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Russian researchers in Antarctica are on the verge of piercing a hole through two miles of ice into an ancient lake, untouched by the light of day for some 20 million years. But it'll be a delicate process to break through without disturbing the pristine waters. Guest host David Green speaks with Antarctic researcher John Priscu about the process.

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Sturgeon have been swimming around for more than 200 million years, but their eggs are sought after for caviar. This week, the National Marine Fisheries Service placed the Atlantic sturgeon on its endangered species list. Guest host David Greene speaks with Dr. Ellen Pikitch, executive director of the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science at Stony Brook University.

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Hissing and twisting, the big snake looked ill-tempered and dangerous, something most people wouldn't want to mess with.

Legislation that would clear the path for a pair of state water pollution rules supported by business, agriculture and utility interests won approval Friday from the Florida House. Some environmental groups, though, say the rules are too weak and prefer tougher federal standards.

A new map from the USDA has some northern gardeners hoping to grow plants that used to be considered too fragile for cold weather zones. The hardiness zone chart is about a half zone warmer than the last one issued in 1990. The USDA says the changes are not due to global warming, but to more sophisticated mapping methods. Seed sellers and buyers say that, whatever the reason, the warmer temperatures expand possibilities for planting this spring.

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For snow fans in the contiguous US, this winter has left much to be desired. The warm and mild season in the lower 48 and the wild snow dumps and cold weather up north in Alaska can be blamed largely on a weather pattern called "arctic oscillation." Audie Cornish gets an explanation of the weather phenomenon from meteorologist Jeffrey Masters.

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In a recently published article, the Florida Current reports on the demise of HB 1103 - Ordinary High Water Mark - the bill that would redefine public/private property boundaries on our rivers and lakes.

From the Florida Current:

A bill environmentalists say would result in the giveaway of thousands of acres of state land is likely dead this session, the bill’s sponsor said Thursday…

Eric Draper, executive director of Audubon of Florida said he is pleased the bill is dead. ”This is probably the most unpopular legislation that has been introduced this year,” Draper said.

Thanks to Audubon Advocates like you, over 18,000 emails were sent and countless phone calls were made to Florida House Members in opposition to this bill.

This incredible grassroots support for our waterways brought significant attention to the detrimental effects that HB 1103 would have on Florida. Popular opinion columnists took notice as well, and within weeks there were numerous editorials written in opposition (see short list under HB 1103 section here) from all corners of our wonderful state. And today, we can rest a little easier knowing that the bill sponsor has declared that the bill is “not going anywhere.” Audubon will continue to monitor this legislation until session is officially over.

For more information on this important news, please visit the Florida Current for a full report.

Much appreciation goes to all the lovers of natural Florida whose inspiring work made a difference on this critical issue. Remember to stay connected to the Audubon Advocate eNewsletter and learn about more ways that you can help protect Florida’s one-of-a-kind environment.

SFWMD: RT @usnoaagov: Got #drought? #NOAA's updated U.S. drought outlook through April: http://t.co/byB65dva

SFWMD: Friday Water Report: South Florida's average rainfall for past week = 0.099 inches; Lake Okeechobee level = 13.24 feet http://t.co/1OrcR3a0

The final permit for the construction and interim operations of the Water Conservation Area 3 (WCA-3) Decompartmentalization (Decomp) and Sheetflow Enhancement Physical Model was received on Jan.9 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District received a signed Chief of Engineers Report (Chief’s Report) for the C-111 Spreader Canal Western Project in Miami-Dade County, Fla., Jan. 30, 2012. The Chief’s Report, signed by Acting Chief of Engineers Maj. Gen. Merdith W.B. Temple, has been submitted to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works for review. Following review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), it will then be submitted to Congress for authorization.

Have you ever had to turn away millions of dollars? It sounds crazy, but here's why the Sierra Club chose to do exactly that.

In 2010, soon after I became the organization's executive director, I learned that beginning in 2007 the Sierra Club had received more than $26 million from individuals or subsidiaries of Chesapeake Energy, one of the country's largest natural gas companies. At the same time I learned about the donation, we at the Club were also hearing from scientists and from local Club chapters about the risks that natural gas drilling posed to our air, water, climate, and people in their communities. We cannot accept money from an industry we need to change. Very quickly, the board of directors, with my strong encouragement, cut off these donations and rewrote our gift acceptance policy. Let me tell you how it came about. 

In the fall of 2005, Sierra Club staff and volunteer leaders agreed to make the enormous challenge of climate disruption the Club's highest priority. By that time, we had already begun to have great success with our Beyond Coal campaign, which had started in 2002, and which had already stopped the construction of several dozen new coal-fired power plants.

This Beyond Coal initiative has continued to have unparalleled success working with literally hundreds of other organizations, small and large, and using grassroots power to stop more than 160 new coal plants and prevent 500 million tons of carbon from entering the atmosphere. Sierra Club activists are now fighting Big Coal pollution in all 50 states and on college campuses nationwide. Today, the Sierra Club is not just focusing on stopping new plants from being built but is also accelerating efforts to retire old and dirty coal plants nationwide.

As this campaign was gearing up, the Sierra Club board of directors, working with the best science at the time and with extensive input from staff and volunteers, determined that natural gas, while far from ideal as a fuel source, might play a necessary role in helping us reach the clean energy future our children deserve. It was also during this time, in 2007, that the first contributions to the Sierra Club were made from entities or individuals associated with Chesapeake Energy. The idea was that we shared at least one common purpose -- to move our country away from dirty coal.

The big challenge, however, is what follows coal. How do we keep the lights on as we move quickly to an economy powered by clean, renewable energy? During the period that the Sierra Club first started receiving donations, several of our local chapters were becoming increasingly alarmed by dangerous and disruptive natural gas industry practices in their communities -- particularly horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," a technique where millions of gallons of water, laced with other ingredients (including, often, toxic chemicals) are pumped into rock to release gas deposits. Gradually, more and more legitimate questions were raised about the risks that fracking poses to our air, water, communities, and indeed our climate.

By the time I assumed leadership of the Club in March 2010, our view of natural gas had changed -- so I made sure our policy did, too. We created a strong natural gas campaign comprised of staff and volunteer leaders. Some chapters sought to establish tough safeguards at the state and federal level to protect their air and water; others sought to suspend fracking completely until those standards were in place. By mid-August 2010, with gas industry practices and our policies increasingly in conflict, I recommended to the Board, and it agreed, to end the funding relationship between the Club and the gas industry, and all fossil fuel companies or executives.

Our position today could not be more clear: We still need to move America beyond coal, as quickly as we can while taking care of the workers in the mines and at coal-burning utilities. And as we retire these coal plants, we'll need to replace them with as much clean energy as we possibly can. In the process, we'll use as little gas as possible and work to ensure that the gas that is used is produced as responsibly as possible.

It's time to stop thinking of natural gas as a "kinder, gentler" energy source. What's more, we do not have an effective regulatory system in this country to address the risks that gas drilling poses on our health and communities. The scope of the problems from under-regulated drilling, as well as a clearer understanding of the total carbon pollution that results from both drilling and burning gas, have made it plain that, as we phase out coal, we need to leapfrog over gas whenever possible in favor of truly clean energy. Instead of rushing to see how quickly we can extract natural gas, we should be focusing on how to be sure we are using less -- and safeguarding our health and environment in the meantime.

The Sierra Club opposes any natural gas development that poses unacceptable toxic risks to our land, water, and air. We insist that the volume and content of all fracking fluids and flowback should be disclosed, and that all toxics should be eliminated. There should be proper treatment, management, and disposal of both fracking fluids and toxic flowback. Fracking should not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that drinking water is protected and that all cumulative impacts can be mitigated. And, of course, many beautiful areas and important watersheds across this country should be off-limits to drilling.

Exempting the natural gas industry from environmental protections was a terrible idea. It looks even dumber today, when the real risks that natural gas drilling poses to water supplies and critical watersheds are that much more apparent.

Ultimately, the only safe, smart, and responsible way to address our nation's energy needs is to look beyond coal, oil, and gas, and focus on clean, efficient energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal. It's clear to countries around the world that the most successful 21st-century economies will be based on using energy that is safe, secure, and sustainable. Let's get to work building that economy right here at home.

SFWMD: RT @FLSERT: Do you have a plan? Every Floridian should! Today’s focus is Hurricanes and Flooding. http://t.co/Wm5A5hW3 for more info. #F ...

SFWMD: Take a virtual tour of constructed wetlands (STAs) that are improving Everglades water quality: http://t.co/EHv9vI8R #WorldWetlandsDay

SFWMD: Happy World Wetlands Day! Read about our efforts to help restore the Everglades, one of the world's largest #wetlands: http://t.co/Kx6JwMrK

Audubon Florida is excited to bring you a special Florida’s Special Places nomination of Fisheating Creek from Florida photographer Paul Marcellini. Please enjoy Paul’s inspiring photos and beautiful account of this truly special place:

Fisheating Creek has to be one of my favorite places in Florida. After a quick paddle up river from the Palmdale launch, you totally feel like you are in old Florida again. My first time on the creek was in June a few years back. I got caught in one of the typical summer storms and took shelter amongst the flooded forest. As I waited it out, I loved how the afternoon light was catching the rain through the trees.

Then, as it stopped, the atmosphere was just completely saturated.

Everything felt so fresh and after the thunderous rain, silent. Then, as I paddled on to find a campsite, the birds emerged and started to chatter. Pileated Woodpeckers, wrens, Limpkins, and even Swallow-tailed Kites were seen in a few short moments. I settled on a sandy bank and watched a sunset from my own little spot. I waited for the night and the chorus began. There is nothing better.

The best part about Fisheating Creek is you have quick access to a wild area and can camp in a campground, or sleep out on the creek at any place of your choosing. This allows for seclusion if wanted or the ability to group camp for day trips. The firm sandy bottom allows for easy access in and out of watercraft and the beautiful tannin stained waters glow orange in the sun. They also hide their depths, a mystery I really enjoy.

SFWMD: Tour SFWMD's Everglades living laboratory at the A.R.M. Loxahatchee NWR's Everglades Day Festival. http://t.co/H8z1sCy3 @USFWSSoutheast

Researchers counted more than 5,000 ticks to calculate the risk of Lyme disease in the Eastern U.S. Turns out the risk is high in the Northeast and nearly zero in the South.

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A new study wants to rectify beef's image as an environmental miscreant. It says modern beef production is a lot kinder to the environment than it was 30 years ago.

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Attention all wildlife lovers, nature enthusiasts, fresh air afficianados, and inhabitors of wild places – Governor Rick Scott and our friends at the Florida Trail Association have declared February to be Florida Hiking Trails Month! So grab your boots, some friends, your favorite Florida nature book and hit the trail!

When you get back, post your photos or travel notes on the Florida’s Special Places Facebook Page.

Looking to meet new friends and learn about wild Florida? Hook up with your local Audubon Society chapter and join them on one of their planned outdoor adventures this month. Pre-registration is almost always a must, so check the chapter’s website to find contact information on your local group.

Remember to Take Five for Florida’s Special Places:

Take yourself to one of Florida’s special places. 

Take friends and family. 

Take pictures, take notes. 

Take time to share your experience with others.

Take action to protect the places that make Florida special.  

For the full Department of Environmental Protection press release, please click here.