Gopher tortoises do so much for our ecosystems, which is why we’re starting our biggest gopher tortoise habitat enhancement project yet! 🐢 💪 Gopher tortoises need open-canopy, sandy habitats with low grasses and vegetation. In Florida, these habitats are in decline, so we’re making a few of our own! Join us as we clear overgrown vegetation, plant native species, and restore habitat for gopher tortoises on our preserve lands this fall and winter by signing up to volunteer with us: https://sccf.

20 reactions · 4 comments | A quiet moment with a gopher tortoise, one of Florida’s most important and protected species. These gentle animals shape the ecosystem by creating burrows that shelter dozens of other creatures, making them true keystone residents of the wild. #gophertortoise #floridawildlife #keystonespecies #natureencounter #protectedwildlife #floridanature #wildflorida #slowandsteady #outdoorobservations #naturemoments | Florida World Nature | Facebook