Tag: Florida
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Monarch Butterflies Added to the Endangered Species Red List
Ecology Florida August 2022 by Monica Starr The monarch butterfly embarks on an annual migration which can reach up to 2,800 miles from southeast Canada to central Mexico [1]. These beautiful insects have two pairs of orange-red wings with black veins and distinguishing white spots along the edges. The males have black dots along the…
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Citrus Greening Still Impacting Farmers in Florida
July 2022 An Ecology Florida Feature by Monica Starr As the end of citrus season approaches here in the state of Florida, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has estimated a record-low harvest. Compared to the previous growing season, the production of oranges, grapefruit and other specialty crops is already down about 22% [1]. This season,…
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Giant African Snail Infestation in Pasco County
It was confirmed on June 23rd that a Giant African land snail was present in Pasco County. The recent snail sighting was discovered by a Master Gardener in the New Port Richey area near Massachusetts Avenue and Rowan Road [1]. This first snail confirmed was nearly eight inches long which is about the maximum size…
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Fleet Farming in Orlando
by Monica Starr June 2022 Fleet Farming is an Orlando-based non-profit urban agriculture project that transforms lawns into productive micro farms and gardens. Creating localized food systems in areas without access to fresh produce, it converts underutilized lawn space to edible gardens at schools, community centers, and affordable housing units. Besides addressing food-security issues, Fleet…
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Earth Day History in Florida
by Monica Starr April 2022 An Ecology Florida Feature Every year, April 22nd represents the start of the modern environmental movement. Since 1970, we have been celebrating the planet while providing a voice to the environmental concerns here in the United States. Today, there are almost 200 countries around the world that are engaged with…
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3D Printing Tech Helps Treat ZooTampa Hornbill’s Tumor
by Monica Starr April 2022 An Ecology Florida Feature Advancements in 3D-printing technology has been represented in the medical community all over the world. Most recently in Tampa, researchers were able to save a resident that developed a fatal form of cancer. Crescent is the 25-year old female hornbill who currently resides at ZooTampa. After…
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Manatees Continue to Struggle Here in Florida
by Monica Starr February 2022 Along the Atlantic coast, Florida manatee mortalities continue to increase and organizations like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are currently investigating why. Similarly, various environmental conditions in the Indian River Lagoon are also of concern. It is extremely important to…
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Flamingos: Native or Snow Birds?
by Monica Starr An Ecology Florida Feature February 2022 Like many residents of the state, flamingos were once thought not to be native Floridians. There are six species of flamingos worldwide, but only the American flamingo is native to North America. These bright pink birds can be four to five feet tall and have thriving…
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The Importance of the Florida Everglades When Battling Climate Change
by Monica Starr An Ecology Florida Feature January 2022 A recent Everglades Coalition Conference outlined the problems in South Florida related to climate change. There are some important facts to highlight from this conference including the fact that sea levels will rise more quickly in Florida than other coastal areas. Similarly, as a state we…
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Have Yourself An Environmentally Friendly Holiday Season
by Monica Starr December 2021 As the holiday season quickly approaches, we find ourselves looking for unique and thoughtful gifts for our loved ones. During this time of the year, it is important to remember what the holiday season is truly about and the fact that our actions continue to impact our environment. Giving gifts…