New Web Map Highlights Examples of High Quality Natural Communities

FNAI scientists have collected data at 68 sites across Florida that are excellent examples of well managed natural communities.  These sites serve as references for land managers working to restore similar areas that have been impacted by human activities such as agriculture, hydrological alterations, or fire exclusion; because of this they are called Reference Natural Communities.  Each reference community exhibits the species diversity, species composition, physical structure, and general ecological integrity expected for the community type.  These areas are some of the most beautiful and pristine landscapes in Florida, and because of this they are not only good models for land management but also great areas to visit.  Our interactive map of reference communities, recently updated, is a great resource to identify reference community locations in your area and to access site descriptions and quantitative data.  You can visit the map here.   Our Reference Natural Community work is supported by funding from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.