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Long before asphalt, before wagon wheels carved grooves into Florida sand, before the first human footprints pressed into palmetto-lined trails, black bears were quietly mapping the land. A single bear, padding through soft earth in search of berries or water, left a trail. Another followed. Year after year, generation after generation, the bears returned to … Read more

When most people picture a bear’s diet, they imagine sharp teeth tearing into meat or raiding picnic baskets, cartoon-style. But Florida’s black bears are far more likely to be caught nibbling berries than chasing prey. In fact, they’re some of the most plant-focused bears in North America—more like giant, shaggy vegetarians with a sweet tooth. … Read more

Here in Florida, the ground never really freezes. That means squirrels are busy nearly all year—darting across sidewalks, leaping from palm to oak, and pausing on fence posts with twitching tails and bright, watchful eyes. To some, they’re just garden bandits or bird feeder thieves. But these tiny acrobats play a surprisingly enormous role in … Read more

Step outside on a sunny Florida day, and chances are you’ll catch a flicker of movement across the sidewalk or a rustle in your garden bed. A flash of green. A dash of brown. A tail slipping beneath a hibiscus leaf. Florida is crawling (quite literally) with lizards—and while some are native, many are not. … Read more

Ever wondered how you can make a real impact on Florida’s wildlife—even without being a trained biologist? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers incredible opportunities for everyday people to contribute to real research. Early results show citizen contributions are filling critical data gaps and helping professionals protect the state’s natural treasures. What … Read more

After a Florida storm—especially one that blows through with the force of summer winds—it’s not uncommon to find fragile remnants of the wild scattered beneath trees: a small egg lying in the grass, a damp nest tilted sideways, or, heartbreakingly, a tiny bird with feathers still forming. What should you do if you come upon … Read more

Some gardens live in the wild. Others live on windowsills. And some—quiet, magical, improbable—live in jars. There’s something timeless about a terrarium. Like a secret world behind glass, it asks only for a little light, a little mist, and a little faith. A mossy slope. A curled fern. A pebble path that might, just might, … Read more

Some beach treasures are too special to leave behind. A smooth piece of driftwood, shaped like a gull’s wing. A seashell with a pearly swirl that catches the light just so. A handful of warm sand poured from a child’s pocket, still holding the faint scent of salt and sunscreen. We carry them home—these small … Read more