Chapter 10

Welcome back! It's been a long time since we last talked, but we are covering some interesting material today. We will begin with Chapter 10 of the book  "Regional Landscapes of the United States and Canada" by Stephen Birdsall.  

Chapter 10 talks about the Southern Coastlands. This region includes all of Florida as well as part of Texas, Louisiana, Mississipi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.

Florida is of course known for its oranges. My grandparents send me mine every year. According to Birdsall, Florida has seven major citrus fruits. Orange and grapefruit are the best. In fact, Birdsall writes, "Orange production increased steadily until 1978, where 7.4 million tons were harvested." (p. 192)


What more information on Florida's oranges? Check out the juicy oranges details and the rivalry between California and Florida. Click on this article from Pittsburgh magazine!

"Florida’s crop of thin-skinned, juicy fruit is distinctive from the thick-skinned, easily segmented oranges grown in California, which emerged as Florida’s citrus rival,"  Kate Chynoweth writes.

What do you think? I like Florida's better, don't you? Leave a message in the comments!


While Pittsburgh may import oranges from the Sunshine State, they do have what they call "urban farms." And they were a hot topic back in 2010. Pittsburgh Tribune has the story:

"Just as urban beekeeping, community gardening and raising poultry gains traction across the country, Pittsburgh leaders are considering limiting such agricultural practices."

Many urban farmers were not pleased. They started a Facebook group to protect urban farming and many urban farmers started a discussion on the population chicken site, Backyard Chickens.

WDUQ, Pittsburgh's radio station's blog gives a follow up:
Pittsburgh residents are able to keep their farms with their plants and their bees and chickens. They will have to pay a $300 fee and if they are going to have animals, they will need additional permits.

What do you think of Pittsburgh's urban farming decision? Post in the comments!