Evidence increasingly supports the value of nature as a healing modality. Immersing in safe, accessible nature is key, and the UF campus provides great opportunities for careful and thoughtful nature immersion. Some people enjoy engaging with nature by watching animal behavior and knowing more about the plants they see on campus. These guides strive to provide that information by identifying animals and plants commonly seen in the area and discussing their behavior so sightings can be meaningful.
For more information on the listed species, click on the relevant link in the table below.
For more information on Wellness Activities at the Health Science Center Library, check out the Wellness Team LibGuide
The guides on this page will help you to identify and connect with wildlife on the UF campus. All of the pictured organisms were seen on campus, and mostly on the walk outlined in the guide. These organisms may be more active or visible at certain times of the day or year- part of the fun of observing nature is becoming familiar with these cycles, and finding the common- and bold- as well as the rare- or shy- wildlife that is found at the University of Florida. Enjoy the search for these organisms and the excitement of seeing them going about their daily lives.
Two good resources for learning more about identifying wildlife and plants and animals:
Are you interested in learning more about UF Nature?
Here are some recommended resources for learning more about wildlife:
Florida Museum of Natural History
Click on the links for more information on the listed species.
Season |
Species |
Spring 2022 |
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Summer 2022 |
Red-bellied woodpecker |
Late Summer 2022 |
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Fall 2022 |
Red-shouldered hawk |
Winter 2023 |
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Spring 2023 |
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Summer 2023 |
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Mid summer 2023 |
Wildflower field |
Late Summer 2023 |
White-tailed deer |
Fall 2023 |
Passion Flower Fruit |
Winter 2023 |
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Winter Wilmot Botanical Gardens 2023 |
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Winter 2024 Signs of Life |
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Spring 2024 |
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Summer 2024 |
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Late Summer 2024 |
Sweetgum Tree |
Fall 2024 |
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Fall 2024 Little Hall
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Winter 2024 |
Cabbage Palm Carolina Wren Monarch Viceroy
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Winter 2024 Lake Alice Bat Houses |
Freshwater mollusc Crow Cormorant Bats
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Dates on the guides are present to assist with identifying and differentiating between the guides. Some of the pictured species may be found on campus only during the season pictured. Others may be found all year round but are particularly common or apparent at certain seasons.
Feel free to look at the guides as they have been developed, or check out all for the relevant seasons! Enjoy the many species of plants, animals, fungi, slimemolds, and maybe others that find their homes on the University of Florida campus!
University of Florida On Campus Walks