Squirrels Play An Important Part In Seed Dispersal, Which Is Responsible For The Planting Of Many Trees.

Our resident red rat snake has been with us for quite a few years now. He was brought to the SNC because he has a chronic neurological disease that prevents him from surviving on his own in the wild. The typical life span of red rat snakes in the wild is six to eight years. However, because this guy is getting a high grade diet and medical care, his lifespan is expected to be extended. 

Today the SNC donated dish and appliance sets to FLITE Center. FLITE’s mission is to “guide those aging out of foster care and other vulnerable youth for a successful transition to independence.” 

The SNC is very happy we got the opportunity to give back to our community this way. Kids that have grown up through the foster care system are more vulnerable as they start their adult life and many of them do not have support systems to help them get started on the right foot.

Remember, as a community, there is no issue we can’t tackle together. 

In honor of World Animal Day, the SNC is spotlighting our Eurasian Collared Dove, named Ginger. Ginger was rescued from a pet store that wanted to put him down because of his inability to stand up straight. When he came to the SNC, we found that he could stand perfectly when he was given a proper perching space. 

Because Ginger is an exotic animal to Florida, we are not allowed to release him. Instead, he will live at the SNC with loving care takers as an Educational Ambassador. 

Luckily there was a quack in the ice

These beautiful works of art are made from discarded flip-flops

follow @nowthisnews for daily news videos & more

Happy World Wetlands Day from Lily and Thalia!

This juvenile red tailed hawk was brought to the SNC a few weeks ago after being found injured on a golf course. On Sep. 27 the hawk was successfully released back into the wild!

Red tailed hawks are native to Florida and, like all hawks, considered a bird of prey. Their large talons and sharp beaks are perfect for ripping and tearing their prey. It also makes them difficult patients. Luckily, our experienced rehabber was able to get the hawk all patched up and back into the wild in record time! 

Great blue heron … Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Smyrna, Delaware … 8/24/20

Interested in supporting a mighty cause? The Sawgrass Nature Center is working hard to bring free environmental education and career building resources to Title I students in South Florida. As our community begins to recover from a wicked pandemic, we believe that it is important to lend a hand to the families most impacted by it.

The Sawgrass Nature Center is participating in A Community Thrives, a program that supports community improvement ideas with grants up to $100K. To qualify for a grant, we need to meet a fundraising goal from our own network. Help us raise awareness and funds for our project by making a donation online from September 21st through October 16th.

The goal of our project is to bring environmental education to students through a virtual adaptation of our educational programs such as Meet Your Wildlife Friends. Programs like this are typically offered to students at an average minimum price of $180. We want to be able to bring these resources to Title I schools that do not have the funds to pay for the programs themselves in the form of a four-step program or two-step program.

The four-step program will be geared towards older students with the first two steps being a volunteer and professional skill building workshop. The third step will be a professional education program that provides them with an opportunity to get an immersive experience in environmental science. The fourth step is a volunteer opportunity at the Sawgrass Nature Center’s own community garden. This will grant students experience in agriculture, hands-on work, and time in a professional environment.

The two-step program will be developed for a younger crowd. The first step will be an optional craft seminar that is adapted to the teacher’s curriculum and our animal friends. The second step will be the Meet Your Wildlife Friends program, where we bring out our Educational Animals for students to interact with and learn about.

Our community needs resources for dynamic virtual learning opportunities that will complement their regular instruction. We believe it only fair that the resources we offer be made to as many students as possible regardless of socio-economic distinction.

When it comes to community building, the Sawgrass Nature Center believes in a bottom-up effect. Students in our community are the next to step into the work force, the next to inherit the world we leave behind for them. The future is in their hands. Our program shares with them education on nature around them and how to best be responsible for our environment and the wildlife that inhabit it. Our goal is to also provide older students with the skill and professionalism necessary to put that education to best use in the workforce and higher academics. We believe we are watering the seeds of future growth.

https://acommunitythrives.mightycause.com/story/Elzntf

Our resident adult gator, Wally, shows off her top row of teeth with a curvy smile. American Alligators are a common sight for Floridians. Whether they’re borrowing our pools, sharing our golf courses, or sunbathing at our favorite parks, alligators are just a normal part of Florida living. Remember the best thing to do when encountering a gator in the wild is to leave it alone and put a wide amount of space between you and it. If you encounter a large, threatening alligator, contact FWC’s gator hotline (866-392-4286).