Helpful Links : What We Do : Trout Lake Nature Center

Birding

Orange Audubon Society Orange County Audubon chapter.
Audubon Florida State level organization with resources on Florida birds.
Project Learning Tree Bird Feeder Projects This article covers 14 DIY bird feeder arts and crafts that will be sure to attract plenty of feathered friends.
NestWatch is a monitoring program designed to track status and trends in the reproductive biology of birds, including when nesting occurs, number of eggs laid, how many eggs hatch, and how many hatchlings survive. Their database is used to study the current condition of breeding bird populations and how they may be changing over time as a result of climate change, habitat degradation and loss, expansion of urban areas, and the introduction of non-native plants and animals. Participating in NestWatch is easy and just about anyone can do it, go to their website to learn how you can help from your backyard for this project.

Bees & Pollinators

Bee Basics PDF document on the importance of native bees.
Bumblebee Conservation Information on bumblebee conservation in the US and Canada.
Bumblebee Watch Citizen science project allowing users to upload bee photos for identification and conservation uses. Includes bee sighting maps and field guides.
Native Buzz A citizen science project created by the University of Florida to learn more about the preferences and distribution of native solitary bees and wasps.
Turn Invasive Plants Into Homes for Pollinators USDA site on creating reed nests for bees and other pollinators, along with other bee information.
Pollinator Hotel Plans from the University of Florida for a bamboo pollinator house.
Pollinator Planting Regional guides on how and what to plant for pollinators.
Pollinator Conservation Resource Center Multiple resources and information on pollinator conservation.
Pollinator Garden Projects Spotlights various projects that investigate pollinators.
Firefly Watch Community science project focused on fireflies.

Climate Change

Data Science for the Environment How data science can help fight climate change.
En-ROADS Climate Model An online climate simulator allowing users to manipulate numerous variables and see their effects on the global climate.
Florida Climate Educators Network (FCEN): This is a network for educators working on climate issues and sharing research and education methods through webinars, group chats and more. Currently, there is no website for this group.
MIT Climate Portal learn about climate change from MIT experts.
NASA Climate Change NASA website on climate change.
Project Drawdown A network of scientists and researchers dedicated to climate change solutions based on three key strategies.
This is Cooler This Is Planet Ed teamed up with the production company, Encantos, to support the creation of a new climate education series for pre-teens. The first episode is featured on YouTube Kids for Earth Month and is intended for 7 through 12-year-olds. This site provides a link to the YouTube video and an Educator/Parent Conversation Guide.
TILClimate (Today I Learned: Climate) is an award-winning MIT podcast that breaks down the science, technologies, and policies behind climate change, how it’s impacting us, and what we can do about it. Each quick episode gives you the what, why, and how on climate change — from real scientists and experts — to help us make informed decisions for our future.

Education

League of Environmental Educators in Florida (LEEF) state association for formal and non-formal environmental educators
National Association of Conservation Districts Information on conservation districts nationwide and their resource management projects.
Forest School and Outdoor Learning Benefits A guide on the benefits of outdoor learning and exploration for children's education.
Project Learning Tree Activities and resources to engage children's learning about the environment by focusing on trees and forests
Acorn Naturalists Supplies A wide variety of tools, kits, items, and more useful for teaching environmental education topics in formal and informal settings.
Arbordale Publishing Source of Florida-related environmental/science children's books

Government Agencies

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Contains information, resources, and regulations pertaining to Florida wildlife.
Lake County Water Authority Agency dedicated to protecting and promoting local water resources and recreation.
St. Johns River Water Management District Regulatory agency dedicated to the protection and restoration of local waterways to ensure Sustainable water access and use.

Conservation Organizations

The Nature Conservancy A worldwide organization dedicated to tackling climate change through a variety of initiatives.
Florida Conservation Coalition A group of organizations dedicated to protecting Florida's resources for the wellbeing of its citizens.
Avian Reconditioning Center Located in Apopka, FL dedicated to increased awareness, rehabilitation, and research of raptors.
Friends of Lake Apopka Citizen group focused on restoring Lake Apopka's waters.
Gopher Tortoise Council Dedicated to the education and conservation of Gopher Tortoises and their habitats.
Oakland Nature Preserve Nature preserve in Oakland, FL located on the south shore of Lake Apopka.

Recreation and Other Resources

Consumer's Guide to Reducing Pollution Tips on reducing pollution in your everyday life at home.
Virtual Field Trips for Nature Lovers A listing of virtual trips to various parks, gardens, and other natural areas around the world. Also includes readings on the importance of outdoor education.
How to Volunteer as a Senior An article on the benefits of volunteering later in life.
How to Enjoy National Parks A site promoting the importance of National Parks and the mental and physical benefits of being outdoors.
Florida Trail Association An organization that develops, maintains, and promotes hiking trails throughout Florida.
Carr Family Cabin A historical cabin located in Ocala Nation Forest.
Orlando Wetlands Park Man-made wetland designed for advanced water reclamation located in Christmas, FL. Also includes trails and recreation facilities.

Our Sponsors and Partners

City of Eustis
LCWA logo
AdventHealth
USB Logo
FYCCN

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