Developed by UF/IFAS Extension regional specialized water resources agents Yilin Zhuang and Andrea Albertin During floods or heavy rains, the soil around a septic tank and drainfield can get waterlogged, and wastewater from the septic system can’t drain through the soil. Help avoid major problems with your system by following these guidelines when flooding occurs:…
The Chinese tallow, or popcorn tree, is found throughout home and wooded landscapes in northwest Florida. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
You know those things you’ve done that seemed like a great idea at the time? But maybe in hindsight were poor choices? Well, our landscapes are full of bad ideas…
About Lakeside Ranch STA On an early Saturday morning in April, I went on an amazing birding excursion at Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area (STA). South Florida Water Management District manages the approximately 2,700 acre site which is available for visitors on foot or on a bicycle. Its main function is to improve water quality flowing into…
Wild Weeds – Weed of the Month Elliott’s Lovegrass Eragrostis elliottii Photo by Mary Kleim, Florida Wildflower FoundationElliott’s Lovegrass is a perennial grass found in Florida flatwoods, sandhills, prairies, and disturbed sites. Lovegrass is a bunch grass but is not often noticed until the delicate flowering structures appear. There are so many flowers on this…
This time of the year we’re getting a lot of phone calls and e-mails about mango fruit drop. Many homeowners want to know if the fruit drop they see around their mango trees is normal. And the short answer is; yes, it’s normal. Mango fruit drop near a Carrie mangoUsually this time of the year, mangos…
Since 2007 Florida Sea Grant has worked with partners, and trained volunteers, to assess the status of the diamondback terrapin in the Florida panhandle. This small emydid turtle is the only one that lives in brackish water and prefers salt marshes. Very little is known about this turtle in this part of the country, and…
While common in northern Europe, little buntings are unheard of in Florida. This one spent a month in Pensacola. Photo courtesy of Monica McManus.Sometimes, if we are paying close attention, the most extraordinary things can happen in our own backyards. Monica, a friend and neighbor of mine, has always been an animal lover. She routinely…
Back again, with more in our “Age Friendly” series. Last time, we poked around the “other” food group and beverages in our daily diet. This time, we’re going to discuss snacking. Many (most?) of us enjoy snacking throughout the day. And, believe it or not, that can be a good thing… if you make the…
Spigelia marilandica Common Name: Indian pink. Flower closeup. Image Credit: Matthew Orwat, UF / IFAS ExtensionThis week I have been noticing some of the beautiful perennials blooming at the Jackson County Extension office, and one struck me as especially beautiful. Indian Pink or Woodland Pinkroot, it turns out, (Spigelia marilandica), is native to several counties…
Blackberries (Rubus spp.) will not quickly jump into your mind when you think of fruit production in Florida. In fact, when you do think of blackberries, you will most likely envision viny plants infiltrating your gardens and attacking you with their tiny spines. These are dewberries and are not known for large or consistent fruit.…