The Deep Dive Blog

By: Kyle Grammatica Established in 1950, Jonathan Dickinson State Park is the largest state park in Southeast Florida. It covers a variety of habitats, such as coastal sand hills, upland lakes, and scrub forests. The Loxahatchee River runs through the park as well, providing a variety of recreational opportunities like

By Kyle Grammatica This week’s #followmeflorida region is the Tampa Bay area. Let’s take a look at some of the bay area’s best natural spots! Weedon Island Weedon Island Preserve is a natural and historical treasure. In 1972 Weedon Island Preserve was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic

By: Kyle Grammatica Florida’s Space Coast has an abundance of parks, preserves, and wildlife refuges to explore! Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 as an overlay of NASA’s John F Kennedy Space Center for the protection of migratory birds. The refuge consists

By: Kyle Grammatica Earth Day is a time to show our appreciation for nature and the planet, and fight for its protection. In Florida, one of our most important natural areas, the Everglades, desperately needs our help. It hosts an incredible diversity of life, but unfortunately much of the native

By: Kyle Grammatica The Florida Keys are an amazing source of natural beauty. The breathtaking scenery and unique flora and fauna make it a place all outdoor enthusiasts can appreciate! The Florida Keys have several parks and preserves that protect the majesty of the area. Let’s take a look at

By: Kyle Grammatica Some creative teachers in Pinellas County have found a way to bring nature education to students during the stay at home order. Science resource teachers Martyne LaDuke and Ginger Rehm have started a series of videos called “Life Science at a Social Distance.” These videos give kids

By: Kyle Grammatica While COVID-19 keeps us at home, sea turtles are taking advantage of the empty shores. The beach shutdowns are giving our endangered sea turtle species more opportunities to nest, which could lead to a needed increase in population. Sea Turtle Nesting and Human Presence Researchers like Justin

By: Kyle Grammatica As we do our part to flatten the COVID-19 curve, you may miss enjoying the outdoors. Luckily, there are ways to experience Florida’s wildlife around your home! Creating a Backyard Refuge If you have a backyard, there are many opportunities to observe native species like birds, small

Scientist Stephanie Schopmeyer has always loved nature and being outdoors. Her academic career focused on the complexity of corals, leading to a position with NOAA as a coral reef ecologist in Hawaii. With NOAA she monitored the coral reefs around Hawaii and other Pacific Islands for changes in their ecosystems