Cephalopodcast - The Ocean Podcast

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Ancient Climate
Even the smallest changes in climate can have a dramatic impact on Florida. Over 600,000 years ago, sea level rise changed the state from a peninsula to an archipelago. Since then, the ocean has receded and risen to different levels. But the dunes of those ancient islands now form a sandy ridge that runs through the center of the state. The geological history of these ridges have created unique scrubby habitats that are home to many endemic species, including the famous Florida Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens). Unfortunately, less than 20% of the original uplands remains intact. The rest has been converted for agriculture (citrus), residential and commercial uses.

Modern Milieu
Next week is the Florida’s Wildlife: On the Frontline of Climate Change conference. The conference is about about the looming changes facing all the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Florida. Policy makers will be discussing the impact of these changes and how to link any initiatives with conservation goals.

Studying the Ancient Islands Today
The Archbold Biological Station has a free lesson plan on Florida scrub habitat and wildlife. It is weird to stand in the midst of these hot, arid areas and think that they were once beachfront property.

• Florida’s Wildlife: On the Frontline of Climate Change conference
• Archbold Biological Station: Discovering Florida Scrub, a curriculum designed for students of grades 3-5.
• Archbold Biological Station: Florida’s Ancient Islands, informational Web site about the Lake Wales Ridge.

Coda: While putting this post together, I came across the sad news that Dr. Dave Maehr had passed away. Dr. Maehr was a well-known (and sometimes controversial) wildlife biologist. Back in the early 90s I got to tag along on a trip while his team tranquilized and studied black bears on the Weeki Wachee Preserve. Most Floridians go there whole life without ever seeing a native black bear. Because of Dave’s work, I got that chance. It was the high point of my internship at the Water Management District. Thanks.