Recap of June First Friday with Florida First Detector Oak trees are important to our environment with various species growing throughout the world and 24 species native to Florida (90 in the U.S.). With the wide distribution of oaks, especially in the Eastern U.S., it is important that we protect these trees from invasive pests…
Have you heard of Thrips parvispinus and Lebeck mealybug, two of the newest invasive pest species to impact horticulture in Central Florida, and are interested in learning more? The Mid-Florida Research and Education Center will be hosting an invasive species pest alert update for Thrips parvispinus and Lebeck mealybug on Wednesday, June 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.…
Saturated fat is a type of dietary fat that can be harmful to your heart and blood vessels. Not all fats are the same. Saturated fat is found in foods such as pork, lard, lamb, beef, poultry skin, shortening, whole milk, and butter. Saturated fats can also be found in coconut oil and palm oil.…
Strength training is not just for bodybuilders – it’s for everyone! Come join us and learn how to properly use dumbbells and have fun too! Our strength training classes are designed for mid-life and older adults. Classes include resistance training, balance training, and flexibility exercises. This is a 6-week program that meets 2 times each…
UF/IFAS Mosquito Experts
I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues at the UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Lab (FMEL) in Vero Beach, FL. FMEL Assistant Professors Dr. Eva Buckner, Dr. Yoosook Lee, and Dr. Lawrence Reeves are impressive experts in the field of medical entomology which is the scientific study of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases. They…
Sea turtle nesting season runs from May 1st until October 31st every year in Nassau County of northeast Florida. During this time, sea turtles are actively nesting and relying heavily on coastal habitats. They forage in and around the dunes and may be seen re-entering or emerging from the ocean. Check the list below to…
Wild Weeds – Weed of the Month Pink Sundew Drosera capillaris Pink Sundew is an insectivorous wildflower, catching insects for its nutrient source. You’ll find this interesting plant in wet areas, primarily pinelands, savannas, and bogs but also along pond edges or other high moisture areas. The plant blooms in the spring and has…
Felt-like damage on a Mexican PetuniaWhen does a blight on a plant look like a disease, but is not? A Mexican petunia with a disease-like condition that is actually caused by microscopic mites is the answer! Many gardeners who have Mexican petunias experience this plague from time to time. It looks just like a fungus…
Hurricanes
June 1st is the first day of the 2023 hurricane season in the Eastern part of the United States. This season will continue all the way to November 30, 2023. Last year brought us two hurricanes (Ian and Nicole), which crossed the state with Orange County, FL being very close to the crossing point. Catastrophic flooding…
Recap of June First Friday with Florida First Detector
Oak trees are important to our environment with various species growing throughout the world and 24 species native to Florida (90 in the U.S.). With the wide distribution of oaks, especially in the Eastern U.S., it is important that we protect these trees from invasive pests…
Florida Sea Grant, the University of Florida and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are excited to announce that Pumpout Nav is available to Florida boaters. Boaters now have access to an interactive tool to locate more than 250 publicly available pumpouts, portable toilet dump stations, and mobile pumpout vessels throughout the state. Pumpout Nav,…
One key to success with growing blueberries is choosing the right blueberry varieties for your home garden. For Florida, choose varieties of southern highbush or rabbiteye types.
Southern Highbush
These are usually a bit harder to grow than rabbiteye in our area and they fruit earlier, putting them at risk for frost and freeze damage.…
