Floridians feel a strong connection to nature. It’s part of who we are.

Here’s something interesting: Florida is closely connected to Earth Day’s beginnings and boasts the world’s highest concentration of freshwater springs, numbering over 600. 

The Keys are another gem; they formed from ancient coral reefs, and their ecosystems are truly one-of-a-kind. In 1970, Florida Technological University students held a mock trial for pollution, putting environmental concerns in the spotlight from the very start.

Florida Earth Day & Environmental Facts

– Springs: With over 600 freshwater springs, including 33 first-magnitude springs, Florida’s natural waters play a huge role in keeping water clean throughout the country.
– Coral Roots: The famous beaches in the Keys sit atop fossilized coral, leftovers from long-ago higher sea levels.
– Seagrass Beds: These underwater meadows in the Keys matter for wildlife. State park biologists use rocks to fix propeller scars and add perches so birds can fertilize the areas naturally.
– Sunscreen Origins: The first sunblock came out of Miami Beach in 1944. Benjamin Green, a pharmacist, created “Red Vet Pet,” a red gel that kicked off a new era in beach culture.
– Biodiversity: Greater Miami stands out, as it’s the only U.S. metropolitan area bordering two national parks: Everglades and Biscayne.

Florida Historical & Eco-Trivia

– Student Activism: On the first Earth Day, students at Florida Technological University staged a mock pollution trial.
– Protecting Wildlife: Florida-Friendly Landscaping encourages folks to cut down on fertilizer and water use, which helps local plants and animals and keeps groundwater safe.
– Coastal Cleanup: Ocean Conservancy has hauled away over 350 million pounds of plastic since 1986. Floridians are actively involved in cleaning up our coastlines.

There’s so much to celebrate, and even more to protect. Earth Day isn’t just a date; it’s a reminder of Florida’s rich, fragile environment and the role we all play in caring for it.

Be sure to check out Englewood REVIEW’s calendar, where you’ll find details about special Earth Day celebrations happening nearby.

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