Florida's Wildlife Guardians: A Community Effort

Florida is more than just a holiday spot. It's a place where over 23 million people live, surrounded by stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. To keep this beauty alive, many locals are stepping up to protect it. One group making a big difference is the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). Every year, they help over 6, 000 animals from 200 different species. That's a lot of creatures getting a second chance! A local bank, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, is a big supporter of CROW. They've been helping out for over 20 years. One of their main events is the "Taste of the Islands, " where local restaurants compete to raise money for CROW. It's a fun way to enjoy good food and help wildlife at the same time.In 2019, the bank also started sponsoring the "Wild About CROW" event. This year, they raised $300, 000 to rebuild a river otter enclosure that was damaged by Hurricane Ian. That's a huge help for the otters and the people who care for them. The bank also supports CROW's Speaker Series. This program brings in experts to talk about important issues, like the invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades. These snakes are a big problem, and the bank is doing its part to raise awareness and support efforts to control them. Tourists also play a role in protecting Florida's wildlife. By supporting local organizations like CROW, visitors can learn more about the environment and help preserve it for the future. Everyone can make a difference, whether it's through volunteering, speaking up, or donating money. When we take care of our environment, we're taking care of our community and its future.