In the mid-1980s, Florida’s Natural Growers cultivated 15,000 acres of citrus groves in Southwest Florida. Within that vast acreage, nearly 2,700 acres were wetlands areas protected by government mandates. As part of the grove development, Florida's Natural Growers worked with local, state and federal agencies to insure the integrity of these natural areas and to preserve the habitats of the region’s thousands of indigenous species. Today these wetlands coexist with acres of beautiful, highly productive citrus groves. Surrounded entirely by a protective dike, the wetlands live entirely according to nature’s plan. Water levels ebb and flow with the seasons. Flora and fauna alike breathe and breed undisturbed.Below are some of the species whose homes have been carefully preserved.
Snail Kite
This medium-sized hawk relies on its sight to hunt and feed on a small invertebrate, the applesnail. The snail kite’s ideal habitat is along the shallow surface of freshwater marshes where it can pluck its prey from the water in its talons. Snail kites also require shrubs or trees for nearby perching. The snail kite’s specific diet restricts its habitat to open water areas with sufficient applesnail populations. Water drainage, development and pollution have all contributed to the depletion of the snail population, and thus to the endangerment of the snail kite as a species.
Florida Panther
The Florida Panther is a subspecies of mountain lion, which over time has adapted to the subtropical Florida environment. Dwindling habitats due to agriculture and development have pushed the Florida Panther into a small area. Solitary animals that prefer a secluded environment away from people, the panthers are able swimmers who travel up to 20 miles each night in search of deer, hogs and other prey. The protected wetlands in the Florida’s Natural groves provide an ideal corridor for the Florida Panther to move about the landscape. At this time there are approximately 50 adults in this endangered population.
Wood Stork
On the endangered species list since 1984, the Wood Stork is a wetland bird. Found mostly in swamps, marshes and ponds in the southern U.S., these birds wade through shallow waters with their bills open, looking for food. Pollution and habitat destruction have caused the Wood Stork’s population to drop from 60,000 to 9,000 over the past 60 years. The protected wetland environment preserves the populations of the stork’s prey, thus protecting the health of the local colonies.
Some Non-endangered Species:
AlligatorFlorida’s official state reptile is actually found in many areas of the Southeast. Particularly numerous in our state’s swampy regions, alligators actually play an important role in the delicate balancing act between wildlife and changing environments. Their movements through swamps and marshes clear channels for other animals. They also dig “holes” with their feet and snouts, forming small ponds for fish, turtles, snails, snakes and frogs. Alligators can grow up to 20 feet long and can weigh more than half a ton.
