Dispersed water management projects use existing lands—like farms, ranches, or wetlands—to temporarily hold water during rainy seasons, allowing water to slowly seep into the ground, filtering out pollution and replenishing aquifers while also creating wildlife habitat.

A step forward for the River of Grass.

Great news for the endangered sparrow.

by Kristen Kosik, Chapters Conservation Manager

by Kristen Kosik, Chapters Conservation Manager

The Sanctuary celebrates new signage and more.

In 2023, Florida experienced a pink wave: Hundreds of American Flamingos blew into Florida and across the United States on the winds of Hurricane Idalia. In a February 2024 survey, staff and birders around the Sunshine State counted more than 100 flamingos—giving hope that some of those blown off course in the storm had chosen to remain in Florida. In November, Mark Cook, PhD, of the South Florida Water Management District, spotted a flock 62 birds strong in Florida Bay.

Conservation—especially of land already owned by the state—was top of mind this fall as advocates across Florida used their voices on behalf of state parks, Withlacoochee State Forest, and rural ranchlands and wetlands in Orange County.