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Imagine Our Florida, Inc.

Our purpose is to bring people together in a shared vision to preserve and protect Florida's wildlife, habitat, and ecosystems. We accomplish this via science-based education and the development of appreciation and respect for the natural world and our place within it.

Imagine Our Florida, Inc.11 hours ago

Which meeting are you attending?
#nobearhunt

https://www.facebook.com/MyFWC/posts/pfbid02BVWJ3Ujq5NSYtFWnfVxyRV8uThWvvmeAdXgZAhGN3TZErxBVwzEaN7t3sU4ppE72l?rdid=9sBDeSaFagGJWAoe#

Upcoming Virtual Public Meetings on Highly Regulated Bear Hunting Proposals

We are holding a series of virtual public meetings to collect feedback directly from Florida residents on proposals for highly regulated black bear hunting in Florida that will be presented to Commissioners at our May meeting. The content covered in all meetings is identical, and it is not necessary to attend more than one virtual public meeting.

The meeting dates and times are as follows:
• April 2 from 12 – 3 p.m. EDT: https://bit.ly/VirtualPublicMeeting_April2
• April 3 from 5 – 8 p.m. EDT: https://bit.ly/VirtualPublicMeeting_April3
• April 5 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. EDT: https://bit.ly/VirtualPublicMeeting_April5

For more information: https://bit.ly/VirtualPublicMeeting_Proposals

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Imagine Our Florida, Inc.2 days ago

- Science Sunday -
Black Bears Favor Riparian Zones

This study focuses on a small population of Florida Black Bears in the northern Florida Peninsula. The study's interesting findings highlight the importance of wetlands in forest habitats. Creeks with canopies were a favored area among bears. While these areas are common across Florida, how long will they last?

The study shows higher densities around riparian zones. These riparian zones can provide water as well as a variety of plants that make excellent food sources. Another benefit is protection from fire. Wildfires and controlled burns are limited in these damp spaces. This makes them a perfect area to retreat to when fires erupt.

Of course, as humans, we must consider the disservice we do to animals when we pour pollutants into these wetlands. Hazardous waste, excessive nutrient concentration, plastic, and other pollutants can harm wildlife. We must do our best to ensure that all wild spaces remain clean.

Photo Credit: Bear Smart Society

#flblackbear #blackbear #riparianzones #ecology #imagineourflorida

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Imagine Our Florida, Inc.3 days ago

Saturday Saunter
Little Big Econ State Forest

Located in Geneva in eastern Seminole County, the Little Big Econ State Forest gets its name from both the Econlockhatchee River and the Little Econlockhatchee River. Econlockhatchee means “earth-mound stream” in the Muskogee language and was named by the native Americans for the numerous mounds found along the river.

Before being established on March 24, 1994, by the Florida Legislature, the property was used for cattle ranching, crops, as a turpentine distillery, and for a portion of the Florida East Coast Railway. Today, the 10,336 acres in the Little Big Econ State Forest are an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.

Seventeen miles of the Econlockhatchee River, designated as an Outstanding Florida Waterway, flow through the forest before joining the St. Johns River on the eastern boundary. The Little Big Econ State Forest boasts a variety of habitats, including wet prairie, pine flatwoods, sandhill, scrub pine, flatwoods, scrub, sandhill, and oak-palm hammocks.

Over 160 bird species have been spotted in the forest, including Bachman’s sparrows, crested caracara, wood storks, swallow-tailed kites, and sandhill cranes. Look for fox squirrels, gopher frogs, gopher tortoises, turkeys, deer, and alligators.

The Little Big Econ State Forest has been named one of the country’s most family-friendly hikes by the American Hiking Society. Saunter along the 5.2-mile Kolokee Trail loop, discover wildlife along the 8 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail, or explore any of the 15 miles of trails located within the forest.

Paddle all or a portion of the 20-mile-long Econlockhatchee River Paddling Trail. There are 12.1 miles of bicycle trails and 9.3 miles of equestrian trails complete with a water trough.

Primitive camping sites are available, and some have a picnic table and fire ring.

Reserve the picnic pavilion for your special events.
Enjoy your lunch at one of the picnic tables. Your leashed pets are welcome.

Whether for a day or a week, there is plenty to explore and discover at the Little Big Econ State Forest.

For trail maps and more information:
https://www.fdacs.gov/…/State-…/Little-Big-Econ-State-Forest

Photo credit: Christian Kon

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Imagine Our Florida, Inc.4 days ago

Foto Friday
Please share your wild Florida images in the comments. We can't wait to see them.

River Otters, Lontra canadensis, are members of the weasel family. They can be found in a variety of freshwater bodies, including rivers, creeks, swamps, marshes, ponds, and lakes throughout Florida, except the Keys. Otters love riparian areas, where they can create their burrows under tree roots on the bank and slide into the water for a tasty dinner of fish, crustaceans, reptiles, and amphibians. They also dine on insects, birds, and small mammals.

River Otters weigh 15-30 pounds and live to 12 years old. They are skilled swimmers. When they aren't playing in the water or mud, you will find them marking their territory with urine, feces, scent glands, and scratch marks on trees. Females give birth to one to six pups in a den dug into the bank of a body of water or a hollow log. When they are two months old, the mother otter pushes her pups into the water where they quickly learn to swim.

Fun Fact: River Otters can hold their breath for 8 minutes.

Photo Credit: Paul Waller