🐦 Florida’s Only Endemic Bird: The Florida Scrub-Jay

This unique bird depends on scrub habitats that require periodic fire to stay healthy. They’re also known for being surprisingly curious—sometimes even approaching people.

At SJRWMD, land management and prescribed fire help maintain these habitats, supporting species you won’t find anywhere else. 🔥🌿

👇 Have you ever spotted a Florida scrub-jay?

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From flooded fields to thriving floodplains 🌿💧

The St. Johns River Water Management District is dedicated to protecting and managing vital floodplains and conservation areas across our 18-county region. By preserving these natural landscapes, we help reduce flood risks, improve water quality and boost ecosystem resilience year-round.

🎥 See this work in action in our latest video: youtu.be/Yms3IFDArOA

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🗺️ Florida, Then and Now

Take a step back in time with this historic map of Florida — a glimpse into how early explorers and cartographers documented the state’s waterways and landscapes long before modern technology.

So, how were maps like this created without computers?

✏️ Surveyors and cartographers relied on:
• Compass and chain measurements to calculate distance and direction
• Celestial navigation using the sun and stars to determine location
• Field sketches and journals recorded by hand during expeditions

These maps were often the result of years of exploration, observation, and careful hand-drawing — blending science with craftsmanship.

💧 Even then, Florida’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands were the backbone of travel and settlement — a role they still play today.

At the District, we continue to study, manage, and protect these same water resources for future generations.

📍 It’s a reminder: while technology has changed, the importance of water has not.

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