Environmental Learning Center
Environmental Learning Center
Environmental Learning Center
Only when we understand these relationships can we fully appreciate nature. Where native plants and animals are never merely isolated individuals.
Widespread understanding of this interdependence in the natural world is crucial for the success of sustaining biodiversity because land conservation alone has proven to be insufficient in preventing the wholesale extinction of species, especially among insects.
Individuals can help by creating natural habitat for wildlife with native plants in their own yards and be part of a network of connecting conservation areas that mitigate fragmentation due to development.
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a major food source for birds in the winter and truly lives up to its name! This native southern US shrub blooms in early summer
Coontie (Zamia integrifolia) is a native long-lived perennial shrub that has made a comeback in the last years as a beautiful and useful landscape plant in yards and along roadsides.
Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine) is a middle-sized tree that grows up to 50 feet tall and can often be found in large colonies, as it is naturally clonal and can
Florida Fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum) is a common fast growing large shrub to middle-sized tree in Central and South Florida that can grow to be 25 feet tall. On the ELC
The sheer number of different names this tree has been given speaks to its many historical and current uses. One of its more recent names is Florida Szechuan Tree. As
Florida is home to 16 species of native bromeliads, six of which occur naturally in Central Florida and enrich our natural places with their beauty and use for wildlife. These
On the South end of the property, where the mangrove forest meets brackish marsh, you can find a stately golden fig (Ficus aurea), aka strangler fig. This large tree grows
Gopher Apple (Geobalanus oblongifolius) is a native long-lived perennial shrub that can grow up to two feet tall and can be found in scrub, pine flatwoods, and behind beach dunes.
Gulf Fritillaries (Diona vanillae) are one of Florida’s most common and prolific butterflies. They are easily recognized by their bright orange and black patterned wings and their quick flight. The
Hairy Cowpea (Vigna luteola) is a common native edible vine that occurs most commonly in disturbed areas around fresh and brackish wetlands, and in flatwoods. At the ELC it can
Horsemint (Monarda punctata), aka spotted beebalm, is a short-lived perennial Florida native wildflower that typically grows to be 2 feet tall and wide. It can most commonly be found in
At the beginning of the Archaic period, which marks the end of the last ice age, approximately 10.000 years ago, cultures of Native Americans began to change due to adaptations
Monday - Friday | 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday | 8 AM - 4 PM
Sunday | 8 AM - 4 PM
