Imagine Our Florida, Inc. 

Lightning bolts made on 3D printer by student at Seminole County PSI High School

Jr. Educator Rowan

Jr. Educator Rowan.

We are growing! Please WELCOME our new members. What is Imagine Our Florida?Imagine Our Florida, Inc. is a science-based educational non-profit organization. We are on a mission to educate and empower the people of Florida to become a voice for our wildlife, advocate for environmental stewardship, and coexist within our unique ecosystems.How Can You Help?- Many people help by simply sharing our posts. You never know who you will inspire to become an advocate for the wild spaces and wildlife in our state. - Invite your friends and family to like our page. We can all learn together.- Share what you have learned with your family and friends.- Advocate using the knowledge you acquire to protect our ecosystem and the wildlife who inhabit them for future generations.- Volunteer. We have opportunities to table events, write posts as a guest writer or to request grants, solicit sponsors, volunteer in a classroom or with a scout troop, join our beach cleanups or lead one in your area, set up a library display with one of our educational programs, or host a fundraiser. Learn more at www.ImagineOurFlorida.org Message us for more information. Together we will show folks of all ages how to connect with our wildlife, to change fear into respect for our wild friends, and to coexist within Florida’s wonderfully unique ecosystems. Educate. Empower. Together, We Will Make a Difference.

🍂Happy Autumn! 🍂It’s the First Day of Fall which means being outside in cooler temperatures will be more bearable. 12 Ways to Enjoy Fall in Florida1. Take a hike through a state park. Have any of the trees changed colors?2. Rent a canoe or kayak and explore what is around the bend on your local river.3. Go to the beach and enjoy a sunrise or sunset. Beaches are less crowded in the fall.4. Drive through a wildlife drive with your car windows down. What sounds will you hear?5. Visit an island and discover the unique ecosystems and local wildlife. 6. Make a picnic lunch and simply enjoy dining outdoors.7. Sit on your porch in the evening with a warm cup of spiced apple cider and listen. What do you hear? 8. Take a road trip on the backroads. You might be surprised at the wildlife you see on roads less traveled. 9. Go horseback riding. 10. For a real outdoor experience, go camping.11. Share your experiences with your friends and family so they will get back to nature too. 12. Volunteer: Imagine Our Florida has several upcoming opportunities where you can help educate folks of all ages how to connect, respect, and coexist with wildlife. Take part in a beach or river cleanup or take a leadership role with IOF to set up one. Do some behind the scenes work by researching or writing while sitting outside. Educate. Empower. Make a Difference. Please share how you experience Nature during Fall in Florida in the comments.

-----Constitution Day-----Today we celebrate Constitution Day. Did you know that the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution is an important way for the U.S. Government to help protect our environment? Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution allows Congress to have control over foreign trade, interstate relations, and negotiations with Indian tribes. This means if a corporation performs an act that is unsafe to air, water, or human health, Congress can intervene. The tenth amendment of the U.S. Constitution also states that matters that aren't the responsibility of Congress are left for the state government to decide. Here in Florida, we have our own state constitution. Article X Section 11 states that the state legislature makes decisions about public land which is in the best interest of the citizens. This means that we as citizens can use our voice to vote for who will make our environment a priority and we can make public comments to encourage legislatures to protect our environment. Article X Section 16 outlines the regulations for fishing nets that must be used in order to protect sea turtles. Section 17 establishes the Everglade Trust Fund which is used to provide funding for projects that help protect the Everglades ecosystem. Section 18 states that conservation land can only be sold if the state government decides it is no longer needed for conservation purposes and only if two-thirds of the state legislature vote to support the sale. Section 28 establishes the Land Acquisition Trust Fund which uses 33 percent of excise tax for conservation projects protecting land, water, and habitat improvement. As you can see, both the Federal and State constitutions are important in helping to protect our environment but we must remember that our elected officials make these decisions. Check with your Supervisor of Elections website and see if they have a posted example of your upcoming ballot. Research the listed candidates and make sure to look at their position on the environment. Do they have a plan that would benefit the environment? If you can't find one listed you can contact them and ask. Most people are not one issue voters but even if you aren't, it never hurts to let candidates or legislatures know that air, water, and wild spaces are important to everyone. *Imagine Our Florida, Inc. is non-partisan and does not endorse any political party or candidate.

--- Foto Friday ------ Slaty Skimmer Dragonfly. (Libellula incesta) ---The Slaty Skimmer is one of the most common species of the dragonflies. They are found in marshy ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing forest streams with muck bottoms. This male landed on a sand pile. Females stay away from the water's edge except during mating and when laying eggs in the water. After the eggs hatch, they emerge as wingless, water-breathing, immature forms called naiads. Naiads will live in the water for up to four years. Even as a naiad, the dragonflies are carnivores. They dine on mosquitos, butterflies, moths, mayflies, gnats, flies, bees, ants, crickets, termites, and other dragonflies. In short, if the Slaty Skimmer can catch it, it will become dinner.The Slaty Skimmer dragonfly is found in all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico. Scientists are researching why their population is declining in Wisconsin.Slaty Skimmers can see almost 360 degrees, however, they can not see what is behind or below them. The Slaty Skimmer's vision lacks the clarity that we see. They can see ultraviolet and polarized light which allows them to navigate easily. The dragonfly is one of the most beneficial insects to humans. They are revered in Japan as the country’s national emblem. Over the ages, dragonflies have been viewed as omens, a sign of good luck, a warning of caution, magical, and were once considered real dragons. When you see a dragonfly as beautiful as the Slaty Skimmer, just remember this - Dragonflies pre-date dinosaurs and had a 3-foot wingspan. Connect. Respect. Coexist.Photo Credit: Dan Kon

While mangroves line much of the Courtney Campbell Causeway, these Australian Pines prevent sunlight from reaching sections of the coast. This makes the coast more vulnerable to storms.

Shallow roots and tall trees make the Australian Pine easily capable of uprooting and causing erosion. This was the case with this Australian Pine off the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

This small woody nugget contains one single seed.