Roadways crisscross Central Florida and uplands have been converted to housing developments, citrus groves and other agricultural uses. Sandhills and scrub habitats are a tiny fraction of their original area. Wetlands while receiving more protection that uplands, are now fragmented isolated pockets without access to adjacent uplands. Alterations to the natural water cycle interrupt nesting and breeding times and the ability to provide sufficient food supplies. Climate change threatens links between interdependent species and may disrupt entire plant and animal communities.

The Central Florida Group recognizes that habitat simplification, fragmentation, degradation, elimination and climate change pose the greatest threats to the continued well-being of healthy/wildlife and plant ecosystems and biodiversity. Measures to counteract this trend must increase on both public and private land, and include whole ecosystems regardless of jurisdictional and political boundaries. Everyone in Central Florida should be involved to help develop and implement wildlife and plant conservation measures that protect ecosystems and our wildlife heritage.

The key to wildlife and native habitat conservation is the continued existence of diverse natural communities and the preservation of native biodiversity. The Sierra Club is committed to maintaining Central Florida's remaining natural ecosystems — marine, aquatic and terrestrial. Where feasible, the Sierra Club is also committed to restoring and rehabilitating to a natural condition those ecosystems that are presently degraded by human activities.

Below you will find a number of articles, essays, activities and news related to this issue.  If you know of any relevant news or want to submit content regarding this topic, please don't hesitate to contact the appropriate Committe Member .  Thanks.