Today, we’re diving into what makes the sabal palmetto special—from its biology and wildlife value to its cultural history—and how Floridians can help protect and support this iconic native plant.

Learn More:

• What is a tree? https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/trees-cities-towns/tree-selection/what-is-a-tree
• Sabal palmetto: Sabal or Cabbage Palm https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST575
• Sorting out the Florida Sabal Palms https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR357

How You Can Help:

• If you’re adding palms to your landscaping, consider adding a native cabbage palm instead of a nonnative palm.
• Protect what’s growing – Remember, sabal palm trunks do not self-heal like “normal” trees would – take care to avoid damaging them! Defend them against weedwhackers and other trauma.
• Practice responsible pruning - Don’t remove green fronds unnecessarily; fronds provide food and energy for the palm. Unless the frond is dry and brown,the tree still needs it. If you MUST prune, prune responsibly – only fronds that hang down and have already started to die off. (Learn more)
• Support conservation, Observe, andAppreciate our State Tree - Take a moment to notice sabal palms in your community—and thebirds and wildlife they support.

Sources:

• Cabbage palm – Sabal palmetto ⁠ https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/tree-tour/cabbage-palm/
• Sabal Palm ⁠ https://www.nps.gov/places/000/sabal-palm.htm
• Sabal palmetto: Investigating the ecological importanceof Florida’s state tree ⁠https://www.proquest.com/openview/22f53c0e4a34046d4bb033c747102003/1?cbl=18750&pq-origsite=gscholar
• https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST575
• https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR357

ANNOUNCEMENT: Last call for annual podcast survey feedback!

Please share your thoughts and how the survey has inspired change with us, here: ⁠⁠https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEf5YoxkFv87GIu⁠⁠

Note: The survey will close on December 31, 2025.

If you cannot access the survey for some reason - please email Shannon at scarnevale@ufl.edu and she can send you a direct link.

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In this episode, we explain how hurricanes impact ecosystems and the wildlife that live there. We’ll discuss behaviors of wildlife before, during and after a storm, how these events impact wildlife, and what to keep in mind when it comes to encountering wildlife after a storm.

Learn More:

• Wildlife and Storms: Hurricanes and Wildlife - https://myfwc.com/news/wildlife-and-storms/

• Are Fish Impacted by Hurricanes? https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/are-fish-impacted-hurricanes

• Hurricane Impacts on Florida’s Agriculture and Natural Resources - https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/105526

How You Can Help:

• Give wildlife space to recover after storms — avoid unnecessary “rescues.”

• Report fish kills by calling the Fish Kill Hotline: 800-636-0511 or  report a fish kill online. 

• Support dune restoration, wetland cleanup events, and native plantings.

• Report injured wildlife to licensed rehabbers or FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline. FWC’ s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC

Sources:

• The Impact of Hurricane Andrew on the Ecosystems of South Florida - https://www.jstor.org/stable/2386357

• The effects of hurricanes on birds, with special reference to Caribbean islands - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bird-conservation-international/article/effects-of-hurricanes-on-birds-with-special-reference-to-caribbean-islands/BB2E910A038B98090BB331310C163DC7

• Short-Term Demographic Responses of a Coastal Waterbird Community After Two Major Hurricanes - https://bioone.org/journals/waterbirds/volume-36/issue-1/063.036.0113/Short-Term-Demographic-Responses-of-a-Coastal-Waterbird-Community-After/10.1675/063.036.0113.short

• Geographical variation in hurricane impacts among sea turtle populations - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jbi.12197

ANNOUNCEMENT: Our annual podcast survey is live!

Please share your thoughts and how the survey has inspired change with us, here:⁠ https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEf5YoxkFv87GIu⁠

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In this episode, we explain how hurricanes cause inland flooding through extreme rainfall and connected watershed systems. We’ll discuss why Florida’s flat terrain and development patterns make inland flooding so persistent, how these events impact water quality and wildlife, and what practical steps Floridians can take to protect their homes and communities.

Learn More:

• See the most up-to-date FEMA Flood Map for your community: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home (FEMA)
• Get a quote or learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program: https://www.floodsmart.gov
• Florida Well Owners Network: https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/well/ (UF/IFAS)
• Benefits of Floodplains: https://www.fema.gov/floodplain-management/wildlife-conservation/benefits-natural (FEMA)

Sources:

• 
  
• https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
• https://www.archbold-station.org/projects/floodplains/

• • https://msc.fema.gov/msccontent/Flood_Hazard_Mapping_Updates_Overview_Fact_Sheet.pdf
  • https://www.floodsmart.gov