Yearly Archives: 2023

HomeYearly Archives: 2023
May 5, 2023

Florida Farm Pests: Sothern Chinch Bugs

If you have a sod farm in Florida or work in the landscape business, Chinch Bugs could become a major economic problem when not taking proper control.   What are Southern Chinch Bugs and how I can identify them?     Southern Chinch Bugs (Blissus insularis) Nymphs (Left) and Adults (Right) (Short wing and long wing). Photo Credit: UF/IFAS Southern…

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May 5, 2023

Shark Bits: Do sharks sleep?

As part of my Florida Sea Grant Extension work, I teach and present about elasmobranchs (which includes sharks, rays, and skates) to diverse groups of people. Topics vary, from basic biology to shark fishing regulations, conservation status, and more. I enjoy teaching about sharks and rays, since they are fascinating creatures and ecologically important. My…

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May 4, 2023

May First Friday with Florida First Detector

Recap of May First Friday with Florida First Detector In May, we picked up again with our discussion of wood boring insects. This time, we focused more on the bark beetles (Family:  Curculionidae). Many bark beetles help break down dead or dying trees in the environment. However, a few species will attack otherwise healthy trees.…

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May 3, 2023

Neglected Tropical Diseases?

Picture this, you were finally able to save up for that amazing trip to the Caribbean and you’re there. Sipping on a pina colada, laying on a hammock on your last day, and of course, scratching the bites of those pesky mosquitoes that seem to be everywhere. You had an amazing time, and you are…

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May 2, 2023

Gardening with Florida Native Plants

Watch our Gardening with Native Plants webinar with Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS Extension and Anita Camacho, Little Red Wagon Native Nursery What is a native plant? Let’s start with a few definitions. A native plant is one that has been documented to exist in Florida before European contact. A non-native plants has been introduced from other parts…

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May 1, 2023

A Sea of Grass; Part 4 Jellyfish

The word “jellyfish” tends to initiate a similar response in most people – “scream”, “run”, “this is going to hurt”.  Being stung by a jellyfish is not pleasant and is something most would prefer to avoid.  Our beaches warn us when they are out by flying a purple flag.   When exploring the seagrasses, this…

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April 28, 2023

Demystifying Food Labels

Written by Samantha Walter-Cano Edited by Andrea Lazzari & Kaitlyn McCarty Have you ever found yourself shopping at the grocery store, only to find out you have no idea what labels on food products, especially animal products, truly mean? Common terms such as ‘All Natural’, ‘Non-GMO’, ‘Organic’, and ‘Free Range’ are used on food labels…

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April 25, 2023

Mangrove Diamondback Terrapin

    FWC Diamondback Terrapin Range Map Diamondback Terrapins are small turtles that live in the brackish waters of estuaries from Massachusetts to Texas.  They can be found in tidal creeks and rivers, bays and sounds, salt marshes, and mangrove systems.  Throughout their range, they are a species of special concern, endangered, or threatened.  Out of…

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April 25, 2023

Managing Lawn and Landscape During Drought

Looking around our neighborhood’s landscape, it is evident that St Lucie County and the neighboring counties are experiencing an extended period of drought. Lawns that are not irrigated appear straw-like, the place is dusty and ornamental plants are drooping. Even during a drought, lawn care maintenance professionals mowed lawns bi-weekly. Some landscapers are pruning trees…

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