Florida

Florida's ecological narrative unfolds against a backdrop of diverse landscapes, encompassing wetlands and coastal ecosystems, teeming with iconic species of alligators, sea tortoises, and birds. Native American communities, such as the Calusa, Seminoles, and Muscogee, thrived in harmony with this environment, relying on sustainable practices for agriculture, fishing, and hunting. However, as settlers arrived, the exploitation of these seemingly boundless resources took a toll on Florida's environment. The drainage of the Everglades for agriculture, urbanization, and the introduction of invasive species altered the state's ecosystems. Industrial development brought pollution and habitat destruction. Additionally, the emergence of the sugar industry in Florida left an enduring environmental footprint, characterized by extensive deforestation, alteration of water flow patterns, and increased agricultural runoff. In response to these threats, Florida has embarked on conservation efforts, establishing protected areas, restoration projects, and instating significant legislation to protect Florida's vulnerable ecology and the species that call it home.