Nature and Animals

In September 2022 after Hurricane Ian had moved on – causing catastrophic damage and flooding resulting in more than $112 billion in losses – Mark Richards got into his golf cart and began surveying the damage wrought to Sabal Springs by the Cat 5 storm. In addition to the multiple damaged roofs, twisted lanais, and […]

As of mid-September, we have been lucky to escape any serious hurricane activity. But we aren’t out of the woods yet. The official hurricane season runs through November 30. While the six-month season, which starts June 1, includes the entire range, the most active period is historically from mid-August to mid-October, with the peak activity […]

In October, in Southwest Florida we can expect to see the Orionid meteor shower peaking October 21 to 22 under dark skies from a new moon. Other celestial events include the tail end of the Draconid meteor shower, which is best seen in early October. For the best viewing, get away from city lights. KEY […]

Here are five weird and wild facts to dazzle your friends. 1. Octopuses have three hearts: two for pumping blood to the gills, one for the body. 2. There’s enough DNA in your body to stretch from Earth to Pluto and back—17 times. 3. Sharks have been around longer than trees—about 50 million years longer, […]

September is usually a very active month in the Atlantic with weather coming off the coast of Africa. We need to stay aware of weather conditions and get prepared. Hopefully, you already have gathered supplies. You will need a power source (gas, propane, etc.) for your generator. Be sure you have a 9-to-10-day supply of […]

THE FULL STURGEON MOON WILL BE ON FULL DISPLAY AUGUST 19. August nights offer amazing stargazing opportunities, including a chance to observe the conjunction of Mars and Jupiter; these planets will be in close proximity in the constellation Taurus, with Jupiter appearing much brighter. They will be rising in the northeastern sky just before 1 […]

The common mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is the official Florida state bird, and the northern variety are commonly found in North Fort Myers. The mockingbird is a superb songbird and mimic. It has its own song, which is a pleasant lilting sound and is, at times, both varied and repetitive. Often, the mockingbird sings all night […]

A CITRUS TREE ON THE FORD PROPERTY AT THE ESTATES WITH LAST YEAR’S FRUIT Recently, a team from the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) in Immokalee visited Edison and Ford Winter Estates to discuss the work they are doing on behalf of the estates to save the Henry Ford citrus grove […]

In Florida during June, the stars of the Summer Triangle – Vega, Deneb, and Altair – are prominent, rising earlier each month throughout the summer. Additionally, other recognizable constellations like Boötes (the bear driver), Libra (the scales), and Ursa Minor (the little bear) are also visible in June. 

Often mistaken for dead trees during the winter season, the family of Lagerstroemia, Crape Myrtles, are bursting forth with blooms ranging from white to deep magenta. At Edison and Ford Winter Estates, we have an unusually rare collection of species, as well as some uniquely tropical specimens. The old-world spelling of crape probably originated in […]