Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Hail to the Chief
A fish that needs no introduction, the largemouth bass is the largest of the sunfish family, the most popular game fish in North America, and the state fish of Florida. It’s easily distinguishable from other bass due to its jaw extending beyond the rear edge of the eye as well as the unique dip between its dorsal fins. The largemouth’s primary habitat is lakes and rivers near vegetation and structures, but it can also be found in schools out in deeper water. A carnivorous fish, the adult largemouth consumes small fish, frogs, snakes, salamanders, and even turtle hatchlings.
Needle Rush (Juncus roemerianus)
Don’t Miss the Point
While at first glance this coastal plant may appear leafless, the pointy “stems” are, in fact, very tightly wound leaves, which can grow up to four feet tall. Native to the east and west coasts of Florida and the Keys, it’s typically found in coastal areas and brackish tidal marshes as it’s highly tolerant of salt wind and salt spray. This characteristic makes it an ideal candidate for salt-marsh restoration. It is also used by birds for nesting and as a food source.
Florida Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
The Perils of Being a Fussy Eater
Feeding exclusively on apple snails, which are found only in Florida, the Snail Kite is indeed aptly named. Originally found in the Everglades to just south of Tallahassee, the Snail Kite has become somewhat nomadic, moving from wetland to wetland in search of snails, as drainage and development has altered its primary habitat. Considered endangered in 1967, the population today is stable but is still vulnerable to any stresses caused by reduction of its food source.
Shingle Creek
The headwaters of the Everglades watershed is a slow, meandering, cypress-lined creek just outside the city of Orlando.
Kissimmee River
The restoration of 40 miles of river and floodplain is proof that these massive projects can be completed and show immediate results.
Lake Okeechobee & EAA Reservoir
This is where the southward flow of water was interrupted. The reservoir will clean and store fresh water before it is sent south.
Tamiami Trail Bridges
The road bed for Highway 41 effectively dammed the shallow “sheet flow” of water from the north, but two new bridges have restored the flow.
Everglades National Park
The major outlet for fresh water from the Everglades, Shark River features the region’s tallest and most productive red-mangrove forests.
Florida Bay
Florida Bay now receives less than 50% of the fresh water it needs to maintain its massive seagrass beds, which are the key to the entire ecosystem.