First published by the Duke Nicholas School of the Environment. Though they are beautiful creatures, Lionfish have become a major problem in Florida. They are recognized as an invasive species, covering many artificial and natural reefs throughout state and federal … Continue reading Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day
It seems an odd place to nest. A concrete bridge spanning the Santa Rosa Sound, connecting the mainland of Navarre, FL with the barrier island. Its sides slope to the water, sandy with tufts of grass and vines growing where … Continue reading Nesting Terns and Skimmers in Navarre, FL
On the way to the Keys in 2014, my friends and I spent a morning on the Anhinga Trail on the Florida Everglades. Though we saw many species of birds – in addition to dozens of alligators – the Anhingas … Continue reading Anhingas in the Everglades
In between my first and second years of graduate school, I did a summer stint as a Research Associate for The Conservation Fund. My assignment was to investigate the economic benefits of public land along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and … Continue reading North Carolina’s Waterrock Knob
Before I moved to Florida, I never considered military bases as ecotourism hot spots. I imaged giant industrial complexes, chock-full of planes, tanks, and other heavy equipment. While that is true of some areas on Eglin Air Force Base, thousands … Continue reading Spring Hiking on Eglin Air Force Base
Most people have heard of “farm to table,” a local food movement aimed at delivering high quality, fresh ingredients straight to consumers (often at restaurants). In coastal communities bordering the Gulf of Mexico, a new movement is taking shape: Gulf … Continue reading Gulf to Table along the Florida Coast
Wastewater treatment facilities don’t seem like great places to see wildlife. However, throughout the country the holding ponds associated with these areas are often amazing places to spot hundreds of bird species. At one such site in Okaloosa County, my … Continue reading Birding in Wastewater
In a previous post for the Duke Nicholas School of the Environment, I discussed the downside to ecological awareness, i.e. an enhanced knowledge of environmental destruction and the guilt and frustration that goes with it. However, there’s an equally important … Continue reading Being a Naturalist on Florida’s East River
Last week I crossed two new Florida State Parks off my list: Eden Gardens and Deer Lake. The two were vastly different; the first consisting of the gorgeous grounds of a historic house, including azalea and camellia gardens; the second … Continue reading Visiting all 174 Florida State Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites
Florida is a popular place for saltwater fishing. Visitors and locals alike take charter boats to deep sea fishing spots, or cruise the bays looking for tell-tale signs of their aquatic targets. Fewer people fly-fish, but the shallow sand flats … Continue reading Surf Fishing in Florida Waves
The trail looked much like many of the hiking trails I had tread upon within the Florida Panhandle. The path was sandy in some places, and relatively narrow. The towering pines had dropped their long needles into the trees and … Continue reading Hiking the Florida National Scenic Trail
I spent an entire summer thinking about the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. As part of a research position for The Conservation Fund, I was quantifying the importance of tourism for the local communities, then linking tourism to conservation … Continue reading North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway
One World, Two Feet 