Tag: environment

  • Tips to Safely Co-exist with Alligators

    Tips to Safely Co-exist with Alligators

    AlligatorAs the weather gets warmer across the state and alligator mating season approaches, Florida’s state reptile, the American alligator, can become more active and visible.

    The American alligator is a conservation success story in Florida. Florida has a healthy and stable alligator population, which is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size. Alligators are found in all 67 counties, inhabiting all wetlands where there’s adequate food and shelter.

    Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) works to keep Floridians and visitors informed and recommends the following precautionary measures near alligators, including in or near the water, to reduce the chances of conflict:

    Keep a safe distance if you see an alligator. If someone is concerned about an alligator, they should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), and we will dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.

    Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge. Pets often resemble alligators’ natural prey.

    Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and without your pet. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.

    Never feed an alligator. It’s illegal and dangerous. When fed, alligators can lose their natural wariness and instead learn to associate people with the availability of food. This can lead to an alligator becoming a nuisance and needing to be removed from the wild.

    Access safety information resources in both English and Spanish by visiting MyFWC.com/Alligator and clicking on “Living with Alligators.”

    Views: 5

  • CBA’s “State of the Basin”: How Oyster Gardening Is Reviving Choctawhatchee Bay

    CBA’s “State of the Basin”: How Oyster Gardening Is Reviving Choctawhatchee Bay

    Freeport Bay ClubBy Allison McDowell, CBA

    Along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, a quiet but powerful movement is taking place – one oyster at a time. Families, retirees, and students are rolling up their sleeves to take part in a unique conservation effort led by the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA). Their mission? To rebuild the bay’s critical oyster reefs through an innovative and community-driven initiative: the Oyster Gardening program.

    Now entering its 2025 season, this hands-on program invites local volunteers to help restore the bay’s ecosystem by growing young oysters at their homes or designated dock locations. It’s a project where science meets stewardship, turning everyday citizens into environmental champions.

    A Simple Solution with a Big Impact

    Each oyster grown through the program can filter up to 50 gallons of water daily, making them natural purifiers for Choctawhatchee Bay. Beyond water quality, these tiny powerhouses also create habitat for fish and crabs and help stabilize shorelines.

    The program has supported habitat restoration efforts at multiple sites around the bay, an impressive achievement that’s benefiting marine life and bolstering the overall health of the ecosystem. It’s a grassroots effort with ripple effects far beyond the shoreline.

    Science Comes to Life

    One of the most inspiring aspects of the Oyster Gardening program is its educational value. Whether it’s a retiree tracking oyster growth or a middle schooler observing changes in the water, participants are engaged in real-world marine science. The program transforms conservation into a fun, local, and impactful experience, nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards in the process.

    Get Involved

    With the 2025 season underway, CBA is calling on new volunteers to help make waves. No experience is needed, just a love for the water and a willingness to learn.
    For more information or to get involved, visit www.basinalliance.org or email reynol59@nwfsc.edu.

    Views: 6

  • Winner… Winner?

    Winner… Winner?

    By Chris Balzer

    According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2024 won the warmest year prize since they started recording in 1880, surpassing 2023’s wide lead over other recent years.  The past ten years, 2015-2024, are the world’s ten warmest years on record.  If you do a search for “things we insulate,” you will see the majority of sites and images are of attics, walls and windows.   We insulate much more than our homes.  We are constantly looking for that right beach cooler or cup to keep our drinks and snacks cold and cool.  YETI has become very popular and on the scene of just about every beach, boat or fishing outing.  Just look around. If you don’t own a YETI, your neighbor most likely does.  One video on YouTube about what’s inside a YETI cup has more than 8.5 million views.  That’s more views than the entire population of Tennessee and that’s just one video.

    Heat Graph

    It’s no secret that we care about insulating things and pay a little more for quality and efficiency.  So, why when it comes to our biggest investment, our homes, do we fall short of upgrading our home’s efficiency and insulation?  A Former US President once said during a press conference on renewable energy that insulation is sexy stuff and if you haven’t upgraded your home, it’s not just heat or cool air escaping, it’s also energy and money wasted.  Based on a study conducted by NAIMA (North American Insulation Manufacturers Association), the majority of US homes are underinsulated, wasting energy and money and decreasing comfort for the homeowners.  Unless your home was specifically built for energy efficiency, you can benefit from energy upgrades like fiberglass insulation, radiant barriers, and attic air sealing, to name a few.  Dr. Levy, Professor of Environmental Health at Boston University, stated that if all US homes were fitted with insulation based on the 2012 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), residential electricity use nationwide would drop by 5% and natural gas use by more than 10%.  That’s an impressive number and a positive impact on our environment.

    Let’s talk about cost.  I know that getting an energy upgrade for your home costs more than a cooler or a cup.  So, let’s look at this slightly differently.   On average, an energy upgrade today costs around what a good living room couch costs.  The difference is that the couch will start to lose its value the moment it is delivered. Home energy upgrades immediately start to save you money and increase your comfort.  Plus, energy upgrades will see a full return of your investment in few short years based on energy savings.  The couch, after several years can become worn and sometimes uncomfortable due to the settling of the batting or filling.  Your energy upgrade continues to add value to your home and increased comfort.  Getting a proper energy upgrade can also help with reducing dust and decreasing humidity in your home.  I don’t know if I would call adding insulation sexy, but I do know that adding insulation saves you money, increases your comfort and has a positive impact on the environment.  So the next time you are putting ice in your cooler, sipping something refreshing from your cup or sitting on your couch, think about getting an energy upgrade for your biggest investment, your home, and remember our most sustainable energy source is not solar, hydro or geothermal; it’s YOU.

    Chris Balzer is Founder and President of Emerald Coast Energy Solutions which is a Smile Provider Company.  We provide smiles to our customers after installing our high energy efficient products, increasing comfort and lowering energy bills.  For more information on how to save this summer and become energy efficient schedule an inspection by calling (850) 588-2870, visit www.trusteces.com or email wecare@trusteces.com and Beat the Heat.

    Views: 8

  • SSUS Journeys to Our Area to Become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef!

    SSUS Journeys to Our Area to Become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef!

    America’s Flagship, the SS United States (SSUS), has now begun her journey from Philadelphia, Pa., to our own Emerald Coast!

    SS United StatesAfter Okaloosa County’s Tourist Development Department, Destin-Fort Walton Beach completed the necessary safety requirements by local, state and federal agencies, the journey began to move the SSUS from her current docking area in south Philadelphia to a docking area in Mobile, Ala., where preparations to ready the ship to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef will continue.

    The SSUS departed Philadelphia after 30 years, and, at the time of this printing, had arrived in Mobile, Ala., after being chaperoned by multiple tug boats making her way down the Delaware River and into the Atlantic Ocean. As with any project of this magnitude, the schedule is tentative with dates, times and other logistics subject to change, due to many factors.

    The SSUS’ amazing journey to Mobile took about two weeks. In Mobile, the vessel is continuing its rebirth into an artificial reef as contractors remove hazardous material, including non-metal parts and fuel to ensure this deployment is clean and not harmful to the environment it aims to benefit. Modifications are also being made to ensure that when the vessel is deployed, it will land upright underwater. The preparation process will take about 12 months.

    SS United StatesThe exact location along the Gulf Coast for the vessel’s deployment has not been set, but it is expected to be about 20 nautical miles south of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.

    As the World’s Largest Artificial Reef, the story of the SSUS will be told to thousands of divers from around the world as they explore her unique design and features. She will also benefit her surrounding ecosystem and become home to countless marine species that will thrive from the presence of her structure. Due to the size and the depth, she will be home to a wide variety of marine life from iconic reef fish such as red snapper to pelagic species of fish like wahoo. This new artificial reef will provide bountiful fishing and diving opportunities for the local, visiting and charter industries.

    Okaloosa County will continue to partner with the SSUS Conservancy as it pivots to develop a land-based museum in Destin-Fort Walton Beach that will celebrate and commemorate the nation’s flagship. The County will provide the Conservancy with regular project updates and will support the museum planning process which will incorporate iconic features from the ship, including the funnels, radar mast, and other signature components, as well as the Conservancy’s extensive curatorial and archival collection. This will preserve the ship’s storied history and the memories that she has created for so many people over the years.
    To follow the SSUS’ journey via GPS tracking, visit //www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/ssus.

    Fun Facts About the SSUS:

    • The design of the SSUS was so innovative that the details of her construction were kept top-secret. She was the first passenger liner to be built almost entirely in a graving dock – safely out of the public eye.
    • The SSUS was designed to be just wide enough (101 feet) so it could pass through the locks of the Panama Canal with two feet of clearance on either side.
    • Five days before her maiden voyage in July 1952, the SSUS was opened to the public at her berth in New York. Some 70,000 people turned out to see the dazzling new ship that day – more than a sellout crowd at Yankee Stadium! The line to go aboard stretched for 14 blocks.
    • How fast was the SSUS? During her speed trials, she sliced through the waves at an astonishing 38.32 knots – 44 miles per hour!
    • Four U.S. presidents sailed aboard the SSUS: Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy and Bill Clinton. (The youthful Clinton, fresh out of Georgetown, was on his way to study at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.)
    • For her maiden voyage, the SSUS stocked 7,935 quarts of ice cream and a whopping 500 pounds of caviar.
    • The SSUS carried an impressive roster of luminaries on nearly every voyage. Famous passengers included Marlon Brando, Coco Chanel, Sean Connery, Gary Cooper, Walter Cronkite, Salvador Dali, Walt Disney, Duke Ellington, Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Charlton Heston, Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
    • A famous passenger of a different sort sailed aboard the SSUS in 1963: the Mona Lisa. Leonardo Da Vinci ’s masterpiece was traveling to the U.S. for special exhibitions in Washington and New York. (She made it back to the Louvre in remarkably good shape for a 460-year-old woman.)
    • The SSUS is 990 feet long – about five city blocks! If you stood her on end, she’d rise nearly as high as New York’s Chrysler Building or Philadelphia’s Comcast Center.
    • You think the Titanic was huge? The SSUS is over 100 feet longer.
    • The SS United States’ designer, William Francis Gibbs, wanted his ship to be fireproof, so he insisted that no wood be used in her construction or fittings. One exception: the ship’s grand pianos were made from fire-resistant mahogany. A Steinway piano was tested in advance by dousing it with gasoline and lighting a match. (It didn’t burn.)
    • More aluminum was used in the SSUS than for any previous construction project in history. Why? To reduce her weight and make her the fastest ocean liner of all time.
    • Thanks to her reduced weight and powerful engines, the SSUS could go almost as fast in reverse as the Titanic could go forward.
    • On her maiden voyage, the SSUS shattered the trans-Atlantic speed record in both directions. She was the first American ship in 100 years to capture the coveted Blue Riband (awarded to the fastest trans-Atlantic ocean liner). Amazingly, she still holds the record more than 60 years later.
    • Built to be converted from luxury liner to troop transport in the event of war, the SSUS was able to carry 14,000 troops 10,000 miles without refueling.
    • The galleys aboard the SSUS could turn out up to 9,000 individual meals a day!
    • The SSUS was retired from active service in 1969. The age of the great ocean liners had come to a close, doomed by increasingly fast and affordable trans-Atlantic airline flights.
    • From 1996 to 2025, the SSUS was docked on the Delaware River in Philadelphia.

    Source: ssusc.org
    Learn more about Okaloosa County’s artificial reef program at https://www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/artificial-reefs/.

    Views: 26

  • EFCA From Classroom to Coastline

    EFCA From Classroom to Coastline

    By Heather Bennett Eye

    Emerald & Forgotten Coast Adventures (E&FCA) is an educational 501© (3) whose mission is to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. They utilize our unique coastal ecosystem as a living classroom to engage kids in hands-on interactive programs. Through exploring the wonders of marine science education, they also teach kids how to appreciate the world around them.

    Founder Jon Schmidt, Ph.D. and Director of Education Brittany Pace, bring a wealth of experience and passion to E&FCA. Along with their crucial contributions, invaluable donations, partners and essential volunteers, they provide students with hands-on learning along the Panhandle and its coast at no cost to the schools. “In this post-COVID era, providing schools with no cost options to augment classroom education is paramount to helping students excel and ignite a passion for their interests,” said Jon.

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    Jon’s love for marine science began on the beaches of Cape Cod and grew as he became SCUBA certified at 13, eventually earning a doctorate in marine ecology from Florida State University. After decades of conducting marine studies worldwide, he’s now dedicated to inspiring the next generation in Bay and Walton Counties. “I feel that our generation needs to invest back into the younger generation. We’re not going to teach them anything by telling them, we need to teach them by showing them,” stated Jon. “I’m trying to spend the years I’m able to invest in the next generation, help them understand they’re going to be the next stewards, and providing them the right information to steward the environment.”

    Brittany, a Florida native, developed her passion for marine science early on and pursued it through degrees in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies at UNCW. She taught thousands of students, running a similar program in North Carolina before returning to her home state. She is committed to creating immersive experiences that spark curiosity and inspire young minds. “She brings a lot of good experience, and also a lot of good connections with teachers and administrators,” said Jon.

    Emerald Forgotten Coast Adventures offers field experience to students in grades 1-12 in Bay and Walton County, focusing on the unique coastal ecosystems of the Panhandle and Gulf Coast. By working closely with teachers, they tailor lessons to complement classroom studies, providing memorable experiences that bring science to life. “The whole goal is to give students the hands-on experience,” stated Jon. “We make sure we keep them engaged and make sure they all have a chance to do the activities and ask questions.”

    Depending on the trip, students will explore Gulf ecology, estuaries, seagrass habitats and coastal dune lakes at locations such as Grayton Beach State Park, Camp Helen State Park, St Andrews State Park, and Tyndall Air Force Base. “I pick locations that are relatively undisturbed,” explained Jon. “Tyndall has some of the most amazing habitat there, all protected and maintained.”

    Wbe 5th 6

    Students are broken up into 4 or 5 stations with 10-12 students where they will have opportunities to study ghost crabs & fiddler crabs, sea turtles, see specimens up close in a touch tank, learn how to fish, test for water quality and see life beyond the human eye through high quality microscopes equipped with LCD screens and cameras for capturing pictures of specimens, allowing for continued study back in the classroom. All programs are aligned with Florida education standards, ensuring a meaningful and educational experience. “We try to make sure the teachers can carry that on in the classroom,” said Jon.

    Volunteers play a vital role in making E&FCA a success. They help set up learning stations, assist with hands-on education, and answer students’ questions, enhancing the overall learning experience. All volunteers undergo background checks and fingerprinting to ensure safety compliance with school district requirements. Additionally, every adventure has at least someone present who is certified in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid, providing a safe and supportive environment for students to explore and learn.

    Although their primary focus is offering programs through local schools, E&FCA also provides educational trips for local residents and vacationing families in exchange for a donation. These sessions are customized to match the children’s ages and interests, ensuring an engaging experience for all participants. Since grants are designated solely for school field programs, the donations help support these unique learning adventures. Over 1,100 students participated in the fall semester and currently over 900 students have signed up for the spring semester, with schools even booking into the next school year.

    Jon has big plans for the future, aiming to expand the E&FCA educational reach to seven counties around St. Joe Bay and St. Andrews Bay. They hope to benchmark their programs with local schools, particularly for 5th and 7th graders, to enhance science education in the region. “We’re trying to make sure as many schools that want to participate, can,” stated Jon.

    In addition, he has a vision to build and operate an aquarium similar to the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, serving as both an educational resource and a tourist attraction. The foundation is actively working to secure funding to bring these exciting expansion plans to life.

    With teachers already booking their trips for the 2025-2026 school season, volunteers are always appreciated. If you have a love for the outdoors and teaching, please reach out to Emerald & Forgotten Coast Adventures at (850) 508-7306 or jon@emeraldforgottencoastadventures.org.

    If you’d like to support Emerald and Forgotten Coast Adventures, donations can be made at by scanning the QR code provided.

    Paypal Giving Fund 1024

    Views: 95

  • A New Chapter in Manatee Care: The Gulfarium Welcomes Lil Joe and Inigo

    A New Chapter in Manatee Care: The Gulfarium Welcomes Lil Joe and Inigo

    In a profound stride toward protecting one of Florida’s most beloved marine creatures, the Gulfarium proudly announces the arrival of two rescued manatees—Lil Joe and Inigo—to its newly renovated manatee habitat. This milestone is the culmination of a three-year vision that began in 2022, when Patrick Berry, CEO of the Gulfarium, first spoke with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service about creating a haven dedicated to nurturing manatees in need of long-term care.

    Gulfarium ManateeOriginally a 300,000-gallon dolphin habitat, the space, now named Manatee Cove, has been meticulously transformed to meet the specialized needs of rescued manatees. Improved viewing windows invite guests into the gentle underwater world of these animals, while enhanced Life Support Systems (LSS), a dedicated medical area, and intentionally designed resting ledges ensure that Lil Joe, Inigo, and future manatee residents receive the focused attention they need to thrive.

    Yet this undertaking is about far more than a physical renovation—it is a testament to the Gulfarium’s dedication to giving manatees a second chance at life. With so many of these gentle giants, a federally threatened species, facing threats in the wild, it became clear that an expanded facility was necessary to help manatees beyond their initial critical care stages.

    Gulfarium ManateeBy joining forces with the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Gulfarium is now the first facility in the Florida Panhandle to provide housing for rescued manatees requiring extended care. This vital collaboration relieves pressure on central Florida’s critical-care facilities, allowing them to focus on more urgent cases and strengthening statewide efforts to save manatees from harm. Additionally, the Gulfarium plans to further develop its manatee program by expanding to provide critical care for manatees in need within the northern Gulf Coast region.

    Lil Joe and Inigo, who previously called The Seas with Nemo & Friends their home, will serve as living ambassadors for their species—sharing a message of resilience and hope with everyone who comes to see them. Visitors will discover their stories in a newly created education area, where daily chats and additional educational programming with the Gulfarium’s team shine a light on the challenges manatees face in the wild and how each of us can play a role in their protection.

    “The Gulfarium is honored to welcome Lil Joe and Inigo, two extraordinary manatees who will help illuminate the urgent conservation needs of their species,” said Patrick Berry. “Our vision has always been to create a caring environment where manatees can continue their healing journeys while inspiring our guests to connect more deeply with marine life. By taking on the long-term care of these animals, we enable facilities in central Florida and elsewhere to devote critical resources to those manatees in acute need. We’re proud to stand with our partners in the MRP to protect these vulnerable creatures.”

    Central to the Gulfarium’s mission is public engagement. In addition to providing top-tier animal care, the new manatee habitat fosters a deeper understanding of manatees’ plight. Through interactive programs, visitors can learn about Florida’s marine ecosystems, ongoing rescue efforts, and the simple steps we can all take to protect wildlife.

    This vision aligns seamlessly with the Gulfarium’s accreditations by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums (AMMPA) and the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA), underscoring an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of animal care, conservation, and public education. By welcoming Lil Joe and Inigo, the Gulfarium demonstrates the power of compassion, collaboration, and community engagement in safeguarding Florida’s remarkable marine life.

    For those eager to learn more about manatees and experience the wonder of these gentle giants firsthand, Lil Joe and Inigo can be viewed as part of general admission to the Gulfarium. Guests are encouraged to explore Manatee Cove, attend daily educational chats, and discover how their own actions can make a positive impact on manatee conservation efforts.

    Views: 5

  • DEP Announces 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative to Increase Public Access, Recreation and Lodging at Florida State Parks

    DEP Announces 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative to Increase Public Access, Recreation and Lodging at Florida State Parks

    As part of the 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has proposed to increase public access to Florida’s state parks with the addition of new outdoor activities and lodging options. These draft proposals can be found here.

    Public input is an important and valued part of all DEP decision-making and activities, and we encourage the public to submit written comments on the draft proposals here: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7983173/Great-Outdoors-Initiative.

    Grayton Beach State ParkFrom Florida DEP:

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On August 19, 2024, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the launch of its 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative. The initiative will work to expand public access, increase outdoor activities and provide new lodging options across Florida’s state parks—reinforcing the state’s dedication to conservation, the outdoor recreation economy and a high quality of life for Floridians.

    The Florida Park Service, established in 1935 to bolster the state’s growing tourism sector and manage its historic sites and conservation lands, remains a national leader in public land stewardship. In Fiscal Year 2022-23, Florida’s 175 state parks attracted nearly 30 million visitors, contributing to an annual economic impact of $3.6 billion and supporting more than 50,000 jobs. Florida’s broader outdoor recreation economy continues to thrive, generating over $52 billion in economic output and supporting more than 460,000 jobs in 2022 alone—a 20% increase in economic output and an 11% rise in employment compared to the previous year.

    Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida has significantly increased its investment in conserving its natural landscapes, acquiring over 260,000 acres, the majority of which are located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This cumulative investment represents nearly 20% of the total acres of lands currently part of the Florida State Park System.

    In addition to increasing the number of campsites, cabins and lodges on park property, the initiative will increase the number of outdoor recreation opportunities available at Florida’s state parks, including pickleball, disc golf, golf and paddling.

    Since 2019, Florida has invested over $400 million to support the operation and maintenance of existing park infrastructure. Through this initiative, DEP will begin to update state park plans to allow for increased public access, while employing the same best practices utilized by DEP and park systems across the country, ensuring all improvements are welcoming and reflective of Florida’s heritage, are complimentary of and work with park-specific resources, are compatible and fitting within surrounding landscapes, and provide efficient amenities that visitors expect.

    Today’s announcement reinforces the DeSantis Administration’s record support for conserving our natural landscapes and commitment to ensuring every Floridian can visit and recreate at Florida’s state parks. This includes the 2023-24 Great Outdoors Initiative, which offered 50% discounts for Florida State Parks annual passes and Florida’s Freedom Summer Kickoff on Memorial Day, which provided all Floridians free entry into state parks.

    Celebrating its 90th Anniversary in 2025, the Florida Park Service, the first to win the prestigious Gold Medal Award four times for excellence, is one of the nation’s largest park systems, comprising 175 state parks, trails and historic sites across more than 815,000 acres and 100 miles of pristine coastline. To find a state park near you, visit FloridaStateParks.org.

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    About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
    The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. Visit the department’s website at FloridaDEP.gov.

    Views: 2

  • Why is Sustainability Important?

    Why is Sustainability Important?

    Kimberly Stanley, SEASIDE Institute™

    When discussing sustainability, many think about environmental concerns and the ways we can help slow the effects of climate change. However, the concept extends far beyond our planet’s health. It also encompasses social inclusion, wellness, and economic stability. The term, officially defined in 1987, refers to our ability to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

    From an environmental perspective, sustainability involves safeguarding our ecosystem from pollutants to ensure the long term health of our natural resources. By reducing pollution, adopting renewable energy sources, and implementing more environmentally friendly methods and practices, we can do our part to help mitigate climate change. A healthy ecosystem is a thriving ecosystem.

    Social sustainability means taking the necessary steps to improve everyone’s quality of life. Access to clean water, nutritious food, and safe living conditions support physical and mental well-being. This fosters optimism, hope, and can improve an individual’s sense of self-worth. People who have access to their daily needs and a better sense of self-worth will likely take steps to embrace a healthier lifestyle, thereby increasing their lifespan.

    Sustainability

    Economic sustainability promotes the importance of economic growth. Positive economic growth is vital for a community to thrive and be a healthy place for its residents to call home. This includes balancing supply and demand, investing in green technologies, and supporting local businesses to create jobs. If workers can provide for their family, their overall quality of life improves and the local economy continues to move forward.

    It is essential for each of us to take practical steps to be more sustainable. Every individual should play a part as the health of our environment affects each of us. We can do small things like conserve energy, reduce waste, walk or bike when possible instead of driving an automobile, and choose products that are better for our body and the environment. Actions like these not only benefit our planet, but also enhance our resilience and quality of life.

    By embracing sustainable practices in our daily lives, we can contribute to a more robust and equitable future for generations to come. If interested in learning more, visit seasideinstitute.org.

    Views: 2

  • Support a Successful Sea Turtle Season

    Support a Successful Sea Turtle Season

    By Heather Bennett Eye

    It’s sea turtle season again! In the panhandle, from May through the end of October, we witness the nesting and hatching process. While walking the beach, you might come across some turtle tracks, a marked nest, or even witness a turtle crawl to nest, or hatchlings racing to the Gulf. I recently spoke with Lacie Wegner, President and Permit Holder, with the South Walton Turtle Watch (SWTW). She shared with me the importance of sea turtles in the Panhandle of Florida, and what we can do to help them stay safe and have a successful season.

    Img 5975South Walton Turtle Watch is a non-profit organization. With funding provided by grants, fundraising and the Walton County TDC, they operate under a Florida Marine Turtle Permit issued by Fish and Wildlife Commission, conducting sea turtle nesting surveys in Walton County. During the sea turtle season, they look for tracks and identify turtle species, mark and inventory nests, and continuously monitor them during the incubation period. SWTW also responds to sick or injured sea turtles, and relocates them to a permitted rehabilitation facility.

    Sea turtles have been around for millions of years. They are a key species, indicative of the health of our marine environments, and fostering healthy marine ecosystems, yet their population has drastically declined over the years due to pollution, habitat encroachment, illegal harvesting and incidental capture. “The loggerhead is threatened, and the rest (Green, Leatherback and Kemp Ridley) are endangered, but they all fall under the Endangered Species Act,” said Lacie.

    Green Certificate PicThe Panhandle is important for sea turtles because of the temperature of our sand. A sea turtle’s gender is based on the temperature at which the egg is incubated. Warmer temperatures produce more females and cooler temperatures produce more males.  “The Panhandle of Florida naturally has cooler sand because of its location and high-water tables, which will increase the production of males. This is very important considering the other coasts of Florida tend to be warmer,” Lacie said. With so many opportunities for females to flourish, it’s important these male dominant hatchlings survive. At the time of writing, SWTW cataloged 48 Loggerhead nests and 1 Green nest so far this year.

    Over the years, SWTW has worked to educate our younger visitors and locals alike on the importance of sea turtles and what we can do to help them thrive. What started out as Turtle Talk Tuesday six years ago has evolved into Wild Sea Turtle Wednesday hosted at The Big Chill 30A, offered through the end of August. “It’s a chance to educate the kids,” stated Lacie. “They’re the future.” In addition to educational 10-minute talks at 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., kids can explore specimens and make crafts. Each child who attends will receive a free goodie bag. There’s also merchandise for sale that raises funds for the SWTW.

    So how can we help make sure the sea turtles have a successful season? Follow #cleandarkflat. Make sure we clean up after ourselves (and others) at the beach. No trash, no boogie boards, no chairs, no toys, no obstacles should be left out overnight. Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles before leaving the beach. These things can disorient a mother and lead to false crawls or become detrimental obstructions for hatchlings.

    546b3981 8736 4b50 A386 8d7f7015581eLight, or the lack thereof, is very important as the hatchlings use the light of the moon to guide them to the water. If they see a brighter light, they will crawl towards it. Keep it dark. Often, house lights that are left on lead hatchlings to the opposite direction of where they need to go, and they don’t survive. Besides no light, people should use red or amber light. Red light emits a more narrow portion of the visible light spectrum. “There is a light ordinance and we do submit those to Code Compliance,” stated Lacie. “The darker, the better.” The Walton County Tourism Department carries Beach Safety Toolkits that include information on sea turtle protection. We urge property rental companies and homeowners to pick up these materials and distribute them as necessary to educate renters.

    However, the ordinance doesn’t cover flashlights and cell phone lights yet, and many people love using these while walking the beach or crab hunting after dark. While there’s no law against it, please keep in mind how these lights affect turtles sharing the beach. You can visit the Walton County Visitor Center to pick up stickers for your flashlights and cellphones that make your lights turtle safe, or make your own red filter.

    When you are out exploring our miles of white sand beaches, and see a turtle, call the SWTW. “If you see a turtle on the beach, a nesting turtle, or a sick turtle, the first thing you want to do is stay back, and the second thing is to call the hotline (850-865-4503),” said Lacie. “If a turtle gets hooked, don’t cut the line. Call us first for help,” said Lacie. “At night, you want turn off all the lights, stay 30ft-50ft back. Stay behind a turtle, you never want to get in front of her. It can disorient her. Same for hatchlings. Stay back. Call for help.” We also want to emphasize that you shouldn’t shine a light in the eyes of turtles, or attempt to take selfies with them.

    Let’s do our part every day to protect these endangered sea turtles we love so much. Stay conscious of how your actions have a far-reaching impact. “The people are coming and so are the turtles,” said Lacie. “We have to figure out a way to coexist.”

    If you would like more information on the South Walton Turtle Watch, please visit https://southwaltonturtlewatch.org.

    Views: 2

  • Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance’s Water Science Crew is Making Waves with Volunteers like You!

    Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance’s Water Science Crew is Making Waves with Volunteers like You!

    It’s no secret that this stretch of Florida’s coast has something special, the rare coastal dune lakes, miles of sugar-sand Gulf beaches, and the third-largest estuary in the state. These natural features are a sanctuary for wildlife and humans alike, and it is the mission of the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) to protect and preserve these waterways for future generations.

    CBA takes action through education, restoration, and monitoring program areas, all made possible by a passionate volunteer base. Locals and visitors alike can participate in experiences that empower them to take action to care for our shorelines, wetlands and waterways. CBA is currently seeking locals to join their Water Science Crew —on-the-ground stewards monitoring local water quality.

    Why is water quality monitoring important? Gathering data is a crucial step in protecting our environment. Data can help us detect problems and improve management of our natural resources. Water quality data is also used by scientists to better understand ecology, climate change, human health, and more. CBA’s Water Quality Monitoring Program collects data from 137 stations that inform annual reports, long-term trends, and add to over 20 years of recorded data!

    Want to become a water quality monitor? Adopt a section of Choctawhatchee Bay or a coastal dune lake and visit the waterbody monthly to take samples and measurements. Volunteers receive training and equipment as well as a well-earned sense of contribution to science. No experience is necessary to join. Although some stations do require volunteers to bring their own kayak, paddleboard, or boat, others have a canoe on-site for volunteer use.

    Best geared for paddlers, are South Walton’s coastal dune lakes. Currently, Camp Creek, Grayton, Little Red Fish and Stallworth lakes are all in need of volunteer monitors. However, if you have boat access in the bay, or want to spend more time in the river, CBA works watershed-wide and has other openings throughout the watershed.

    If you are interested in exploring and connecting to nature, while giving back to the environment, you might be ready to join the Water Science Crew! Email wingardk@nwfsc.edu for details on how you can contribute. Want to pitch in but not ready for a monthly commitment? Check out CBA’s Facebook page for other volunteer opportunities ranging from beach clean-ups to creating oyster gardens.

    Noggle Family
    Image of the Noggle family, volunteer monitors of Boggy Bayou in Niceville.
    Western Lake
    Image of Western Lake in Grayton Beach State Park.

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