Nature On Wheels LLC (N.O.W.)

07/11/2020

It’s Save the Vaquita Day-the worlds most endangered cetacean!

Today is International Save the Vaquita Day. The Vaquita Porpoise (Phocoena sinus) is the world's most endangered cetacean and truly on the verge of extinction as a result of the actions of people. Sadly, most people don't even know it exists. That remains the challenge for many species on the brink of extinction. Although the growing list of endangered animals now includes nearly all of the world's most well know and beloved animals as well. Truly we are in the midst of the Sixth Extinction and the major force driving these extinctions this time is not a major meteor impact or a super volcano but rather it is a result of the actions and inaction of our species. We are affecting the Earth very negatively and at an alarming pace. Change is needed and it can become with each of us. Please learn more about how you can be a better steward of the planet and encourage others by leading a good example.

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05/10/2020

Happy Mother’s Day! In honor of all mothers check out a few of these amazing animal moms!

Animals are moms too.

04/25/2020

This morning we learned about how damaging plastics in our oceans can be and how the trash forms large garbage patches.

What can you do to help keep plastics out of our oceans? Here are a few easy ways...
1) Educate yourself on ocean issues & plastic use.
2) Use plastic free items and especially avoid single-use plastics.
3) East sustainable seafood.
4) Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle.
5) If you see trash pick it up and participate in beach & community trash clean-ups.
6) Practice Leave No Trace principles when you are anywhere in nature.
7) Support ocean conservation organizations.

Check out these graphics for even more ways you help save our oceans from the waste that is taking them over.

04/25/2020

Did you know plastic pollution is the biggest threat our oceans face today and estimates say that by 2050 there will be more plastic in our ocean than fish?

There are 5 areas in the world’s oceans where a majority of this trash gathers forming “garbage patches.” They are called gyres. What is a gyre? An ocean gyre is an area where ocean currents move in a circular direction. They are formed by ocean currents, wind patterns, and forces created by Earth’s rotation. The circling movement of the water gathers trash forming the garbage patches.

Watch this video for more info:
Kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrPBYS5zzF8
Adults: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HBtl4sHTqU

Come back later today to learn what you can do to help our oceans.

04/25/2020

"Florida is surrounded by water and is home to the second largest freshwater lake wholly contained within the United States, Lake Okeechobee. Natural beauty and warm temperatures attract a large population; Florida is the nation’s fourth most populous state, with the number of residents continuing to rise." Source: EPA

"Water is essential to the life and economy of Florida. Water is critical to the survival of plants, animals, and humans."
(Source: Exploring Florida)

How we use and manage our water today will directly effect what is available tomorrow. Tune in today for information and activities about this most important resource our lives depend on.

04/25/2020

6 Incredible Skills Kids (& adults) Can Learn Through Waste Management At Home

From a young age, children learn to be clean and tidy. Waste management at home also teaches children some essential things. Kathy Brellan   Parents

04/24/2020

How can we help take care of our essential ecosystems? There are many ways, but one of the most simple is to recycle and manage our waste responsibly. Here is a great video & activity for younger children.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jQ7y_qQYUA

ACTIVITY: http://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2016/03/montessori-inspired-pollution-work-for.html

04/24/2020

What is an ecosystem? It is plants and animals that live together in an area or community. South Florida has many different types of ecosystems like marshes, swamps, coral reefs, beach dunes, mangroves, hardwood hammocks, pinelands/pine flatwoods, and scrubs. Within each of these ecosystems live plants & animals that are unique or special to that specific community.

Learn more about Florida's ecosystems here:
https://archive.usgs.gov/archive/sites/sofia.usgs.gov/virtual_tour/kids/ecosys.html

They way we interact and care for these ecosystems can either help or harm all the things living in them. Come back later today for activities and ways we can help care for Florida's essential ecosystems.

SOFIA Kid's Page - Florida Ecosystems - many ecosystems including coral reefs, dunes, marshes, swamps, hardwood hammocks, mangroves, pinelands and scrubs are found in South Florida.

04/24/2020

Friday's Focus! How do our actions effect essential environments and the plants and animals that live in them? Tune in to today's posts to find out.

04/23/2020

Things with wings! Not only is taking care our air quality important for us but it is also important for all of our winged wildlife as well. (All wildlife actually, but for the sake of the theme today...)

It's a bird it's a plane...it's migratory birds?! Check out this massive bird migration caught on radar over the Keys in February! Did you know approximately 118 types of migratory birds journey north from South America every year from February-April?

https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2020/02/18/massive-bird-migration-captured-on-radar-over-florida

Do you know which bird has the longest migration, flies the fastest, or can fly the longest distance without a break? Find the answers in this article. Birds are fascinating!

https://www.audubon.org/news/9-awesome-facts-about-bird-migration

On Monday, the radar from the U.S. National Weather Service captured a massive swarm of birds migrating from South America over Florida. The agency posted...

04/23/2020

Let's start out Air Care day by learning about Greenhouse Gases, Pollution, & Air Quality. Here are 3 great resources (for all ages) to check out!

What causes air pollution & poor air quality? Watch this quick video to learn more:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/pollution/

What are greenhouse gases? Check out Climate Kids for definitions that are easy to understand: https://climatekids.nasa.gov/greenhouse-cards/

What's the air quality in your area? Check it here:
https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Fort%20Myers&state=FL&country=USA

Pollutants in the air aren't always visible and come from many different sources.

04/23/2020

Today's posts will be focused on all things AIR! There is so much to cover when caring about our Air but today we will cover air quality & pollution as well as our feathered friends and other wildlife that travel by air.