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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
Germán Sandoya Miranda examines plant samples in a lab at the UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center.
This spring enjoy National Garden Month with homegrown herbs. Each April, this month-long observance brings together gardeners, gardening groups and those new to gardening to share tips and offer support for a bountiful season.
If you are…
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…
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…
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…
When it comes to finding a tropical plant which can tolerate below-freezing temperatures, the Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix), is a winner, having been known to tolerate temperatures as low as -15 d F.Planting Site Although relatively slow-growing, needle palms grow to 8 ft. tall by 10 ft. wide at maturity. The ideal planting site for…
Plant diversity can be defined as having two or more plant species established in a landscape. Having a single species is referred to as a monoculture. The practice of monoculture is very common in housing development and street tree establishment. The disadvantage of having only one or only a few species is that diseases and…
FoodTransport, a free new app from University of Florida postharvest experts, provides brief but authoritative recommendations for shipping perishable foods via truck or rail. The user-friendly app is the next step in a years-long project that started in 2017 when the UF/IFAS scientists began working to revise and digitize a USDA handbook last updated in 1995. That…
