Water is critical for life on earth. Plants and animals—including people—need water to grow and thrive. We depend on water for drinking and home use, food production, recreation, industrial uses, and power generation. Water affects every facet of our lives, and what we do daily impacts the future of a safe, sustainable water supply.
University of Florida scientists are finding solutions to global challenges of water quality, quantity, and access. Natural springs, wetlands, and coastal waterways are living laboratories where new ideas are tested, implemented, and improved. UF scientists work with farmers to discover ways to produce food with less water and to understand water quality issues. They also partner with industry to develop methods for reducing water consumption in our homes, yards, and communities. UF research and education on water and water issues span multiple disciplines such as agriculture, human and natural resources, life sciences, medicine, engineering, and law.
The University of Florida’s exhibit featured UF research in action and illustrated ways UF scientists are making positive differences in our world. Through interactive displays that included live animals and two touchable water tables, the exhibit displayed what we are learning about water resources, invasive animals and plants, food production, and landscaping.
Visitors were able to see a live American alligator and learned how the University of Florida Gators are impacting our world.
University of Florida at the 2012 Festival
The Everglades are living laboratories for University of Florida wildlife researchers looking for solutions to water challenges. At the 2012 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, UF scientists demonstrated what they are learning about invasive animal species and water resources through interactive displays.
Videography by Becky Squire, Shaun Weber, Jamal Toye, and Kelsey Michael. Edited by Kelsey Michael.
