Ecoparks

Florida is a state that is known for its beautiful beaches and balmy weather. However, this idyllic landscape is in jeopardy due to the impacts of climate change. Floridians are already seeing the effects of a warming planet, from more extreme weather events to changes in the distribution of plant and animal species. If we don’t take action now, the future of Florida’s ecosystem could be in serious trouble. In this article, we will explore how climate change is impacting Florida’s environment and what can be done to mitigate these effects.

One of the most visible impacts of climate change in Florida is the increase in extreme weather events. Hurricanes, floods, and wildfires are becoming more common, causing billions of dollars in damage each year. These events not only cause physical destruction but can also have long-term effects on the environment. For example, Hurricane Irma caused widespread damage to trees in Florida’s forests, which could lead them to be more susceptible to future storms. Some species of trees that are important for wildlife habitat and flood control were destroyed by the hurricane.

Another impact of climate change is the rise in sea levels. As ice caps melt at an alarming rate around the world, coastal areas like Miami Beach are seeing higher tides and more frequent flooding. This has led to a rise in sea level that could eventually lead to the disappearance of islands like Key West altogether!

One major way climate change will affect Florida’s environment is through changes in ocean currents. The Gulf Stream carries warm water from the Caribbean into key west; however, climate change models show this current slowing down as a result of melting ice caps. This could have serious consequences for Florida’s marine life, including coral reefs and fish populations.

So what can be done to mitigate these impacts? There are many steps Floridians can take to reduce their carbon footprint and help protect the environment. For example, we can all do our part to conserve energy and switch to renewable sources like solar and wind power. We can also reduce our reliance on cars and invest in public transportation or electric vehicles. By working together, we can help protect Florida’s environment for future generations. Thank you for reading!

EcoParks, also known as Nature Parks, are recreational facilities that feature nature trails and ecological tourism. With open hours from sunrise to sunset, you can choose to enjoy them at whatever fascinating time of day that suits your schedule and desired to view and whenever you want to get an unforgettable glimpse of the preserved beauty of the state.  

Florida is one of the planet’s most ecologically diverse places. The Sunshine State is known around the world for vacations that include theme parks, cultural, shopping, and other experiences, the real Florida and its natural lands are also available on self-guided eco-tours. 

Some of the outstanding Florida EcoParks are the following:  

Everglades National Park

The most popular and well-known destination is the 1,508,976-acre Everglades in the counties of Miami-Dade, Collier, and Monroe with its airboat rides on the “River of Grass” and the 99-mile “Wilderness Waterway. The Everglades is the largest United States tropical wilderness, the largest wilderness of any type that is east of the Mississippi River, and the western hemisphere’s biggest contiguous mangrove forest. It is a habitat for endangered and rare species such as the American crocodile, the manatee, and the Florida panther.

Thornby Park

This 40-acre wooded property in Deltona includes a 1,000-foot shoreline on the St. Johns River. There are 40 acres of wooded property and 1,000 feet of shoreline on the St. Johns River. Volusia County and the city of Deltona are co-owners via an ECHO grant that provided construction funding for an “Inspiration Playground” for children with disabilities. The nature trail is being expanded to an outdoor classroom, nature and historical features, and is also being upgraded to ADA accessibility with boardwalks, ramps, benches, and a bridge. There had been an eight-year struggle to keep the property from being changed into a condo development. 

Lakeshore Ecovillage 

Also in Deltona, plans are to have a multi-room lodge, a camp, mini-houses, a restaurant, tree houses, and bike and kayak rentals that will be intended for nature park enthusiasts.

Crystal River Archaeological State Park

At this 61-acre National Historic Landmark, you can discover a Pre-Columbian Native American temple, a plaza, six burial mounds that is one of the longest continuously Florida occupied sites, and a substantial midden. A midden is an archaeological term for a garbage or trash heap with concentrated artifacts which is the result of a deliberate discard of food remains, refuse, and domestic materials such as broken tools and crockery.

St. Vincent Island

This is a Gulf of Mexico National Wildlife Refuge in Northwest Florida on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. It is a 12,300-acre barrier island that is undeveloped and is a beautiful and pristine place with nine miles of beaches, many trails, and fabulous wildlife and birding viewings. It is the home of nesting shorebirds, San Bar deer, an exotic elk, and more. Additionally, there is a successful Red Wolf Recovery program in the “Island Propagation Site.” 

Punta Gorda

This Southwest Florida town is full of history and the old Florida charm as well as being the gateway to preserved land. Protected is more than 80% of the Charlotte Harbor coastline and is the nation’s 17th biggest estuary. Also, close to 200 miles of blueway trails provide paddlers with great birding and wildlife viewing.