In the Vines of Mistaken Identify, we’re exploring the different types of vines commonly called “invasive” around Nassau County. Rather, in fact, these vines are not invasive and many of them are native too, which provides amazing benefits to our ecosystem and environment. It’s Important Value Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is one of our vines…
In this blog… Introduction Macroinvertebrates Field guide Water quality Experiment Introduction What’s lurking in Florida’s freshwater? Well, many things, to be quite frank. From fish to birds to the occasional river otter, people can expect to find several wonders in the freshwater ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers that Florida has to offer. Now, a question…
All February we have celebrated National Pesticide Safety Education month, and have discussed PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Well we have finally come to the last one, It’s Closing Time, and we have a final heads up on PPE. At the end you will hopefully understand that SDS isn’t just a catchy song, but a vital part to knowing Where…
Florida means citrus Florida is synonymous with citrus. No better juice-producing trees are grown in the world. Yet finding 100% Florida orange juice is becoming a challenge. Global markets have made juice too inexpensive for Florida growers to compete. A disease known as HLB or citrus greening has made citrus expensive to grow for commercial…
A pond near Bayou Chico in Pensacola covered with Giant Salvinia.
Photo: Escambia County Division of Natural Resources
Like the setting of a campy sci-fi movie, alien invaders are all around us. Often innocuous looking or even possessing vibrant colors and attractive features, they slowly creep into our communities and make themselves at home.…
If you interested in attracting butterflies to your yard, then this class is for you! Join UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County on Thursday March 9th from 10 to 11:30am to learn what to plant when to get your butterfly garden started. This class will be offered as a hybrid format so you can join in person…
Dr. Matthew ThomasFORT PIERCE, Fla.—To usher in National Invasive Species Awareness Week, scientists in Florida—the epicenter of invasive plant and insect infestations—will host Matthew Thomas, a leader who was hired to head the more than 120 researchers working with invasive species statewide. Thomas directs the UF/IFAS Invasion Science Research Institute, the university’s young…
Despite challenges from diseases, land development trends and extreme weather, Florida’s citrus industry contributed $6.935 billion to the state’s economy in 2020-21. A just-released report from University of Florida economists, “2020-2021 Economic Contributions of the Florida Citrus Industry,” estimated the economic contributions for the most recent citrus marketing season for which data are available. Citrus…
Have you checked your PPE kit lately? In honor of pesticide safety month, here is a reminder to go through and check your PPE kit – particularly the items you don’t use very often. Checking your PPE frequently will help ensure that you know How to Maintain PPE so it can always protect you. …
If you do landscape maintenance, or own a landscape design company, perhaps you strive to be a cut above the rest? If so, then becoming a Florida-Friendly landscaping professional may be for you! The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program offers a Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certified Professional (FFLCP) designation to individuals who have completed the required training in FFL principles and are familiar with…
Need an excuse to not mow your lawn in March? UF/IFAS Extension agents in the Florida Panhandle are asking residents to skip their soon-to-be-weekly outdoor chore until the calendar flips to April. The idea for “No Mow March” is borrowed from “No Mow May,” a concept begun in the United Kingdom that has now spread…
In Part 1 of Reducing Health Advisories, we discussed how owners of septic systems could develop a management plan to reduce such health advisories. In Part 2 we look at another option for septic system owners – converting to the local sewer system. You might begin by asking – “why would I want to…
