The University of South Florida owns one of the last untouched parcels of land in the Tampa area. Located along the north side of Fletcher Ave, this is a densely forested wetland rich in biodiversity that feeds into the Hillsborough River. The water quality of the river as well as Tampa Bay largely depends on wetlands like this one that help filter pollution as well as control water levels preventing flooding. This forest is home to many species of wildlife that have run out of any other viable habitat in the area. 

USF is now seeking proposals from developers for this ecologically valuable land. What does this say about the University of South Florida as a research institution that teaches environmental science courses? A school with a Wetland Environments course that teaches how important this type of ecosystem is to our environment and our community? Money should not be more important than the environment and a respectable institute of higher learning should know that.

As Florida continues to grow, we are quickly running out places like this. Lets USF know how you feel about them destroying one of the community’s last untouched pieces of nature. 

USF document on development: https://www.usf.edu/business-finance/purchasing/documents/rfi-development-of-usf-golf-course-and-undeveloped-campus-final-issue-4-1-21.pdf

For other ways to stay informed and get involved:

https://instagram.com/save.usfforestpreserve?igshid=bir5kq1do9vx
https://www.facebook.com/groups/503964267639812/?ref=share