Blue Spring State Park This state park is located in Orange City, Florida that features a cool water spring on the St. John’s river. The spring is home to manatees, alligators, and a variety of fish. With over 8,000 Google reviews, it’s clear that many people enjoy visiting Blue Spring State Park. They have an… Continue reading 10 Natural Springs You Must Visit in Florida
IDEAS For Us (IDEAS) began when a group of passionate university students made the choice to stop talking about environmental issues and begin the very difficult work of trying to actually solve them. Founded in June of 2008 at the University of Central Florida (UCF), IDEAS began as a student-led organization called I.D.E.A.S. – an acronym… Continue reading What is IDEAS For Us?
Do you have an old mattress that is no longer comfortable, and you’re ready to buy a new bed? If so, it’s time to consider how to recycle your mattress. Mattresses are one of the most common items in landfills today. Unfortunately, they take up a lot of space and can be very difficult… Continue reading How to Recycle a Mattress: Eco-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Your Mattress in Florida
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the predominant greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere by human activities.1 For instance, in 2019, carbon dioxide made up slightly more than 80% of all greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere by humans in the United States.1,2 This makes carbon dioxide the main driver of global warming. However, there is another… Continue reading What Stinks? Sniffing Out Anthropogenic Sources of Methane Emissions
By: Ronald Jones III Invasive plants are one of the main reasons biodiversity in Florida is on a steady decline. These invasive species are often able to outcompete native plants, animals, and even insects for essential resources whether that is food, shelter, or other basic needs. Biodiversity refers to the range of species within a… Continue reading 10 Edible Invasive Species in Florida
On November 19th, 2021, the House passed the Build Back Better Act (BBBA) with a close 220 to 213 vote.1 Now that the BBBA is onto the Senate, let’s look at what the bill contains for fighting the climate crisis as it proposes a total of $555 billion in clean energy and climate investments.2 PHOTO… Continue reading All About The Build Back Better Act
What Causes Heat Waves? A heat wave happens when there are three or more days of unusually high maximum and minimum temperatures1. Heat waves are caused by a system of high atmospheric pressure moving into a certain area2.To be considered a heat wave, temperatures have to be outside the historical average2. 2021 Heat Waves in… Continue reading Heat Waves in the United States
The Enbridge Line 3 pipeline – here’s what’s happening. This Canadian company’s pipeline runs from Alberta, Canada to Superior, Wisconsin.1 On October first, tar sands oil started moving through Line 3 and “will carry 760,000 barrels per day…through more than 200 bodies of water,”1 over 1, 097 miles,2 including 75 miles of wetlands.3 The Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Project was an 8.2 billion dollar project and actually doubled its original barrel capacity.2
Duckweed is the focus of this Florida Native Plant Spotlight. When we think of ways in which we can help the environment we often overlook some of the smallest plant tools to make an environmental change. Common amongst most bodies of freshwater around the world it is becoming increasingly popular when it comes to the… Continue reading Florida Native Plant Spotlight: Duckweed
High-Density Housing could be an alternative to ecosystem destruction. The American Dream is often pictured in terms of an aspiration to own a house with a yard and white picket fence. People chasing the American Dream typically want a space to call their own, with the freedom to design and decorate their own houses according… Continue reading High-Density Housing: An Alternative to Ecosystem Destruction
Coral reefs, the “rain forests of the sea,” are a vital part of the biodiversity seen on this planet. Because, these large structures are home to many diverse species who depend on them for survival. What is Coral Bleaching? Coral bleaching is the process of coral expelling the symbiotic zooxanthellae (algae) living in their tissues1.… Continue reading Coral Bleaching: Why It’s An Issue and Ways to Stop It
The ecology of Orlando is vast and intertwined in a very fragile manner. Just outside of Orlando, Florida lies 1,650 acres of land dedicated to hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and most importantly advanced water treatment. The regular visitor may be surprised to know the Orlando Wetlands is one aspect of City of Orlando’s elaborate water… Continue reading The Ecology of the Orlando Wetlands
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