As Southwest Floridians gather around the table to celebrate, give thanks, and honor family traditions this year, your WGCU Public Media family has compiled a list of the things we’re most grateful for. So pass the gravy and homemade cranberry sauce (or the kind that comes in a can, if you’re classy like me) and celebrate Thanksgiving 2021 with WGCU.
WGCU is thankful for…
Adorable Florida Wildlife
Winter is coming so Florida black bears are fattening up in preparation
There are an estimated 1,000 bears in South Florida living in the conservation areas of Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Bears are found throughout Florida and sometimes visit neighborhoods. If bears can’t find food, they will move on. Read more >>
Season of the Osprey from PBS offers a unique look at the incredible raptors found in Southwest Florida
Following the struggles, failures and triumphs of a single osprey family in Connecticut over the course of a summer, filmmaker Jacob Steinberg achieved unlimited access to an osprey nest and offers a rich look at this unique species known for its life-long partnerships, dynamic social interactions and masterful hunting prowess. Read more >>
Manatees communicate with one another using squeaks, squeals and chirps
More manatees have died already in Florida waters this year than ever recorded. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 984 manatee deaths have been recorded so far in 2021, surpassing the previous record of 830 in 2013. Read more >>
Yummy Food
Here’s the wine you need on your Thanksgiving table, plus some turkey day cooking fails
With Thanksgiving around the corner, we thought we’d share with you one of WGCU’s podcasts called Grape Minds. In this episode, Julie Glenn and Gina Birch talk about and taste through a few options for your Thanksgiving table while reminiscing with winemakers about their favorites, including some hilarious turkey-day cooking fails. Listen now >>
This Thanksgiving, let science help you roast a tastier turkey
I’ve got a kitchen confession: I don’t do Thanksgiving turkey. It’s not because of dietary restrictions, although I do try to limit my meat consumption. It’s more a matter of soul-crushing disappointment. Years ago, my family and I decided we weren’t going to serve Thanksgiving turkey anymore because it kept turning out dry and flavorless. Read more >>
How to grow an edible garden in Southwest Florida for homeowners and apartment dwellers
Gardening and planting edibles is most definitely a science with a lot of factors to consider, so where does one get started? Do you pick the plants first? Do you have to test the soil? When should tomatoes be planted? How does someone start from scratch? Read more >>
Friends and Family
Join the WGCU family and support SWFL Kids
WGCU is on a mission to help kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder — but we can’t do it alone! Read more >>
Create your own Thankful Tree
Celebrate the beauty of fall by creating a festive centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table! Your child will love to help draw, cut out, and color the paper leaves. This family activity will give them a chance to see just how much they have to be grateful for. Read more >>
Heartwarming stories
My Life as a Turkey
Experience the true story of writer and naturalist Joe Hutto (portrayed by Jeff Palmer) as he raises a family of turkey chicks. Watch a preview >>
StoryCorps’ The Great Thanksgiving Listen is Back with More Ways to Participate
The Great Thanksgiving Listen encourages young people—and people of all ages—to create an oral history of our times by recording an interview with an elder, mentor, friend, or someone they admire. Sign up now >>
…but most of all, we’re thankful for YOU!
