As we look forward to our second Black Creek Paddling Festival next week, we are excited to get fully into our 2021-22 paddling season. In January, we will stage our first 10,000 Islands Paddling Experience with a base camp at Collier-Seminole State Park in Naples. During that event we will hear from speakers from Rookery Bay and others who will offer wisdom about the 10,000 Islands region, often called a 'Paddlers Paradise'. For our final night in Naples we will be entertained by J.Robert, a local legend. After last year's COVID-shortened season, although COVID is still with us, we have seen a big uptick in registrations and are about to close out the Chipola trip in March and the Suwannee River Paddling Festival in April. Our Withlacoochee trip in February still has space. We thank everyone who has supported us during this difficult time.

In this issue we hear from Ryan Smart with a preview of the 2022 Florida Legislative Session. We also take a look at 'Re-wilding' in our own communities and how it can have positive effects locally and globally as well as how Florida’s population boom is having an impact on our waterways. Lastly, we have an update on our state's Manatee population, which is struggling as never before, while another article explores how we can co-exist with Alligators and Crocodiles here in Florida. As the weather cools down we look forward to introducing folks from all over the U.S. to our great waterways in the Sunshine State.

Even though the calendar still says 2021, Committee Meetings for the 2022 Florida Legislative Session are already under way. Next year the Legislature officially convenes on January 11, 2022 and ends on March 11, 2022. On top of the normal policy and budget issues, the Legislature must also approve new Congressional and State Senate maps during the 60-day Session. 

The Florida Springs Council is working with legislators and member organizations to draft, improve, and oppose legislation affecting Florida’s springs and rivers. For the 2022 Legislative Session FSC’s priorities are:

• Restoring the Ocklawaha River

• Implementing the recommendations of the Blue Green Algae Task Force

• Enforcing and improving upon existing laws, like the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act

• Enhanced rules and increased funding for programs and projects that reduce agricultural nutrient pollution

The deadline to file bills for the 2022 Session is January 7th. [Read more…]

Rewilding will be crucial for tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. Most often, we talk about rewilding on a grand scale—on farms and large tracts of land, and in wider bioregions. But rewilding in gardens can be just as important.

There are many reasons why we should rewild on a domestic scale. It's useful to think small, in addition to taking the broader view, since even small steps taken at home can help improve our environments. Thinking more "wildly" can help us find solutions for the major challenges we face.

Carbon Drawdown and Climate Change Mitigation

By replacing formal lawns, annual flower beds, and hard paving with trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials, we maximize photosynthesis and sequester more carbon in our gardens.

We should think about our gardens not plant by plant, but as living ecosystems where every element works holistically for the benefit of the whole, as in natural systems. By mimicking and working with nature, we can create thriving, abundant spaces which work for nature and deliver for us. [Read more…]

Photo credit: Fiordaliso / Getty Images

When you drive almost anywhere on the First Coast, you’re likely going to cross a bridge or drive near water. As more people move into the area, what’s that doing to our waterways?

As we continue our series called 'Growing Pains' where we look at how population growth impacts different parts of our lives, we look at what's happening to our waterways.

Water is all around us.

And just as there is more of “us” here, the water is showing it.

"I’ve grown up in Jacksonville," says Melinda Simmons. Now, she's a marine scientist at Jacksonville University. 

She was concerned about less state funding to test water quality, so she started testing the water routinely on parts of the St. Johns River.

"Even though we see these beautiful homes worth lots of money, it’s quite polluted in fact," she said as she looked out from a boat at waterfront properties. "We've been monitoring the chlorophyll levels every month for the last four years, and they’ve always been elevated."

What does that mean? 

"There’s too much algae in the water," Simmons says. "Too many nutrients.” [Read more…]

Photo credit: Phil's 1stPix

More manatees have died already in Florida waters this year than ever recorded. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 984 manatee deaths have been recorded so far in 2021, surpassing the previous record of 830 in 2013. 

Most years between about 400 and 600 of the large, threatened, marine mammals die: mostly from boat strikes and the effects of red tide. But, this year more manatees are dying from starvation because of a lack of seagrass, which is their primary food source.

We explore why this year is turning out to be so devastating for manatees and learn about innovative research being conducted at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota exploring how and why manatees vocalize. [Read more…]

Photo credit: Extrabrandt / Pixabay

Photo caption: Top - American alligator, Middle - American crocodile, Bottom - common caiman

Alligators have inhabited Florida's marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes for many centuries, and are found in all 67 counties. In recent years, Florida has experienced tremendous human population growth. Many residents seek waterfront homes, and increasingly participate in water-related activities. This can result in more frequent alligator-human interactions, and a greater potential for conflict.

Remember, never feed an alligator and keep your distance if you see one. Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. And keep pets on a leash and away from the water.

American crocodiles primarily are found in south Florida living in brackish and saltwater habitats such as ponds, coves and creeks of mangrove swamps. Recently crocodiles have moved northward within their range and even inland into freshwater areas of southeast Florida. The American crocodile is an endangered species success story. Since 1975 their numbers have increased from less than 300 to more than 2,000 adult crocodiles. Today, they are classified as a threatened species. The number of crocodile complaints has risen as a result of their recovery and the increasing number of people living and recreating in south Florida. [Read more…]

Photo credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

How To: Kayak Gear I Keep In My Kayak All the Time
by Kayak Hipster

A quick discussion about items that I like to keep in my kayak all the time. I've used them or lent them unexpectedly many times, and I was always thankful they were there already.

Click here for article & video.