Florida is home to no fewer than 700 freshwater springs, more than any place in the world! From the famed manatee to the obscure freshwater jellyfish, the springs provide sustenance to an abundance of wild, marine and insect life. This beautiful guide features over 150 species, over 130 original illustrations, and includes listings of commonly and not-so-commonly encountered “critters” living in and near Florida’s springs.
Did you know fawns have no scent, an evolutionary defense against predators? And that the eastern grey squirrel is a formidable swimmer, which makes them quite suited for the Sunshine State? And that, unlike other avians, Florida scrub jay families stay together for years, with older siblings helping to feed younger siblings? Florida Animals for Everyday Naturalists contains everything you want to know about Florida’s furry, feathered, scaled, and shelled friends. With lively personal essays and stunning photographs, Larry Allan introduces you to the array of wildlife you might encounter in your backyard, at the park, or on a jaunt at one of the state’s many wildlife refuges. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific animal, like the bobcat, the river otter, and the caracara, and paired with vivid photos to help you identify these creatures in the wild. Allan’s fascination with Florida fauna is contagious, and his reverence of nature is unmistakable. While sharing his whimsical, enlightening, and instructive anecdotes, he gently argues for wildlife preservation in Florida and for responsible human-animal interactions. Perfect for young naturalists, inquisitive trekkers through the Sunshine State, or armchair adventurers, this book will help you appreciate the abundance of life right outside your door.
Featuring the state’s finest cold springs, Touring the Springs of Florida features full-color photos of each site and in-depth descriptions of the springs and surrounding areas. Whether you’re tubing, paddling, hiking, diving, or sightseeing, detailed maps, GPS coordinates, and thorough driving directions lead you every step of the way.
"The Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition shows the world that beyond beaches and theme parks, the heart of Florida is still wild--and can still be saved. In 2012, four explorers enter the Everglades and, 100 days later, reach the Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia. They paddle, peddle and hike more than 1,000 miles up the spine of Florida to call attention to this remaining natural corridor so essential to the survival of wildlife and to the well-being of Florida's ever-growing population. Stunning photographs by Carlton Ward Jr and essays by fellow explorers bring the story to life in vivid detail. Travel with them to discover the rivers, swamps, prairies, springs and forests, along with private cattle ranches and timberlands, which unite to form the corridor. Learn about wide-ranging wildlife like the Florida black bear and Florida panther and meet the gladesmen, cowboys and other heroes who work to protect the corridor for us all. The Florida Wildlife Corridor project is a collaborative vision to connect remaining natural lands, waters, working farms and ranches from the Everglades to Georgia, protecting a functional ecological corridor for the health of people and wildlife. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition, led by photographer Carlton Ward Jr, biologist Joe Guthrie, conservationist Mallory Lykes Dimmitt and filmmaker Elam Stoltzfus, was a 100 day, 1000 mile trek in early 2012 that explored the last remaining natural path through the length of the Florida peninsula. The journey will be featured in a film to debut nationally on Public Television in April, 2013" -- Amazon.com.
A veteran ecotripper shares her intimate knowledge of Florida's wild side in a comprehensive collection of the thirty best undisturbed places to explore across the state, providing descriptions of wildlife and recreational opportunities, places to stay, and more. Original.
This book chronicles a paddling expedition down the restored Kissimmee River, exploring the history and ecology of the region while highlighting the most successful restoration project of its kind in the world.
"This fully illustrated book is a comprehensive, yet convenient and easy-to-understand guide to Florida's endangered and threatened animals and the habitats that support them. Chris Scott covers all 71 species, subspecies, or populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, crustaceans, insects, corals, and mollusks. His species accounts describe each animal's listed status, identifying characteristics, historical and current distribution, biology, current threats, and conservation efforts.
The Florida Manatee is an engaging, accessible introduction to manatee biology from two scientists who have been at the forefront of manatee research for over three decades.
This easy-to-follow guidebook spans 18 counties in eastern Florida to showcase 136 birding sites from the Georgia border to Lake Okeechobee, including the Jacksonville and Orlando metropolitan areas. Maps.
