Most people associate Florida with amusement parks, sunshine and beaches. Orlando’s Disney World and Universal Studios, often considered two of the world’s best theme parks, do not disappoint in providing thrills and entertainment. South Florida’s beaches, with their year-round tropical climates, are popular tourist destinations with a reputation among the rich and the famous.
These places are all fun and exciting, but I would like to introduce you to a less popular, but equally fun and wholesome, side of Florida that makes this state truly unique and wonderful. It is the Florida that will not only wet your appetite for fun, adventure and entertainment, but is also educational and leaves less of an ecological footprint. I’m talking about Florida’s natural habitat areas, parks and wildlife.
Florida’s geographical location, climate and geology make this state unlike any other. Its peninsular shape along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico make for the longest coastline in the 48 contiguous states. Its semi-tropical climate allows it to have a diverse array of flora and fauna — some seen nowhere else in the world. The mostly low, flat terrain and absorbent, water-retaining limestone bedrock make this state rich in valuable water resources above and below ground.
All of these factors contribute to a state rich in biodiversity. Studies conducted at the University of Florida found that the state has the richest concentration of herpetofauna — a collective term for reptiles and amphibians. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Florida also has the most diverse species of orchids.
The Florida Straits have the highest biodiversity of marine life in the Atlantic Ocean. Each year, thousands of birds flock there for winter migration. Bird-watching is popular due to the variety of bird species that can be found all year long. If you appreciate life, nature and the natural sciences, this place is a paradise of natural beauty.
The best way to appreciate all this wonder is to go out and visit our natural parks and wildlife. Besides learning to appreciate the beauty of the natural landscape and coastlines, there are outdoor activities that you can enjoy, which, in my opinion, are better than theme park activities. You can hike the trails, while observing different plants and animals, and learn to appreciate the value of our ecosystems and the services they provide. You can a ride mountain bike on designated trails and go camping, horseback riding and canoeing. You can even snorkel or scuba dive on coral reefs, dive wrecks and marine habitats.
A new trend in outdoor recreation is called geocaching. Geocaching is basically a treasure hunt, kicked up a notch by using GPS and smartphone technology. You can find more information on geocaching at geocaching.com
Florida’s natural areas can be classified into the upland habitats, coastal systems and freshwater wetlands, each having their own unique ecosystems, although not necessarily having their own exclusive list of flora and fauna. Some species exist in all, some or none of these areas.
Upland habitats are those that remain dry most of the year. Hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods are good examples of these areas. Jonathan Dickinson State Park, about 90 minutes north of Davie, is a place to explore an upland habitat. Only a small portion of the park is developed, leaving large natural areas open for exploration. You can hike miles and miles of trails, go canoeing or geocaching. There are also park amenities for overnight camping.
Florida’s coastal systems are among the state’s most stressed areas, due to human activity and development. A vast majority of the state’s residents live within 10 miles of the coastline. Our area contains some of the best coastal systems in the country — maybe even the world.
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in Monroe County consists of more than 3,000-square miles of sea and ocean, and includes the world’s third largest coral reef system with thousands of acres of seagrass and mangrove ecosystems. The sanctuary is the natural habitat for the endangered American crocodile and the Key deer. Recreational activities include camping, diving, snorkeling, canoeing and fishing.
Finally, Florida’s freshwater wetland systems are the product of thousands of years of geological and ecological processes, involving the rise and fall of sea levels, natural forces acting on limestone bedrock, resulting in flat terrains and our freshwater systems. The best example of this feature is the Florida Everglades, which is home to over 350 species of birds, 50 reptiles and more than 1,000 seed-bearing plants. Visitors and nature enthusiasts enjoy bird-watching and hiking, and have an appreciation for the unique, diverse freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.
While Florida provides some of the best entertainment in its theme parks, it is hoped that people would appreciate Florida more for its natural beauty and include a visit to these areas in their travel plans. People should show more concern for the environment: the birds, trees and animals with which we share our land. We should learn to appreciate and respect their beauty and existence. Go out and enjoy Florida. Go out and enjoy the outdoors. Go out and enjoy nature.
