My Conundrum

December 26, 2009


As my family faces the definite prospect of moving down to Florida, I am faced with quite a task. I have lived in Pennsylvania for 16 years- the longest I have lived in one place in my entire life. I have grown to love the PA woods, the birds, the insects, the wildlife in general, and I undestand the in's and out's of the ecosystem here. I find it very comforting- like old friends. I know what to expect, and who to expect. I know my way around the various habitats, and what's going on in each at any given time of year. It's a very nice feeling.

But Florida is a whole new world. About the only thing I'm familiar with, aside from the water-birds, is the Live Oak, and the Long-leaf Pine. By sight. The nitty-gritty of those two I just don't know yet. But, true to the habit of a naturalist, I am never satisfied until I figure out what is what, where, when, and why. The thrill of the hunt, so to speak. The wonder of discovering new things I didn't know before, seeing strange new things (like the stick insect striped in black and white, like striped pajamas!)

I am already totally entranced with the Sand scrub of Ocala National Forest. To the untrained eye, it's just that- a rather mundane scrubby area. But as I have studied, I am amazed at the fragility of what is likely the most endangered ecosystem in the United States. Dependant on fire and the rapid drainage of the sand every plant is specially designed to live in, the vast majority of all species there are found ONLY in two or three smallish plots in the center of Florida. I have visited the area many times, with out appreciating the amazingness of it all.

So- here's my conundrum: what is better? Is it the pleasant familiarity of my "old friends", or the excitement of making new ones?

I have been wrestling with the various scrubby oaks this week...they don't even LOOK like oaks, and their leaves are all so similar. One may be fuzzier on the midrib, or maybe the midrib is yellower than the others. Very confusing. But I know I'll get them all straight eventually.

So, as we prepare to head back to Pennsylvania in three days, I know I'll see my old familiar friends, and take comfort in them. But, I also know that I'll have that guide to Florida ecosystems by my bed for quite a while. With a highlighter pen!