As we plunge into the New Year enveloped in grey wintry weather and heightened socio-economic and political stress, let us seek relief in nature, a cure-all for distress, anxiety and depression.
Evidence of the need for this natural balm is everywhere. Suicide is a major national public health problem with U.S. suicide rates among the highest of wealthy nations. In 2024, the U.S. suicide rate was 15.6 per 100,000 people, 26th highest of 183 countries and well above the world average of 9.2. By comparison, our neighboring nation of Mexico is at 7 and Canada has a 9.4 rate.

When forests are destroyed and fragmented by development, agriculture and timbering, their ecological services and economic benefits may be lost if timbered land is not reforested or allowed to regenerate. The EPA-led Bay Program and scientists connected with bay restoration have recognized the incredible importance of forests to a healthy bay, especially streamside forested buffers.

Alligators have thrived for thousands of years in the Everglades system, elsewhere in Florida and in other southeastern states, especially Louisiana. Their lineage goes back 200 million years. But they barely survived the wanton slaughter of perhaps 8 million and habitat destruction wrought by humans over the centuries. After being reduced to 200 animals, their listing as endangered species sparked a comeback where they now number 5 million, 1.3 million in Florida.

These predators are an ecologically important species that enthralls my sense of wonderment as I consider alligators and all crocodilians as among nature’s most perfect creatures. Let’s dispel the myths about gators and threats to humans.