#naturecoast

[mountrainiernps]

Mountain Memories: Nature Coasting

During the 1920s-30s, “nature coasting” was a popular summer activity at Mount Rainier National Park. Park concession guides led groups up to the Nisqually or Paradise Glaciers to go sliding, wearing special “tin pants” made of heavy canvas that were waxed to make them more slippery and waterproof. The guided outings cost $2.50 per person in 1920, which included the clothing rental. 

Mount Rainier National Park Archives Footage (mora_25027; excerpt of “Rainier National Park in the Heart of the Pacific Northwest”). No audio. Available with audio description at https://go.nps.gov/MMem-NatureCoasting. ~kl

[naturecoaster]

How We Are Saving Wild Florida

Saving our wild Florida is imperative to keeping what we love about the Nature Coast – coastal estuaries, wide open spaces, parks, preserves, farms and ranches – alive and available for us to enjoy now while conserving these lands for our children and grandchildren. As NatureCoaster’s publisher, I am passionate about connecting you with the beauty and energy of our forests, springs, fields and dreams through the written word and images. I hope that this will inspire you to get out and experience the magic of being in nature for yourself. While many of our readers, contributors, and partners work toward this goal, one organization stands out as a leader in the cause: the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. It all started with a Biologist and a Bear At the onset of the breeding season in May 2010, a two-year-old male Florida black bear known as M34 began his journey from the south-central Florida oak scrub, across swamps, pine forests, and palmetto thickets in search of a mate, amidst central Florida’s development. M34’s nearly 500-mile roundtrip made Joe Guthrie notice. Joe is a wildlife biologist who caught and tagged the young bear in 2009. Joe wondered how wildlife could move through the myriad of roads, fences, and other human development that fragmented the little bear’s environment. Maximus is a baby bear rescued when his mother didn't make it to a wildlife crossing. He will reside at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park for the rest of his life. Image courtesy of Joe Dube. A Conservationist, Photographer, and Filmmaker Joined the Movement In 2012, Joe joined Mallory Lykes-Dimmitt, a conservationist, Carlton Ward, a photographer, and Elam Stoltzfus, a filmmaker for a four-person expedition to experience a 100-day, 1000-mile journey that wildlife would need to traverse to get from the Everglades to Georgia’s Okefenokee swamp. This journey was shared by millions in the film, “The Florida Wildlife Corridor: Everglades to Okeefenokee. Two years later, a second film was made called, “The Forgotten Coast: Return to Wild Florida,” with the same premise of experiencing the challenges of traversing wild lands while skirting human development. This film highlighted Florida’s west coast, including our Nature Coast. The films were shown in parks, at community gatherings, and eventually, they were aired on WTBS, Tampa’s Public television channel, and then nationally on public television. You can watch them on YouTube any time, and the fantastic visuals along with the simple message resonated with audiences. More films were made. Some were under two minutes, some twenty minutes, but all contained the same message, “We have an important mission and you can be a part of it.” The goal of encouraging people to get out and use the corridor became a part of the messaging. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBVREDcGa40 This short film was created to help legislators in Tallahassee understand the importance of a contiguous corridor of natural areas for Florida's wildlife. NatureCoaster was hired to help. NatureCoaster Assists in a Small Florida Wildlife Corridor Film In 2017, I worked with the Florida Wildlife Corridor on a very short film about the tiny black bear population that is isolated in the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. The film was created to help communicate to our legislators about the importance of funding critical linkages to open space. I thought I would be writing and it turned out I was assisting in connecting the organization with local organizations who would be able to help in locations and such. I also manned the table at the film’s screening at the Valerie Theatre in Inverness when a volunteer didn’t show up as expected. It wasn’t a high-paying or glamorous gig, but I learned so much about how groups can work together to influence those who have the power to make change. I learned about how little things influence big decisions, and I learned how our Nature Coast community unites behind a cause. Art is Valuable in Communication A mural was commissioned by the Foundation, created by Kelly Quinn, Art Director and Muralist with Canvas of the Wild at 35 NE 5th Street in Crystal River, that features species native to the local ecosystem, including Florida black bears, roseate spoonbills and, of course, manatees. Image courtesy of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. Another reason I believe the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation has made such progress is its recognition of the value of art in communication. A mural campaign has been initiated, with two of those connecting murals in our local communities: Crystal River and Brooksville. “The murals help to connect us with the Corridor,” explains Mallory Lykes-Dimmitt, the Foundation’s CEO. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation mural in Brooksville was dedicated in 2023. Image by Diane Bedard. 2021 Brings The Florida Wildlife Corridor Act Several years later, after decades of work from conservationists, scientists, politicians, and many others, the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act was signed into law following unanimous bipartisan support by the Florida legislature on June 29, 2021. This act provided funding for the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, which held its first summit in September of 2022. Representatives from several land trusts, conservation organizations, the Florida Department of Transportation, legislators, scientists, ranchers, and data scientists gathered to chart a path forward. One of the things that I have really admired about the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation is its attitude that everyone, including businesses, governments, scientists, developers, ranchers and farmers, and community groups want to be part of the solution. This has encouraged large-scale solutions with buy-ins from diverse groups, making a stronger conservation movement. By Working Together, We Can Find Solutions I was invited to the first Florida Wildlife Corridor Summit in Orlando in 2022. At this inaugural event, I rubbed elbows with a diverse group of nature lovers committed to working together to manage Florida’s massive development activity to preserve contiguous green space for our State’s diverse flora and fauna – and humans - to not only survive but thrive. Diverse groups were represented at the first Florida Wildlife Corridor Summit in 2022. Image by Diane Bedard. Multi-generational ranchers, subdivision designers and developers, cinematographers, and artists joined land trust and nature preserve managers, conservationists, biologists, map makers, State legislators, and me. What did we all have in common? A desire to preserve a contiguous tract of 18 million acres of Florida land to provide a safe corridor for our keystone species, like panthers and black bears, and for our lesser known, but just as valuable species like the Florida leafwing butterfly to thrive. It is this organization’s attitude that everyone wants to help that I believe has made them so successful. At times, they seemed to be stepping on other conservation organizations in Florida, but this was not their goal. As of 2019, there were 25 active conservation land trusts, local and regional, in the State of Florida. Each is doing a valuable service by protecting their local lands from development. Still, there is a lot of human development between the conserved lands, which is where wildlife often dies while attempting to move from one protected area to another. https://youtu.be/Ji4O4whuwpY Over time, the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation worked hard to become a unifying organization, championing each land trust’s success vocally, and giving Florida’s conservation movement a place to show what we can do to the whole world! According to the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, we are a little over halfway there. About the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation partners with organizations and individuals nearly as diverse as the wildlife it aims to protect. By cultivating awareness and action through film, photography, painting, drawing, mapping, storytelling, and expeditions the Florida Corridor Wildlife Foundation works to attain its mission of permanently connecting, protecting, and restoring the 18 million acres that make up this magical and mystical path through Florida. Our State’s long-term economic prosperity and quality of life depend on a healthy and sustainable ecosystem. Using a science-based approach, on-the-ground knowledge of the Corridor, and the support of thousands of followers throughout the state and nation, this organization works to identify and elevate the most pressing threats and opportunities facing the Corridor. I strongly encourage you to get involved. To learn more, visit floridawildlifecorridor.org or follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram. Read the full article

[fishergod19-blog]

The Bulls are runnin in Y’town! Capt Zack Lewis putting clients on the big boys. Check out Reputation Charters to get out on the big pond and feel one of these beats tuggin your line! . . . @capt_zack_lewis_ #hooknup_fishing #picoftheday📷 #photooftheday #fishing #gulfofmexico #naturecoast #redfish #snook #bull #bullred #charterfishing (at Yankeetown, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGffvKhsorZ/?igshid=18my6pwr22i7f

[susanelizabethjonesart]

My heart just skipped a beat. LOVE my new stickers from @everymilesamemory and @thirst_emporium. The sticker @sonjalyndicksonrine brought me from Cedar Key has become a bit beat up, so I purchased a new one on my last trip. And I’m sure it’s around here somewhere. I’ve only been back a month, but I haven’t quite located it yet. Then these arrived in the mail and they are Perfect!! thank you Pat and Cindy!! #oldflorida #cedarkey #bonishstudio #naturecoast #coastalgrandmotheraesthetic #vintagestyle #vintagesoul #weareallartists #gulfcoast #fishingvillage #gators (at Carriage House Studio of Windy Acre Cottage) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf9QsAHOIc-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[billabong47]

Looking good Florida! . . . . . . #florida #naturecoast #threesisters #manatee #landscapephotography #landscape #photography #fotografia #beautifuldestinations #thebestdestinations #awesome_earthpix #discoverearth #discover #awesome #travelgram #instatravel #wanderlust #water #naturephotography #nature #natureza @cityofcrystalriver (at Three Sisters Wildlife Refuge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeB0k0AuyYp/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[patrickmhiggins]

Margins. @patrickmhiggins. #coastwalk #naturephotography #landscapephotography #sea #photosofbritain #beautifulview #beautifulnature #pembslife #naturecoast #photosofwales #naturearoundus #naturelovers #freshwaterwest #coastalpath #coast #photographylovers #beachcombers #westwales #welshbeaches #promenade #nature #pembrokeshire #captures #hiking #explore #outdoors #beach #footfall #bnwphotography #bnw (at West Wales) https://www.instagram.com/patrickmhiggins/p/CYBdFUAKcrN/?utm_medium=tumblr

[carrieannsalvi]

Parsley #Hemp Rosemary & Thyme #herbgarden #growingfood #growing #herbs #florida #naturecoast #health #naturally #naturalhealth https://www.instagram.com/p/CCtfpiFJg9F/?igshid=9wf2q5sya8mh

[livefreeshredhard]

In order to swim with the manatees you must act like one. #florida #naturecoast #snorkeling #manatee #seacows (at Hunter Springs)

[nickaiphoto]

"The trouble is not really in being alone, it's in being lonely. One can be lonely in the midst of a crowd." ~Christine Freehan #bw #palms #psalms #islandlife #naturecoast #monochrome #tropicalflorida (at Gulf of Mexico)

[skitzanda]

“There's a line where the sky meets the sea and it calls me But no one knows, how far it goes
All the time wondering where I need to be is behind me
I'm on my own, to worlds unknown Every turn I take, every trail I track
Is a choice I make, now I can't turn back
From the great unknown where I go alone
Where I long to be See her light up the night in the sea, she calls me And yes I know that I can go There's a moon in the sky and the wind is behind me Soon I'll know how far I'll go” Tail: @finfolkproductions Mermaid: @skitzanda #Moana #HowFarIllGo #MermaidsAreReal #Disney #Mermaid #FinfolksProductions #Siren #BoPo #Ocean #LiveAdventure #MermaidVibes #Sunset #ChasingTheLight #NatureCoast #SaveTheMermaids #MoodyGrams #Mermaid #PortraitKillers #TheLittleMermaid (at Yankeetown Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/B69Q0FIAjSZ/?igshid=1mcwf35jacyj

[thebigashow]

SPRING HILL AREA & MIDWEST FLORIDA SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23 All in Spring Hill Florida & Area come out and fellowship 11/23/19 930AM #FELLOWSHIP #FELLOWSHIPINTHEPARK #newlifechristianchurchspringhill #springhill #Tampa #brooksvillefl #florida #women #naturecoast #naturecoastbotanicalgardens #garden #floridawomenentrepreneurs #hudsonfl #hudsonflorida #hernando #hernandocounty #hernandobeach #weekiwachee #hillndalefarm #botanicalgardens #timberpinesfl #heritagepines #Leisurehills #trinity #VillageofAvalon #forestoaks #Marinercommons #PASCO #pascocounty #pascofl (at Nature Coast Botanical Gardens) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4dBJb7hDu5/?igshid=1cuh1fgrjogrh

[naturecoaster]

Join Drunken Pirate Tours on the first NatureCoaster-sponsored PUB Crawl through Citrus County's finest distilleries, breweries, and/or pubs for 45 minutes to an hour each. Sample their custom-crafted wares and meet the craft brewers and distillers of Citrus County - Homosassa, Crystal River, Inverness - and - best of all - we do all the driving! To make things even more fun, we are offering pickup and drop off in locations throughout the area - with a group of ten, you will receive a discount on your ticket and personal pickup/dropoff service to your door*. This Pub Crawl will benefit the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. A portion of each ticket purchased will go to help the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge recover from recent hurricane damages. We will be updating the first week of December with locations When embarking on a Drunken Pirate Tour, you are in the hands of a True Florida Cracker, a pirate of sorts and people who want to share their love of the area with you while having some fun too. Drunken Pirate Tours helps create forever memories for you and your group while seeing the best of the area. We are entertaining, educational, and fun, leaving everyone with an experience they will not soon forget! History Tours, Food Tours, Pub Crawls, Ghost Tours, and Special Events...especially during the holidays! Tickets are available from this link through Eventbrite: $55 single, $100 couple, $450 group of 10 (plus eventbrite service fees). * One door per group.   Read the full article

[beaumondeboutique-blog]

Just confirmed helicopter ride over Tampa on the 17th to give my followers and buyers an aerial view of the area. Gonna post video! :) Stay tuned! And now waiting to hear back from selling agent about a showing today...#tampahomes #floridalife #realtorlife #naturecoast #JoshHanoudTeam #CassandraEckert #BossBabe #JHTrocks Cassandra Eckert REALTOR / USN Veteran Cell 352.232.9107 Website: https://cassandra.tampahousehunt.com Mobile App: https://cassandra.tampahousehunt.com/app.php Josh Hanoud Team - Tropic Shores Realty 8046 Old County Rd 54 New Port Richey, Florida 34652 (at Josh Hanoud Team Real Estate - Tropic Shores Realty) https://www.instagram.com/p/B19GzRSga3r/?igshid=16yamv6ajgjmo

[susanelizabethjonesart]

#quoteoftheday #henryjames #words #florida #theotherfloridakeys #gulf #naturecoast (at Carriage House Studio of Windy Acre Cottage) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf9QC4vOAqz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[agumbylife]

"Summer afternoon — summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." –Henry James Out and about along the #Naturecoast on a sunny Saturday afternoon. https://www.instagram.com/p/B0uCddLFKcM/?igshid=ot7bl8qgy29e

[frankelystruth]

Going out in the morning to pick up litter with my two boys (4&9) Went out a few weeks ago and wasn't happy with what I saw. So it's time to step up and do something about it. Going to walk and pick up for a couple of hours. Hoping to see some wildlife also. Wish us luck. . . . posted on Instagram - https://ift.tt/2UGYhRs