Archbold Biological Station

08/14/2026

Did you know the Florida Scrub-Jay is found nowhere else on Earth? Through a more than 25-year partnership with conservation organizations, researchers, and government agencies, Mosaic is helping protect and restore habitat for this iconic Florida species. Watch as Raoul Boughton, Sahas Barve, and Todd Mecklenborg discuss the innovative work underway to support the long-term recovery of the Florida Scrub-Jay and why collaboration is critical to conservation success.

Representatives from Mosaic, the Archbold Biological Station, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service came to Suncoast View today to discuss a unique partnership protecting the Florida scrub-jay, the only bird species found exclusively in Florida.

08/12/2026

Our Plant Ecology team recently spent a morning planting Crotalaria avonensis, a federally endangered plant with only three wild populations remaining. 🌿

This site isn't home to a naturally occurring population of Crotalaria, but it falls within the same geographic range as wild populations, making it a good location for introductions. Plants introduced here in 2012, 2015, 2024, and 2025 are all still persisting, and the team added more fully propagated plants during this recent introduction.

Our team has been studying Crotalaria populations across their range since 1998, building decades of knowledge about their growth and survival and using what we've learned to help support the species' conservation.

But the plants weren't the only thing that caught everyone's attention that morning — while planting, the team came across an interesting worm, and field work briefly came to a halt while everyone gathered around to get a closer look (and take some pictures, of course). Just another day in the scrub! 🪱

08/10/2026

We think some of the plants and animals that define our slice of wild Florida deserve emojis of their own… , what do you say?

08/06/2026

Another intern seminar doubleheader! 🥳 Join Agroecology Research Interns Aiden Schmeling and Kirthana Pisipati on Thursday, August 13 as they present their findings.

Aiden will share research investigating what influences where cattle choose to graze using GPS collar data and field surveys, while Kirthana will explore how cattle grazing affects beneficial soil fungi in seasonal wetlands at Buck Island Ranch.

📅 Thursday, August 13
🕞 3:30 PM
📍 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86221868187?pwd=KQyjLZJswyMrf6wEkh1kKXedOQDLZ0.1

08/04/2026

Tune in today! 🎙️

Our Florida Grasshopper Sparrow project lead, Mary Marine, will be joining WUSF Public Media's Florida Matters: Live and Local today to discuss the recent release of Florida Grasshopper Sparrows at DeLuca Preserve and what this milestone means for the future of one of North America's most imperiled birds.

🕛 Today | 12:00–1:00 PM ET

Watch live (or catch the replay afterward) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdhhH8vTeBk

We hope you'll tune in!

Call: 813-755-6562Message: [email protected]: https...

07/28/2026

Today marks 85 years of Archbold Biological Station.

For 85 years, we've worked to build and share scientific knowledge to protect Florida's life, lands, and waters. As Florida continues to change, that mission remains as important as ever.

Thank you to the generations of researchers, staff, students, partners, volunteers, supporters, and community members who have been part of this journey.

We look forward to continuing that work for years to come.

07/25/2026

Happy National Day of the Cowboy! Today we’re recognizing the cowboys, cowgirls, and ranch staff of Buck Island Ranch. 🤠

Their hard work, knowledge, and stewardship help sustain this working cattle ranch while supporting decades of ecological research.

Thank you to everyone at Buck Island Ranch for all you do!

07/23/2026

Not one, but two research intern seminars in an afternoon! 🥳 Join Avian Ecology Research Interns Maria Elisa Mendiwelso and Hannah Peters on Thursday, July 30 at 3:30PM as they present their findings.

Maria Elisa will share research exploring how reproduction and helper birds influence the survival of breeding female Florida Scrub-Jays, drawing on 35 years of demographic data, and Hannah will examine how social relationships and territory dynamics influence mate choice in Florida Scrub-Jays, also drawing on Archbold’s long-term research of the species.

📅 Thursday, July 30
🕞 3:30 PM
📍 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84716068830?pwd=z5fFjSZb68eSrfaZCEhDeXV9eaSMBt.1

07/20/2026

Never a dull moment with the Avian Ecology team! 🪶

Video by Tori Bakley & Steven Thyme

07/16/2026

What role can poetry play in helping us connect with the natural world?

Join Jill Abrahamson Memorial Environmental Education Intern Isabel Hardwig as she explores how poetry can offer a different lens to experience and connect with nature. She’ll share about the lessons, activities, and curricula she’s developed for Highlands County students as part of Archbold’s environmental education program.

📅 Thursday, July 23
🕞 3:30 PM
📍 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81810614917?pwd=oCkFidIiqpaNjHnmLCN3ToQ5o9mpVc.1