In this episode, we explore the unique ecology of scrub habitat in Florida. What is a scrub? Where are they located?How are they different from similar ecosystems? How does fire play a role in scrub habitats? What threats do scrub habitats face? What can you do about it? We cover this and more in this episode of Naturally Florida.

Learn More:

• Florida Natural Areas Inventory: Scrub - https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/NC/Scrub_Final_2010.pdf

• Topographpic map, elevation, terrain - https://en-ca.topographic-map.com/map-x1rv5k/Polk-County/

• Calamintha bee (Shannon mentioned in episode) - https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/science/discover-nest-northern-range-blue-calamintha-bee/

• Scrub and High Pine - https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/forest-resources/upland-forest-ecosystems/scrub-and-high-pine/

• Common Woody Plants of Florida Scrub Ecosystems- https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR373

• Florida Scrub - https://crocdoc.ifas.ufl.edu/publications/msrpmap/floridascrub/

How You Can Help:

• Florida scrub is globally rare and incredibly unique, supporting plants and animals found nowhere else. Speak up and advocate for the preservation of the special natural lands. Needs some inspiration, check out the GladysE. Douglas Preserve story.

• Fire is essential in scrub habitats —without it, the ecosystem collapses and species disappear. Be sure to support and advocate for prescribed fires in your area.

• Scrub may look barren, but it’s a biodiversity hotspot—an ecological gem hiding in plain sight. See if you can find a scrub habitat near you to visit!

Sources for this Episode:

• Florida Natural Areas Inventory: Scrub - https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/NC/Scrub_Final_2010.pdf

• Scrub and High Pine - https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/forest-resources/upland-forest-ecosystems/scrub-and-high-pine/

• Common Woody Plants of Florida Scrub Ecosystems- https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR373

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations⁠

In this episode, we'll discuss the three different species of mangroves found in Florida, their northward migration, and the critical role they play in our coastal ecosystems. We'll also share practical actions you can take to help protect these vital habitats.

Learn More: 

• Florida's Mangroves - https://floridadep.gov/rcp/rcp/content/floridas-mangroves

• Mangroves - https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/mangroves/

• Mangrove Species Profiles - https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/southflorida/habitats/mangroves/species/

• Mangrove propagule image - https://ocean.si.edu/ecosystems/coasts-shallow-water/floating-propagules

• Video of fiddler crab - https://youtu.be/y4dWVCdsXQU?si=M5KI0XjM_KlBhB5d&t=13

• Mangrove Ecosystem Services Field Lesson by Holly Abeels - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2dsmo6W2do

How You Can Help: 

• Participate in local mangrove planting and restoration projects.

• Avoid using harmful chemicals in your garden that can run off into coastal waters. Not sure where the water from your property flows, find out here: https://mywaterway.epa.gov/

• If you have mangroves on your property that need trimming, please work with a certified mangrove trimmer - https://floridadep.gov/water/submerged-lands-environmental-resources-coordination/content/state-authorized-professional

Sources for this Episode: 

• Narayan, S. et al. (2019) Valuing the Flood Risk Reduction Benefits of Florida’s Mangroves, The Nature Conservancy.

• Assessing the role of mangrove forest in reducing coastal inundation during major hurricanes: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10750-017-3201-8

• The Global Flood Protection Benefits of Mangroves - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-61136-6

Vultures can be seen throughout Florida, whether soaring in the air or feeding on the ground, visitor or resident, we have all encountered vultures in Florida. We actually have two species of vultures in Florida, the black vulture and the turkey vulture. While they may seem clumsy and not the most attractive birds, they play a critical role in our ecosystem. Learn how to tell these two species apart and the importance of these birds to our natural world.

Learn More:

• Black Vulture - https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/black-vulture
• Turkey Vulture - https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/turkey-vulture

• Vultures: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/raptors-and-vultures/vultures/
• Black Vulture or Turkey Vulture? That Is the Question: https://youtu.be/S-XcSqcpBpI?si=4c1FObJAVCkpqzMb

How You Can Help:

• Respect their space, they are doing a critically important job that none of us want to do. Let them do their work 😉

• Share this episode with a family member, colleague, neighbor or friend. Help us share the love for this keystone species.

Sources:

• Do Vultures Find Dead Animals By Smell or By Tracking Predators Or Scavengers On The Ground? https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/do-vultures-find-dead-animals-by-smell-or-by-tracking-predators-or-scavengers-on-the-ground/

• Vulture-cattle interactions at a central Florida ranch - Vulture-cattle interactions at a central Florida ranch

• Gamecock Scientists Say “Vultures Need Love” - Gamecock Scientists Say “Vultures Need Love” - Jax State News

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

If you're active on iNaturalist, join our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations⁠⁠⁠