging film that delivers a stark warning about the dangers of over-consumption.

THE CHINA SYNDROME (’79) — Growing concerns for the impact nuclear power was having on the environment made THE CHINA SYNDROME incredibly timely. The film stars Jane Fonda and Michael Douglas as a news reporter and cameraman investigating a cover-up at a nuclear power plant. They work with whistleblower Jack Godell (Jack Lemmon), who is increasingly concerned about an impending disaster. THE CHINA SYNDROME debuted on March 16th, 1979 and on March 28th, just 12 days later, a nuclear meltdown occurred on Three Mile Island. Director James Bridges and star/producer Michael Douglas knew they had a timely subject on their hands but couldn’t imagine how timely it would actually be.

NEVER CRY WOLF (’83) — Myths about wolves have plagued the species for centuries. They were falsely accused of many things, including being a danger to humans and decimating populations of caribou. It was the latter that government biologist Farley Mowat researched, and his autobiography Never Cry Wolf, published in 1963, became a landmark publication that changed the public narrative about wolves. Twenty years later, Disney would bring Mowat’s story to the big screen with director Carroll Ballard’s film NEVER CRY WOLF, starring Charles Martin Smith as Mowat (AKA Tyler). The film features on-location shooting in Alaska and plentiful footage of wolves (albeit domesticated ones). It captures not only the struggle Mowat faced in researching this elusive species in an unforgiving landscape but also the delicate balance of nature and how harmful human activity disrupts that balance.

[save-the-everglades]

What is the Florida Everglades?

The Florida Everglades is a subtropical wetland that spans two million acres across South and Central Florida. It encompasses a mosaic of landscapes that include sawgrass marshes, freshwater ponds, prairies and forested highlands. The Everglades are connected by the seasonal overflow of Lake Okeechobee across the landscape into the Florida Bay leading to its dubbing as the “River of Grass”. [1, 2, 3] Landscape range illustrated below:

Due to the wide variety of habitats, the Everglades has a rich biodiversity with over 360 bird species alone! Unfortunately, human encroachment and pollution by urban development projects since the 1800s has led to most of the species in the Everglades being labelled as threatened, endangered or extinct. [1]

Everglade is not limited to animal diversity as it also supports a wide diversity of plant species. The unique mix of salt and freshwater give rise to a variety of wetland plant diversity from looming mangroves to a various rare and delicate orchids. [1, 2]

In terms of ecological services, the Florida Everglades provide a plethora of different service such as:

water filtration and irrigation [1]

flood buffer and regulation [4]

migration pathway

recreation resources (fishing, boating, swimming, etc.) [5]

ecosystem habitat

ETC.

Between the current destruction status and the range of unique environmental features, endangered biodiversity, and vital ecological services the Florida Everglades has been categorized as an endangered North American ecoregion. Recovery efforts by the cooperation of various levels of government, non-profit organizations and academic bodies are underway in an effort to rehabilitate and revitalize this crucial ecoregion.

-MOD Isabel

RB AND SPREAD AWARENESS!!!

Sources:

National Wildlife Federation. (n.d.). The Everglades.

South Florida Water Management District. (n.d.). Everglades.

World Wildlife Foundation (n.d.). Flooded Grasslands and Savannas: Everglades.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2015). Why are wetlands important?

U.S. National Park Service. (2020, September 9). Everglades National Park

[sawgrassnaturecenter]

Decline of the Everglades Snail Kite

The Everglades Snail Kite is a hallmark of Florida wildlife. Found in central and south Florida, this magnificent bird of prey thrives in swampy, wetland habitats (Audubon Society, 2020). Unfortunately the population of this seasoned hunter has dropped at an alarming rate.

The Everglades, a vital habitat to the Snail Kite, has been significantly reduced in size due to expanding infrastructure and construction of surrounding human populations (National Park Service, 2019). Fortuitously, organizations such as the Everglades Foundation have worked tirelessly throughout the years to restore and conserve the Everglades which is home to many of Florida’s unique species. (The Everglades Foundation, 2020).

But habitat loss is not the only struggle the Everglades Snail Kite faces. Their curved beaks are adapted specifically to feed on its namesake: Florida Apple Snails, or Pomacea paludosa. While there are several species of Apple Snails currently located in Florida, Pomacea paludosa is the native species of apple snail to Florida. There is some debate over whether local populations of the Florida Apple Snail may be a separate species from Pomacea paludosa (Schad, 2018), but we will only be referring to Pomacea paludosa for the purpose of this article.

One might think that the addition of new types of apple snails to Florida would mean the expansion of food for the Everglades Snail Kite, but that does not seem to be the case. Their beaks are so specifically adapted to the smaller, curved shells of the Pomacea paludosa, that the Everglades Snail Kite cannot use its beak successfully to feed on larger species of Apple Snails that are invading Florida wetlands. This poses another problem where the larger species of invasive apple snails are outcompeting and displacing the smaller Pomacea paludosa. The Everglades Snail Kite is facing food loss in addition to habitat loss.

But all is not lost. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, located in Fort Pierce, Florida has successfully completed research on the practice of captive breeding the Florida Apple Snail with a long-term goal of finding ways to replenish wild populations of Pomacea paludosa (Garr, Amber, Helen Posch, Margaret McQuillan, Megan Davis, 2012). These practices, if safely regulated and approved, could be used to help replenish the population of the Everglades Snail Kite by providing it with more food. Regulations and controls are needed to ensure that captive populations would not introduce new bacteria, or diseases to wild populations.

The Everglades Snail Kite is not the only endangered species in Florida, but it is a wonderful example of how—when united—people have the chance to improve many environmental problems.

Audubon Society, 2020. The Everglades Snail Kite. Audubon Florida.

[https://fl.audubon.org/birds/everglade-snail-kite]

Schad, Morgan. 2018. The Discovery of a Forgotten Species in an Unexpected Location: Pomaceamiamiensis in Palm Beach County. Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College.

The Everglades Foundation, 2020. About. [https://www.evergladesfoundation.org/about]

Garr, Amber. Helen Posch. Margaret McQuillan. Megan Davis. 2012. Development of a captive breeding program for the Florida apple snail, Pomacea paludosa: Relaxation and sex ratio recommendations.

Aquaculture. Volume 370-371, Pages 166-171.

[https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0044848612006163?via%3Dihub]

National Park Service. 2019. Restoration of Everglades National Park. U.S. Department of the Interior.

South Florida Natural Resources Center. Everglades National Park.

[https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/upload/RestorationFactSheet%20Lo%20Secure.pdf]

[the-awkward-turt]

I see so much shitty news, is there anything good in the world of conservation and env sciences?

Yes! There really, really is.

I know it’s hard not to feel hopeless with the threats of extinction, climate change, and environmental degradation looming over our heads, but there are lots of smart, passionate people out there making a difference.

Here is a small sampling of positive environmental/conservation stories from 2018:

The European Union voted to entirely ban the use of certain single-use plastic products. Increased public pressure on American businesses has led several major chains to voluntarily phase-out certain plastic products used in their stores.

A recent UN report suggests that the ozone hole is healing itself and may be partially repaired by 2030 and entirely by 2060.

While the situation of the world’s coral reefs is still dire, tons of incredibly talented and passionate people are working not just on protecting the world’s reefs, but also on rebuilding previously damaged ones. This just became much easier due to the discovery of a method called “microfragging”, which causes new corals to grow at 40x the usual rate. There will soon be over 100,000 new corals added to the rebuilding of Florida’s reefs.

The kakapo went from being extinct in the wild to now having a steadily growing wild population of 116 birds. Several critically endangered species like keel-scaled boas and California condors were found to be trending upwards in recent population analyses.

In 2018 Hong Kong finally joined the rest of China in banning ivory trade. China also recently banned the “medicinal” use of rhino horn and tiger bone.

Younger generations are shown to be significantly more concerned about issues such as environmental degradation and climate change, so with each passing year a greater percentage of the working and voting population is on the side of environmental protection and stopping climate change.

It’s vitally important that we cultivate an attitude of defiance and hope, rather than one of hopelessness and inaction. One of the most useful skills that people involved in environmental activism or conservation can cultivate is the ability to get back up and keep fighting even after terrible setbacks.

As long as there are people living on this earth, as long as there is a single patch of forest or a single coral reef, this fight will be worth fighting.

Others please feel free to add other positive environmental/conservation stories as I know I only mentioned a small number of them. 

[xtruss]

Deep in Florida, an ‘Ecological Disaster’ Has Been Reversed—and Wildlife is Thriving

Much of Florida’s Kissimmee River has been restored to its natural state, a milestone worth celebrating—and learning from.

— Photographs By Carlton Ward Jr. | April 6, 2023

The Kissimmee’s meandering floodplains teemed with life before they were diverted into a straight canal a half century ago. A recently completed project has restored the curves—seen here—and replenished the wetlands. The waterfowl, raptors, fish, and mammals are returning. By Douglas Main

If you’ve been to Disney World in Orlando, you’ve been to the Northern Everglades. Much of the water within the famous “river of grass” originates in Central Florida and flows south via the Kissimmee River—one of the more important and lesser-known waterways nationwide.

Sixty years ago, the Kissimmee meandered for more than 100 miles from the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes to Lake Okeechobee, and its floodplains were home to seasonal wetlands rich with life. But in the 1940s, in response to flooding and hurricanes, the state asked the federal government to help build a sprawling network of canals and waterways to drain the land.

The Army Corps of Engineers complied and, beginning in the 1960s, turned the meandering Kissimmee into a 30-foot-deep, channelized canal. Within a few years, populations of waterfowl dropped by 90 percent, bald eagle numbers by 70 percent, and some fish, bird, and mammal species vanished. The channel acted like a pipe, moving water quickly off the landscape to Lake Okeechobee, and then to the ocean. While that helped prevent some flooding in the short term, it robbed the stream of oxygen, which decimated the fish community and gave nutrient pollution no time to settle and be absorbed by the wetlands.

The disrupted hydrology and ecological problems were so glaring that, beginning in the 1990s, the Army Corps and a variety of state, federal, and local partners cooperated to undo the damage. More than 20 years later, at a cost of over $1 billion, the physical restoration of the river is now complete: 40 square miles of wetlands have been reestablished and rehydrated.

Researchers Fabiola Baeza-Tarin (right) and Nicole Rita (left) place bands on Florida grasshopper sparrows, one of the most endangered bird species in North America. These creatures are making a comeback in the prairies surrounding the Kissimmee River.

Already the biological impact of the project has become clear. As the wetlands have come back, so have the birds. “That response was immediate and pretty impressive,” says Lawrence Glenn, director of water resources with the South Florida Water Management District.

‘Triumph of Imagination’

In all, nearly half of the river has been restored to its original state. The project involved filling in 22 miles of the canal, re-carving sections of the old river, and restoring 44 miles of the waterway’s natural meandering paths, according to the Army Corps.

“It's a triumph of imagination [and] of partnership between the federal government and the state” and other organizations coming together, says Shannon Estenoz, assistant secretary for fish and wildlife and parks with the Department of Interior, who formerly worked for several different environmental organizations in Florida.

Populations of popular game fish, such as bass, have climbed, in part because the water is more oxygenated and invertebrates that demand such conditions, such as mayfly and caddisfly larvae, have returned. Populations of wading and waterbirds are already above intended targets; some species that disappeared during the days of the canal—including ibis, bitterns, avocets, and sandpipers—are back.

The restoration is a grand success story that “shows it’s possible to act at the landscape scale, and [it] demonstrates how quickly ecosystems can recover,” Estenoz adds. And it’s vitally important for water quality and the threatened species that live there, including limpkins, snail kites, and bald eagles, says Congressman Darren Soto, whose district abuts the river.

Riders on horseback move cattle across Otter Slough on the Lightsey Ranch with Lake Kissimmee in the background. The Lightsey family has protected more than 90 percent of their land in conservation easements, helping steer development away from sensitive areas in the Everglades Headwaters and Kissimmee River Valley. First receiving cattle and horses from the Spanish in 1521, Florida has the longest history of cattle ranching in the United States.

The Kissimmee will become part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, thanks to an act sponsored by Soto and signed into law as a part of the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The designation entails special protections and future funding for conservation work.

On the Water

To see the fruits of the restoration myself, I take a late summer ride down the river with photographer and National Geographic Explorer Carlton Ward, Jr., and Adam Bass, vice president of Conservation Florida. The first stretch of the river, directly south of Lake Kissimmee, consists of the old canal—300 feet wide and 30 feet deep, straight as a runway, with almost no birds or wildlife to mention. This part was left as a canal in part to prevent flooding in the Orlando area.

Passing through a lock to get the restored part of the river, the difference is stark and obvious as the river begins its natural flow. The abrupt edges are replaced by thickets and grasses and sabal palms and oaks—and we start seeing birds: herons, egrets, limpkins, and more. Surveys show that there are 50 species of fish in the Kissimmee, nearly 70 species of wetland-dependent birds, over 20 types of reptiles and amphibians, and four mammals that only live in the rehydrated marshes.

Snail kites are medium-sized hawks that feed on mollusks. They are considered an endangered species in Florida, the northern end of their range. The Kissimmee and its surrounding wetlands are an important habitat for them.

It's the rainy season and the wetlands are flooded, partially submerging vast fields of grasses and flowers. We pass dozens of alligators and bass fishermen. Though we are in crowded South Florida, there are long stretches where we see no people and hear only the sounds of frogs and waterbirds. This is still a wilderness. The river wiggles and bends and sometimes braids, leaving multiple pathways to choose from.

The next morning we wake before dawn and head out. As light creeps over the water nearly 10 snail kites—a subtropical species that’s considered endangered in the United States—fly overhead, many with apple snails in their beaks, large mollusks nearly the size of my fist.

These medium-sized hawks have striking red eyes and hooked beaks; the males are an almost bluish gray, with cream-and-slate undertails, the females a mottled chestnut and white.

Near the town of Lorida, we pull off at the Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp—one of the only direct ways to access the restored part of the river, and meet Paul Gray, science coordinator with Audubon Florida. He also explains how the restoration project adds 100,000 acre-feet of water storage, which helps prevent flooding, and slows much of the water down, allowing nutrients to settle out.

Adam Bass, with Conservation Florida, steers his mud boat through a restored section of the Kissimmee River. With 1,000 people moving to Florida each day and land rapidly being developed, conservationists are working to protect land surrounding the Kissimmee and in the Florida Wildlife Corridor for the benefit of people and wildlife.

One night, we make camp along the river, serenaded by tree frogs and katydids—and watch fireflies flash in an open field, mirrored by twinkles of lightning in a brooding storm cloud on the horizon. Camping in Florida in August is not for the faint of heart, though, as a self-regenerating swarm of mosquitos appears at dusk—the likes of which I’ve never experienced.

Back to the Future

When the channelization was completed in the 1970s, everybody realized it was a mistake. Locals had been against it from the beginning, explains Monrad Chandler, a longtime resident of the area, because “a lot of people used to make a living on the river.”

We’re sitting on a parcel of land he owns right next to the Kissimmee. His son-in-law, Matt Pearce, ranches on this land, where he practices rotational grazing—cattle are currently excluded from this area, allowing the plants to recover and grow back.

“When they channelized the river, there was no marsh no more … then no ducks, no snipe, [no] wading birds,” he says. “A lot of people had to change their livelihood.”

“It was an ecological disaster,” Gray agrees.

But now, those birds are coming back—and the restored section looks essentially the way it used to, Chandler says, fondly recalling hunting and fishing on the river as a youngster.

The Kissimmee River and surrounding wetlands flooded after Hurricane Ian. This helped to prevent property damage in developed areas. “The Northern Everglades’ biggest challenge is water storage,” says Paul Gray, science coordinator with Audubon Florida, and these rehydrated wetlands help take excess water.

These restored wetlands provide corridors for larger wildlife such as Florida panthers and bears and habitat for endangered species, including grasshopper sparrows. By storing water, they also help prevent flooding during storms.

“The Kissimmee River accomplished an amazing feat last summer when Hurricane Ian slammed Florida,” Ward says. “It filled to the 100-year flood level and did its job naturally absorbing billions of gallons of water, with no loss of property, because of the restoration efforts.”

Yet there’s still much work to be done. About half of the Kissimmee consists of a canal, and there’s a big backlog of hydrological and research projects. One vital and imminent project involves raising the water level in Lake Kissimmee—and thus increasing water storage.

Gray explains that various areas of Florida—including Orlando—are running out of easily accessible water, draining the state’s aquifers. “These water projects are going to become more and more important for the future of Florida,” Gray says.

“This project is going to be saving water, going to be slowing it down—not only is that a benefit to wildlife, but to water management, and our ability to meet [our] water needs.”

[earth-square]

The last few years under the Trump presidency have been a catastrophe for the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and for the wildlife that depend on it — and this year has been no different. Now, before he leaves office, Trump is trying to deliver some final gifts to his big polluter allies and is cementing these devastating assaults before President-elect Biden is sworn in next month. The Trump administration just finalized TWO reckless regulations that weaken this bedrock law by making it harder to protect habitat on which endangered species rely amidst a biodiversity crisis — all to drive big polluter profits. For species struggling to survive in the face of climate change and other threats, these attacks on critical habitats could push them further toward the brink of extinction. NRDC will do whatever it takes to reverse these and other assaults — but we need your support. [my name], please make an all-important gift to our Year-End Campaign. It will be MATCHED 3X, up to our goal of $500,000, to help us double down and fight back harder than ever — in and out of court. The Trump administration's new regulations would make it easier to open critical endangered species habitat to fossil fuel development and other industrial polluters and it would make it easier to leave areas crucial to a species' long-term survival and recovery unprotected. Thanks to the ESA, 99 percent of listed species have been saved from extinction — like the iconic bald eagle and the Florida manatee. But assaults on this bedrock law have put some of our most majestic and critically important wild species back in the crosshairs of elimination, which may also lead to irreversible destruction of the healthy ecosystems we depend on for survival: Gray wolves: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized a rule to strip gray wolves of Endangered Species Act protections in the Lower 48 states. The agency was required to implement a national recovery plan for the wolf BEFORE delisting them. But it has so far failed to develop a national plan to ensure wolves' recovery. Wolves are important members of the ecological community and play a crucial role in Indigenous culture and spirituality. NRDC has filed an intent to sue and will take this fight to court if necessary. [Donate now to help us protect gray wolves.] Bees, butterflies, and birds: America's bees and pollinators are suffering alarming declines at the hands of bee-killing pesticides, habitat loss, and other threats, and with their decline comes grave risk to our global food supply. This leads to increased food insecurity, which disproportionately impacts poor communities and communities of color. Recently, Trump's Fish and Wildlife Service refused to designate critical habitat for the highly endangered rusty patched bumblebee, a protection that is essential if the bee is to recover. This once-common pollinator has disappeared from nearly 90 percent of its native range. NRDC and its environmental partners have formally notified the Service that we intend to sue. [Donate now to fuel our court cases to protect critical pollinators.] The fights at hand to protect the sanctity of the Endangered Species Act won't end once Trump is out of office. We'll need to stay vigilant until these and other NRDC court battles are won. And if ever this bedrock law comes face to face with another threat, from this administration or the next, NRDC will do whatever it takes — even if it means racing to court — to mount the best defense possible. But until then, as the Trump administration ends and we welcome a new Biden-Harris presidency, we need to shore up our resources now in preparation for what's to come. Please, make an end of year gift today, and it will be TRIPLE matched, up to our $500,000 goal. On behalf of my team at NRDC and the wildlife we work every day to protect, thank you for everything you do. It makes a true difference. Sincerely, Lucas Rhoads Project Attorney, Nature, NRDC

NRDC Lucas Rhodes email Dec 26th, 2020 

[josharlington]

Eastern Brown Pelican

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 “Brown pelicans have few natural enemies. Although ground nests are sometimes destroyed by hurricanes, flooding, or other natural disasters, the biggest threat to pelicans comes from people. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pelicans were hunted for their feathers, which adorned women’s clothing, particularly hats. 

  Several efforts in the early part of the 20th century were meant to curb the decline of brown pelicans. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt designated Florida’s Pelican Island as the first national wildlife refuge, a move that helped reduce the threat of plume hunters. Passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918 gave protection to pelicans and other birds and helped curb illegal killing. 

  During the food shortages following World War I, commercial fishermen claimed pelicans were decimating their industry and slaughtered them by the thousands. The nests were also frequently raided for eggs. With the advent and widespread use of pesticides such as DDT in the 1940s, pelican populations plummeted due to lack of breeding success. When pelicans ate fish contaminated with DDT, the eggs that they laid had shells so thin that they broke during incubation.

  By the 1960s, brown pelicans had nearly disappeared along the Gulf Coast and experienced almost complete reproductive failure in southern California. Studies proving the pelicans were not harming commercial fisheries helped to stop their wholesale slaughter. In 1970, under a law that preceded the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the brown pelican as endangered, a term that means the species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. In 1972, the Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of DDT in the United States and restricted the use of other pesticides. Since then, there has been a decrease in the level of chemical contaminants in pelican eggs, and a corresponding increase in nesting success.”

-  Fws.gov

[shelleyseale]

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Adventures in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

The 32 miles of sugar-white beaches along Alabama’s Gulf Coast shoreline is a family-oriented destination that offers great nature and outdoors adventures, some of the most fantastic seafood in the U.S., and plenty of child-friendly activities. The sister cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach lie a true island, 27,000 acres separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway, and offering nearly 400,000 acres of protected back bay waters. State and local Alabama officials are doing more to promote Gulf Coast Alabama ecotourism activities, including an Ecotourism Summit, Coastal Cleanup and a sea turtle monitoring program. The beaches here are consistently rated among the best in the United States. Here’s our road map for how to best enjoy their natural resources with your family.

Hike or Bike Wildlife Refuges

This area is a bounty for nature lovers, and the best way to experience it is often on foot or by pedal. Rent a bike from Beach Bike Rentals and hop directly on one of six trails that make up the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, 11 miles of paved paths that are home to six distinct ecosystems. Rare and threatened plant communities, incredible bird sightings, a variety of small mammals and even alligators can all be sighted from cycling trails easy enough for most ages. Or visit the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1980 to protect the coastal dune ecosystem and its endangered species. Coming from the French for “safe harbor,” these 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat are easily accessible via multiple trails, and a launch site for canoes and kayaks is planned for summer 2013. Designated as one of Alabama’s Ten Natural Wonders, Bon Secour charges no entry fees.

Get on the Water for an Informative Nature Cruise

The water is clearly the pull here. Bill and Cheryl Mitchell of Cetacean Cruises run dolphin and nature cruises on their custom pontoon boat, at a very affordable $15 and up. Spotting the area’s playful dolphins is always exciting, but Captain Bill is extremely knowledgeable and protective of them. “They have the intelligence of an eight-year-old human,” he explains. “If you love dolphins and want to see a sustainable practice, you’ve come to the right place.” Cetacean is the only area company that passed the test to become certified for the Dolphin SMART program from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. For a completely different on-the-water experience, climb aboard with Captain Skip of Sailaway Charters. On a 2-3 hour sailing adventure, Skip shows his guest how to go crabbing and shrimping, as well as various oyster techniques and bird identification. You will very likely also spot dolphin trailing along behind the boat for the leftovers.

Captain your own boat in a Kayak

For a more independent experience, you can grab your own kayak and glide along the peaceful estuaries of Graham Creek Nature Preserve in nearby Foley. These 484 acres of southern gothic waterway wind in and out of marsh grasses and larger bodies of water, with ancient water oaks lining the banks while pelicans and great blue herons fly overhead. Once out in more open water, you’re likely to spot bottlenose dolphin. You can rent your own kayak to launch from the Graham Creek launching dock, or set up with an experienced guide such as Certified Master Naturalist Carol Furman, through Fairhope Boat Company.

Relax on Sugar White Beaches

When all of the outdoor adventures and physical activity has worn you out, it’s the perfect time to recharge on the sands that the island is famous for. Turquoise water meets soft white sand that curves gently up into grass-covered dunes. The city of Orange Beach has three Gulf State Park beach areas, and Gulf Shores has eight. Most offer public restrooms, showers, picnic tables or pavilions and miles of pristine beach. Some, like Lake Shelby, Cotton Bayou and Gulf Shores Public Beach, have more activity going on with people fishing, water skiing, boating or playing volleyball. Others are more secluded and quiet—if that’s your thing, try Florida Point, Gulf State Park or the beach at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.  

Eating Sustainably

When it comes dining out—and nighttime entertainment—your eco-vacation doesn’t have to go awry. At Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s at Homeport, run by the sister of famous parrothead Jimmy Buffett, sustainability is an important part of both the food and the business operation. They serve only grass-fed, Alabama-raised beef and sustainably-caught fish—diners are even provided a website where they can see exactly where their fish was caught. Lulu’s also received the prestigious Seventh Generation Award from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in 2009, given annually to the person or organization that embodies the tenets of sustainability, stewardship and pro-active practice in considering our natural resources. Lulu’s was recognized for, among other things, its installation of an environmentally-friendly windmill and being one of the first public venues to incorporate the rain garden concept into their parking lots, dramatically improving the quality of stormwater runoff into the Intracoastal Waterway. “With the volume of business that we have enjoyed in Gulf Shores, it was a natural progression for us to think of how we could operate from a more environmentally friendly point of view to help take care of the absolutely gorgeous natural beauty of Gulf Shores,” said Buffett. “What we have done at LuLu’s has brought awareness and sparked conversations between all types of people and agencies. Plus, it is just a lot of fun.” Read the full article

[bloomsnake]

Witchy Wishlist 2018

Please let me know if you need my mailing address (either via tumblr messaging, discord, or ask). For #s 2 and 3, I’m happy to talk on Tumblr or on Discord (Asclepias#8994). For 5, 9, and 10, please PM me on Discord. I’m happy to provide my email if needed. 😊

Buy something from my Amazon wishlist (I don’t need anything, but there’s a handful of stuff I wouldn’t mind getting.) -  http://a.co/hg2bLR2

Trades – I’d like some people to trade with on an ongoing basis, be it witchy-related items, knowledge, or arts and crafts. Mainly art though, because I need something to get me motivated to draw again. I draw and paint, make wire-wrapped jewelry, and have lots of cool nature items I’ve found while hiking (and probably some other stuff!)

Ideas for art and stickers – Again, I want some stuff to motivate me to make art again! Some of the sticker designs I’ll be using to help fund items below and/or help pay for my master’s degree. I expect people who help to critique my work. 😉

Money (my paypal is: paypal.me/KaraDriscoll) for either:

new orchids - The Tamiami International Orchid Festival is coming up from January 11th – 13th and I REALLY wanna go. I’ve got an extensive orchid collection already, but my goal is to collect a large majority of orchid species found in my state. This’ll be a good opportunity to knock some hard-to-find species off my list (especially if I can preorder them from vendors coming in from other countries!!) I also love looking for TEENY TINY and really weird looking species!

my first tattoo – this is a majorly personal goal of mine. I’ve always wanted a tattoo, but I’ve never had the money or (more importantly) the confidence to commit to getting one. This’ll be the first of a series of deeply personal pieces meant to reclaim by body and myself for Myself.

or a new piercing – This is related to B. I’ve always wanted other piercings, but my family and others have always commented on how “weird” I’ll look with them. 

Someone to commission me and/or purchase already-made pieces from me- I’ve got a decent amount of wire-wrapped jewelry I’ve made that’s been just… sitting around for a while. I also have a stash of crystals that I can wrap. I also draw animals, monsters, plants, and anything witchy or occult. I’m not so good with robots or people, and I’m not comfortable at all drawing smut. I could use the extra money for any of the above items. My art blog is here: http://kara-driscoll.tumblr.com/ I haven’t updated it in a while, but I’m happy to discuss pricing. I will reblog this post later with a link to my wire wrapped work and prices.

If you’re able, volunteer 10 hours with a local conservation group, especially one that is plant related. Try to help out with not only trash pickup or invasive plant removal, but also citizen science work! If you can’t do this, see #s 8 - 10! (Caveat- Try to pick a group that is close by that isn’t Audubon or Sierra Club if you can, as they often need lots of help in terms of time and money!) Tell me about your experience and tag me in the post!

Or, attend the next meeting (and field trip for bonus points!) a local conservation group of your choice holds and tell me about it and tag me in the post!

Help the rare flora, fauna, and ecosystems in your backyard! Make a master list of what your county/state/country’s rare plants, animals, or habitats are and learn about them! Try to pick a few species (or habitats) that aren’t getting attention or real protection, and start learning about them: What is known about their biology? Their ecology? What issues are affecting them or causing their decline? Are there solutions to the problem or people working on it? If so, how can you help or advocate on their behalf? Tell me about what you find and tag me in the post! If you’re motivated to help and don’t know what to do, I’m happy to try to give some advice. 😊

I encourage you to look at small fish or small birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, spiders, other invertebrates (like the 40 federally endangered freshwater mussels, or the 11 federally endangered snails.) These are very often overlooked, and the presence or discovery of a federally endangered animal can halt development or destruction of a habitat (in the United States, that is).

I especially encourage you to learn about your state-listed rare plants (and animals/habitats). Just because something is not federally listed does NOT mean that it is less rare or imperiled than a federally listed species. In fact, state listed flora and fauna can be rarer than those listed federally.

Are you good with organizing? Budgeting? Time management? Project management? Long-term Planning? Life Coaching? I need help with ALL OF THE ABOVE. I have major issues with executive dysfunction (one of the joys of ADHD) and I really need help organizing my goals, priorities, and managing my time/projects. I’m determined to be a better me (starting ASAP), so I’d love any help I can get (ESPECIALLY if it’s ongoing!! I’m happy to trade [see #1] for longer-term help as well!) 

Help me with plant conservation and advocacy! I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in environmental science, and I’m a board member for my state’s Native Plant Society. I’m working to expand one of our existing citizen science projects. This project is working on mapping populations of Florida’s 21 milkweed species. However, in order to better publicize and get the word out, we need to organize what we know about milkweed, produce some educational material for new volunteers, and do some data entry. My goal is to have most of this material done before May of next year so that we can officially publicize and launch the project for next summer!

 I may add more if I think of any, but that’s about it. It feels selfish to ask, but I’d love it if I could get wishes 9 and 10 fulfilled by some folks. I really need a lot of help getting myself organized, and I really, really want to get this project organized. I’d also love if wishes 4 and 5 are fulfilled as I don’t have a job and any extra income would be super. <3