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This Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell turtle is native to fresh waters of the Florida panhandle. Notice his distinctive snout and the “pancake” pattern on his leathery carapace. 

This turtle is mainly carnivorous, feeding on crayfish and other small aquatic life, and occasionally plants. What he lacks in bony defense, he makes up for in speed. His lighter shell allows him to more quickly in muddy water as well as on land. 

Their very long necks and pointed snout are adapted for reaching fresh air without having to move from their hiding space. 

Pancake, our resident softshell turtle, came to us as a surrendered pet. 

Happy World Wetlands Day from Lily and Thalia!

Shoutout to our volunteers who managed to catch some great pics of a few of the SNC’s permanent residents. Featured is Cory the Red Rat Snake, Leonidas the Bearded Dragon, and one of the blue jays in our aviary. 

The reptiles featured here are used as educational ambassadors for their species. That means they’re used by professionals to teach visitors about their ecological roles and niche in the environment and why it is so important to protect their species. Leonidas the Bearded Dragon is used in particular as an example of an exotic species. Both reptiles featured here were surrendered pets that the previous owner could no longer care for. Used to a domesticated life rather than hunting for and sheltering themselves, these animals would not survive in the wild on their own. 

Are you feeling increased stress and anxiety due to COVID-19 related issues? Lavender is one of the best ways to naturally reduce stress and anxiety. Burn a lavender candle, use a few drops of lavender essential oils in a bath, or even use some to mix with lemonade! 

Check out what other people are using lavender for here: https://www.ausnaturalcare.com.au/health/life-style/10-benefits-of-lavender-essential-oil-and-how-to-use-it/

Who is the Sawgrass Nature Center?

For those of you that are unfamiliar with the Sawgrass Nature Center, we wanted to provide to you a summary of who we are and what we do.

The Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital (SNC) is a non-profit organization that has been providing environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation for the residents of our community for the past 25 years. The SNC was founded in 1995 on a philosophy of environmental stewardship and the belief that humans were meant to preserve and care for the environment and its wild inhabitants. Our main mission goals are:

Educate the public about Florida’s native and unique wildlife

Rehabilitate and release in-need native wildlife that is brought to our center

With the belief that education and compassion go hand-in-hand, we hope that our educational programs which are designed to entertain and educate both children and adults will lead to respect for our native animals and knowledge of the important roles they play in nature.

Our center also provides care for over 850 in-need native animals annually through our onsite wildlife hospital. Residents of Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade County have been bringing injured, orphaned, or sick native wildlife to SNC for the past twenty-five years. We continue to be the only place in northwest Broward County that offers this service.

Unfortunately, not every animal once rehabilitated can be released again. Some suffer from permanent injuries that will prohibit their survival in the wild.  These animals are provided a forever home at the Sawgrass Nature Center. They become “animal ambassadors” that help to educate the public about their species and their importance to Florida’s natural environment. Our animal sanctuary exhibits are open to public viewing.

If you are interested in the events and programs that the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital offers, please consider following us on social media or check out our website, https://sawgrassnaturecenter.org/.

Black voices are important and need to be empowered. Pasted below is a link to a list of resources put together by HelloAlice for black owned businesses. You will find grants, content builders, and more! 

https://blackbiz.helloalice.com/?mc_cid=51366c913b&mc_eid=60b4bb1101

Sitting in on a virtual meeting like…

This little fish is called a Garibaldi, found at Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary! This fish gets its name from the 19th-century Italian leader of the same name whose famous army wore flashy red/orange colors into battle.(Photo: Keith C. Flood. Image description: A bright orange Garibaldi fish head-on and close up to the camera.)

Check out our resident red-shoulder hawk. A Florida native, this bird of prey has a distinct call that is uses to signal we are encroaching on his territory. Does this call sound familiar to you? 

Red-Tailed Hawks can be found all over North America! 

As of September, the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital has treated over 800 wild animals. This is a 20% increase from last year’s total intakes. While we can’t be completely sure, we assume the increase is due to other local nature centers and wildlife hospitals closing down and redirecting traffic to us, as well as COVID-19 causing more people to stay close to home. 

The more time people spend at home, the more time they have to notice all the native wildlife running around their backyards. 

Here's one for the reptile lovers out there. Our Bearded Dragon, Leonidas, eating his Valentines Day box of worms! Thank you to everyone who donated, we surpassed our goal!