Imagine Our Florida, Inc. 

Every little bit of nature holds its own magic. -Isabella 8 years old. Arteco

FWC returns panther family back to the wild. We appreciate the efforts of FWC to rescue and release these magnificent animals.Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission sent this bulletin at 04/12/2018 11:20 AM EDT April 12, 2018. Click the link to read the story.https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/1e9188f?reqfrom=share

Come and see our IOF booth at Artecofest at Innovation Montessori Ocoee campus 1644 N. Lakewood Ave.Ocoee, FL 34761 from 10am to 4pm. IOF will be a keynote speaker from 1:30-2:00 about Connect. Respect. Coexist. Check out many other programs and vendors that will be there too.

----Foto Friday----This week we have an adult southern five linned skink. This fella is in the process of regenerating his tail. Young skinks have a bright blue tail which detaches when a predator tries to capture them. This gives them a chance to get away. As they get older skinks get a redish head and the stripes on the males fade. These lizards move fast so keep your eyes open when exploring damp trails. #fivelinedskink #skink #florida #imagineourflorida #pinellascounty #sawgrasspark #stpetersburgfl

----Holocaust Remembrance Day----This year we would like to share a powerful book titled "Holocaust and Nature." This book looks at the holocaust from an ecological manipulate of the Nazi regime and how nature was viewed as power. That power stemmed from the exploitation of natural resources which were conserved for the sole purpose of power. Trees were used for millitary efforts in fortification, minerals used for structures and weapons. And components of nature were used for experimentation. Ecology was warped and misinterpreted. Furthermore, the natural selection was also manipulated to strive for artificial selection. This was most common when it came to the race of humans. Today, let us reflect upon nature, not as a source of power, but as a something to be cherished. Let us look at each species as a part of a larger family that shares this world and render respect to that family and to the world we live in. Let us remember that respect is more valuable than power and appreciate is crucial in society and nature. #holocaust #nature #imagineourflorida https://buff.ly/2qrevAV

--- Conservation Begins in Your Yard ---County Extension Services are a great resource for plants, water conservation and fertilizing Florida yards. Be sure to check your county's Extension Service website for upcoming classes. Our efforts in our own yards affect our wild spaces and water. #Conservation #yard #Forida #wildlife #birds #Extensionservices #UF #UniversityofFlorida #Landscaping #floridafriendlyyard #planting #botany #floridafertilizerlaws https://buff.ly/2J9WOgY

-- Happy Gopher Tortoise Day!! --The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is an amazing resident of the state of Florida. Gopher Tortoises are a terrestrial (land dwelling) species, occupying dry, well draining land in various habitats. Considered a Keystone species, 360 species of wildlife who are known as commensals use gopher tortoise burrows. Commensals species include gopher frog, Florida mouse, eastern indigo snake, and hundreds of invertebrates like beetles and crickets. It takes 18-25 years for gopher tortoises to become sexually mature and they can live for more than 60 years. If you find a gopher tortoise crossing the road, it is ok to stop and assist them. Place them off the side of the road in the direction they were traveling. DO NOT RELOCATE A TORTOISE! They have a very strong homing instinct and will wander to find their home range. The survival rate of tortoises relocated is very low. Gopher tortoises also have an amazing ability to heal themselves so if you find an injured tortoise, often the best thing to do is place them near their burrow so they can return home and heal. You can honor these Florida natives on their special day by sharing your knowledge and with friends and family about these wonderful reptiles. #gophertortoise #therealflorida #protectedspecies #digsholes #eatsgrass #floridalife #reptilesofinstagram #tortoisesofinstagram #reptilesofflorida #reptilesfamerica #nature #outdoors #floridafauna #LoveFL #florida #family #beach #southernliving #beachlife #floridastateparks #keystonespecies #threatenedspecies #science

-- Plastic --It's in our oceans, in our rivers and in our forests. Plastic in our possession is our responsibility. Reduce: Try metal straws, taking your own containers to restauraunts, and carry your own silverware.Recycle: Bring home your plastic bottles, etc to recycle when there are no recycling recepticals available.Reuse: Donate when you can't find a way to reuse.Pictures: 1. Gandy Beach Cleanup 2.Bear eating hotdogs and plastic wrapper. 3. Bear scat with plastic collected in the forest

-- Plastic --It's in our oceans, in our rivers and in our forests. Plastic in our possession is our responsibility. Reduce: Try metal straws, taking your own containers to restauraunts, and carry your own silverware.Recycle: Bring home your plastic bottles, etc to recycle when there are no recycling recepticals available.Reuse: Donate when you can't find a way to reuse.Pictures: 1. Gandy Beach Cleanup 2.Bear eating hotdogs and plastic wrapper. 3. Bear scat with plastic collected in the forest

-- Plastic --It's in our oceans, in our rivers and in our forests. Plastic in our possession is our responsibility. Reduce: Try metal straws, taking your own containers to restauraunts, and carry your own silverware.Recycle: Bring home your plastic bottles, etc to recycle when there are no recycling recepticals available.Reuse: Donate when you can't find a way to reuse.Pictures: 1. Gandy Beach Cleanup 2.Bear eating hotdogs and plastic wrapper. 3. Bear scat with plastic collected in the forest