Many people enjoy frequent snacking. There are so many choices to choose from! Some snack choices can be unhealthy and others healthy. Healthy snacking is important at any age. Why not make the most of your snacking by choosing healthy food choices that benefit your health? By choosing nutrient-dense snacks, you are providing your body…
Wild Weeds – Weed of the Month Florida Paintbrush Carphephorus corymbosus Florida Paintbrush is a showy, herbaceous wildflower, blooming from late summer into fall. You’ll find this plant in pine, scrubby, and dry to mesic flatwoods, sandhills, and ruderal areas. The large flattop of flowers is very attractive to pollinators and commonly visited by…
As the UF/IFAS Natural Resources Extension Agent for St. Lucie County, I am often stomping through the county’s amazing abundance of nature preserves. I have demonstration sites for biological control of invasive plants and I also teach Florida Master Naturalists and others about the natural systems we have in the county. Usually my excursions end with amazing…
When you hear the word “pollinator”, what is the first insect that comes to mind? If I had to guess, you would probably say honey bee. European honey bees play an important role in agriculture as pollinators and honey producers, but there are hundreds of native pollinators often overshadowed by the beloved honey bee you…
Water quality and quantity issues are considered one of the greatest challenges facing our planet today. Access to clean drinking water and sufficient irrigation to cultivate food crops, hydrate livestock, and quench the thirst of our ever-evolving landscapes is fundamental for the continued well-being of society and our natural and modified ecosystems. Historically, much of…
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, which means that it’s important to have an emergency supply of food just in case disaster strikes. It is recommended that you have at least a 7-day supply of food on hand, and that you stockpile foods you and your family like and will eat. Here…
Countless species of flora and fauna have been lost in what is now being labeled as the Anthropocene extinction event. Fortunately, two local species have not only escaped from the brink of extinction but have rebounded as humans have improved our behavior. This success story holds valuable lessons in how we can save other imperiled …
This year’s UF/IFAS Extension Collier County Annual Mango Morning class partnered with the Florida Forest Service to teach participants how to properly plant and prune mango trees. After an indoor lecture, we took 50 class participants into the Collier Extension Fruit Grove to pick up some tools and try out the techniques for themselves.
When tropical fruit trees…
One of my favorite parts of living in Florida is having more access to tropical fruit. The classic sweetness of mango, the distinct and delicate flavors of guava and papaya, and the almost chocolaty taste of sapodilla are simple yet profound delights. These delicious fruits are also versatile, and can be enjoyed on their own, with…
Honey beekeeping management practices for your Florida apiary in August: This beekeeping calendar is a tool for all beekeepers in Florida, small scale to commercial operations. This calendar is meant to be a reference point for beekeeping management and is not comprehensive. The check-list can be used to identify management issues or concerns in…