Ecology and Environment - Overview

Ecology is a strong discipline at the University of Florida, not only in Botany, but also in the Departments of Environmental Engineering Sciences and Zoology, the Florida State Museum, and the School of Forest Resources and Conservation. There are more than 60 ecologists on the faculty, many of whom conduct research in the tropics and subtropics. The University of Florida is also a founding and extremely active member of the Organization for Tropical Studies.

Wetlands, swamps, marshes, and mangroves are abundant and important in Florida. There are large state-owned salt marshes on both coasts, and sawgrass glades dominate much of South Florida. Florida has over 7500 lakes and 1500 streams; more springs than any other state. The peninsula's unique geology and moderate climate make these waters limnologically important. The State's Center for Aquatic Weeds Research, located at the University, provides facilities, boats, and vehicles for statewide aquatic research.

Almost all upland vegetation types of Florida are available in the University's Austin-Cary Forest, Welaka Center for Research and Education, and the Ordway Preserve. Also accessible are the San Felasco Hammock and Paynes Prairie State Preserves near Gainesville, Florida's three national forests, the Okefenokee Swamp, and Everglades National Park.

The marine environment is made highly accessible by the Whitney Marine Laboratory on the Atlantic Coast, and the Seahorse Key Marine Station on the Gulf Coast. At Seahorse Key where mangroves reach their northern limit are several shallow-draft boats and a small research vessel, as well as overnight accommodations.

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Last Updated 6/28/05
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