​Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
 
These reptiles are one of five species of tortoises found in North America, and is the only one found east of the Mississippi river.  They enjoy areas with an open canopy, diverse ground cover, and well drained soils for them to make their signature burrows. You can distinguish them from other animal burrows by their half-moon shape and surrounded by a sand apron. They are home builders for many species as burrows they abandon become new nests and hiding spots for other species. They use them to hide from predators, hibernate during the winter, and as a nest.

​Unfortunately, they are threatened by habitat degradation and fragmentation due to increasing urbanization. The gopher tortoise has some form of state-level protection in each state which it occurs and is a State-designated Threatened species in Florida. If you have any potential habitat for them, or even burrows, its good to check if there are any tortoises calling your property home too.


​We at Verde offer complete gopher tortoise surveys, offering detailed results on the habitat, location of the burrows, and appropriate permits you would need to move forward with potential construction. ​

Cinnamon fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum) is a common wetland plant found in swamps, bogs, and along streambanks.

​Its presence often signals healthy wetlands, as it thrives in moist, acidic soils and provides habitat for wildlife while stabilizing soil. This fern is an important indicator species during wetland assessments, helping identify areas protected by state and federal laws. Our team of environmental consultants can help evaluate your property to ensure compliance and balance development with conservation.  ​

Blad Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a tree species that just about every Floridian has
heard of, especially those buying lots to build on. But in case you haven’t seen or heard of them yet, they’re a species of conifers spread through the southeastern United States. You can find them as far west as Texas and as up north as New Jersey. They have bright green leaves with a soft and feathery texture, brown/grey bark that has long fiber-like ridges, and a straight trunk.