My Exquisite Florida

When I checked my messages this morning, I had a message asking if Blue Springs State Park was having a firefly festival this year. With a heavy heart, I replied that I was hopeful we would have to wait no later than 2022.

Just a few hours later, I saw THIS on Facebook! Listen, it is worth a two hour drive and back (it’s less than an hour for us, but I would be willing to drive a total of four hours for this experience). If you’re with a group, I’d suggest taking a pizza or a bucket of chicken or a big salad or whatever trips your trigger for a quick al fresco dinner, and then enjoy the show. There are fewer and fewer places each year that can offer the right conditions for such a large emergence of fireflies — go see this while you still can!

In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 the International Day of Forests.

Forests provide priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits. Covering over a third of the planet, forests perform vital functions, including combating climate change and contributing to the prosperity and well-being of humanity.  They play a crucial role in alleviating poverty and in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Many cultures depend on forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food, and shelter.  Yet, global deforestation continues.  International Day of Forests celebrates and raises awareness of the value of forests and provides the opportunity for local, national, and international activities, such as tree planting campaigns. This year, the theme is “Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being.”

Here are some links that will help you observe this day:

https://www.un.org/en/observances/forests-and-trees-day

http://www.fao.org/international-day-of-forests/en/

International Day of Forests 2021

You can read about her here . . . the link is from Audubon and it’s really interesting! Susan Fenimore Cooper is the first American woman nature writer.