New FNAI Web Map for Florida Conservation Lands

We are excited to launch a major update to our Florida Conservation Lands Map Viewer.  This new version features improved graphics, navigation and performance, and allows you to search and view several important data layers all in one map.  Florida conservation lands, Florida Forever Board of Trustees land acquisition projects, Florida Forever acquisitions, and conservation easements on private lands are now all available in a single map.

Some examples of how you can use the map viewer:

• View Florida Conservation Lands boundaries over maps or aerials. 
• Query by managing agency (e.g., select DEP, Division of Recreation and Parks to see all 171 state parks and trails). 
• See the acquisition progress of Florida Forever projects by turning on Florida Forever Board of Trustees Projects and Florida Forever Acquisitions. 
• See what properties have dedicated conservation easements. 
• See contact information for Florida Conservation Lands and find links for more information. 

We are launching the map viewer as a beta (testing) version for a few weeks to make sure it operates well on new platforms.

Noteworthy Discoveries

In March, FNAI botanists helped local plant enthusiasts document one of the largest (~4000 plants) and healthiest populations of Godfrey’s butterwort (Pinguicula ionantha), a rare endemic plant, listed as endangered by the State of Florida and Threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  FNAI biologists mapped the extent of the population, collected data to characterize the habitat, and will annually monitor this newly discovered occurrence in the Apalachicola National Forest.  Godfrey’s butterwort is a carnivorous plant which uses its glandular, sticky leaves to catch and digest insects.

Godfrey's butterwort (Pinguicula ionantha).   Photo by Amy Jenkins

Welcome to FNAI News & Notes

As Director of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory, I’m excited to announce this new venture to engage our partners, supporters, and the public through social media.  FNAI News & Notes is a blog that will feature regular updates on our program’s activities, the remarkable places around the state where we’re working, and the plants, animals, and natural communities that make up Florida’s natural heritage.  We’re proud of the work we do documenting Florida’s biodiversity and serving as a bridge between science and conservation; this blog will provide an insider’s view of that work, and the oftentimes fascinating discoveries made along the way. 

 You can also find us now on Facebook, where we’ll keep you informed with interesting notes and photos from natural Florida.  Please check back regularly to see what we’re up to, and let us know how we’re doing!

Gary