LIVE OAK, FLA., May 7, 2018 – The old adage “April showers bring May flowers” rings true across the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) with fields, roadways and yards filled with wildflowers. The abundance of blooms opened just in time for National Wildflower Week which kicked off May 7, 2018.
“District lands are prime habitats for native wildflowers. We actively manage our lands through prescribed burning, invasive plant control, floodplain protection and restoring natural communities - all of which are vital to the health of our ecosystems, wildflowers included” said Hugh Thomas, executive director for the District.
Wildflowers play an important role in bee pollination which is necessary for the growth of most trees and plants, including our food supply. They also provide a food supply for wildlife such as deer, rabbits, bees and even the endangered gopher tortoise.
Protection of wildflower spaces is important as land use pressures continue to increase across Florida. To support the effort, the District manages over 160,000 acres of public lands which are spectacles for wildflower and wildlife viewing, as well as other recreational activities. In fact, wildflowers play such an integral role in the overall ecosystem that many agencies are working to preserve areas where they grow naturally through public land ownership and roadway wildflower management programs.
“We all play a role in protecting our habitats to ensure the longevity of our resources, flora and fauna,” said Thomas. “And who doesn’t like a bunch of handpicked wildflowers? They put a smile on almost any face and save the need to spend Saturdays on a lawn mower.”
Celebrate National Wildflower Week by show sharing your wildflower photos with us on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #floridawildflowers. To learn more about Florida wildflowers and their importance to our habitats, visit the Florida Wildflower Foundation website.
The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. The District holds true to the belief of water for nature, water for people. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties.
For more information about the District, visit www.mysuwanneeriver.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter, search @SRWMD.
###