About the Author

J. Nicholas Ehringer has spent more than three decades exploring Florida’s wetlands, rivers, forests, and coastal waters, documenting the intricate relationships that sustain life in the Sunshine State. As an independent ecologist and educator, his expertise spans seagrass mapping, wetland restoration, exotic species analysis, live rock aquaculture, and the role of BTI in mosquito control. He has authored numerous lab manuals in biology, environmental science, anatomy, and ecology — all designed to support hands-on learning. In a particularly unique project, Dr. Ehringer worked with a NASA-affiliated team to send fertilized fish eggs into space, resulting in a surviving species later displayed at the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa.

Nick’s passion for the natural world began in childhood, collecting shells along the beach and tracking birds in nearby wetlands. That curiosity grew into a career of teaching environmental science workshops, collaborating with state agencies on conservation projects, and leading field excursions for students and community groups.

He has taught at Hillsborough Community College, Eckerd College, University of Central Florida, and Indian River College. His research on seagrass growth has uncovered unique ways of accelerating restoration, informing local conservation efforts and environmental impact assessments. He blends rigorous field measurements with accessible explanations, making complex concepts approachable for readers of all backgrounds. This commitment to hands-on learning is reflected in Ecology of Florida, where vivid photographs, detailed illustrations, and clear data guide readers through every ecosystem.

Now retired, Nick enjoys time with family, birdwatching, and sharing his love of Florida’s ecology with his grandchildren.

This website serves as both his scientific portfolio and a place to share ongoing research, upcoming workshops, and nature-guided tours. Nick welcomes your questions, field reports, and conservation ideas — because together, we can deepen our understanding of Florida’s living systems and inspire actions that preserve their beauty and balance for generations to come.