It’s nothing new that from birth to age 2 proper nutrition is critical for growth and development. During the early years, it also sets the stage for establishing healthy dietary patterns critical for proper brain development and growth. The DGA’s or Dietary Guidelines for Americans is updated every 5 years to provide nutrition guidance through…
What is Florida First Detector?
Florida First Detector is a multiagency educational effort focused on enhancing the early detection of invasive pests that threaten agriculture, nursery industries, and natural areas. We offer in-person and virtual classes. The Florida First Detector website also provides scripted presentations for educators and on-demand CEU opportunities for licensed professionals.…
One of the community science volunteer projects I oversee in the Pensacola area is the Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch. The first objective of this project is to determine whether horseshoe cabs exist in your bay – FYI, they do exist in Pensacola Bay. The second objective is to determine where they are nesting – we…
Sheri Holmes presents an entomology collection in her office at the UF/IFAS Norman C. Hayslip Biological Control Research and Containment Laboratory
Q: How did you hear about UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center?
A: I was doing a bachelor’s degree at Indian River State College, and I needed an internship. An entomology internship popped…
The pristine salt marshes of Big Lagoon State Park are perfect for exploring by kayak. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
My favorite place in Escambia County is a waterlogged stretch of the coast near Perdido Key. Known formally as Big Lagoon State Park, the over 700-acre property has hiking, biking, and paddling…
Written by Samantha Walter-Cano, Edited by Olivia Zugay
Did you know July 31st is National Avocado Day? In honor of this delicious fruit, let’s learn what makes them special. While you’re at it, make yourself some guacamole or avocado toast to celebrate!
Florida Avocados
Haas avocado
Did you know an avocado is technically a berry? Avocados…
Apis florea, small and mighty honey bee. Credit: Ian Joseph, Flickr.com, Creative Commons.
Introduction
Have you ever wondered how many honey bees are found in the world? Most people are familiar with what a honey bee looks like. A floating yellow and black fuzzball doing the all-important work of pollination. However, you might be surprised…
Recap of July First Friday with Florida First Detector
In July’s First Friday with Florida First Detector, we talked about invasive caterpillars that feed on vegetable crops. Florida’s agriculture industry is home to a wide variety of high value vegetable production. The state is a top producer in the U.S. of tomatoes, bell peppers, cabbage…
I just love summer fruits. Fresh berries and cherries are the best. Summertime in America is when most of our berries are ripe and ready for picking.
What can you do with so many berries?
My favorite ways to preserve delicate summer fruit is by freezing them or canning berry jam. I like to preserve as…
A new NIFA-funded project will examine pollen formation and viability in corn when heat stress is introduced during the different developmental stages.
The research aims to identify genetic resiliency markers that may inform future corn-breeding efforts.
People aren’t the only ones stressed by heat waves. For many plants, higher-than-anticipated temperatures can lead to water…
In the diving world there are basically three forms of diving: free diving, compressed air diving, and 1-Atmosphere diving. After the recent accident with the OceanGate Titian we thought we would give some basics as to how this form of diving works. Let’s look at all three. Free Diving Free diving is just that… free of…
n this episode we explore some sounds of summer…grasshoppers, crickets, cicadas and more! How do they make calls? Why are they so loud? Are they really going to to take over the world every 17 years? Find out this and more in our latest episode of “Naturally Florida”. New Episode from Naturally Florida Naturally Florida (a…
