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August 15, 2023

Meet the Map Turtles

Florida has a great variety of turtles.  Actually, the species richness here is higher than any other state – though Alabama may argue.  Many are familiar to us.  If we have not seen them, we have at least heard of them.  But that may not be the case with map turtles. Map turtles are in…

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August 14, 2023

Florida Farm Pests: Small Hive Beetles

The Western Honey Bee has many pests and diseases that beekeepers must control to maintain their bees’ health. Among these pests are Small Hive Beetles. What are Small Hive Beetles and how I can Identify them?     Adult Small Hive Beetle measurements. Photo Credit: Luis O. Rodriguez, UF/IFAS Extension. Small Hive Beetles are a pest of honey bees…

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August 14, 2023

Whale I’ll Be!

We are fortunate to have several whale species that have been spotted in the Gulf of Mexico including humpback whales, Rice whales, fin whales, sperm whales, sei whales, and orca whales. Recently, however, we have seen multiple reports of whale sharks near shore in Destin and Panama City Beach. Whale sharks, however, are not whales,…

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August 14, 2023

Success Story: Native Butterfly Garden Breaks Ground at Carrollwood Village Park

Carrollwood Village Park is the most visited park in Hillsborough County with over 1.2 million visitors per year. Now, the park features a newly installed native butterfly garden thanks to the Viva Florida grant from the Florida Wildflower Foundation and a partnership with UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. Native butterfly garden at Carrollwood Village Park. Credit: Tia Silvasy The garden broke…

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August 11, 2023

Bees survive, ticks don’t: Pros of prescribed fire

Adding fuel to the argument to use fire as a healthy forest management tool, University of Florida scientists say important pollinators survive the temporary displacement, while a common disease carrier often loses the battle. A pair of documents recently posted to EDIS, UF/IFAS Extension’s peer-reviewed online journal, detail bees’ and ticks’ relationships with fire. “Bees that…

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August 11, 2023

August is Water Quality Month!

August is recognized as National Water Quality Month! This is a great time to renew your commitment to protecting and enhancing water quality in Southwest Florida. Let’s face it – most of us live here because we love all of the water resources Florida has to offer. Whether you enjoy going to the beach, fishing,…

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August 10, 2023

How Manatee County Residence Can Prepare for a Hurricane

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, and if you live or work in Manatee County Florida, here is how Manatee County residents can prepare for a hurricane. Sign Up for Alert Manatee If you live or work in Manatee County, you’ll want to sign up for Alert Manatee! You’ll receive alerts…

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August 10, 2023

Tips for Collecting Insects From Our Summer Intern

Written by Samantha Walter-Cano, Edited by Olivia Zugay Insects from Samantha’s collection.If you are reading this, that means my task for the summer is over. What task, you may ask? Collecting insects that is! That’s right, I had to collect and pin insects this summer. With over 40 insects of 14 different orders, this was no simple…

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August 9, 2023

Poisonous Houseplants and Pets

If you are anything like me, you may have a tendency to collect living beings that require routine care and attention, and the occasional house sitter. Once I realized there were enough cats and dog running around, I turned my attention towards houseplants, which are now in the realm of forty. While the cats and…

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