Bayou Chico Managed Aquatic Plant System & Beyond Escambia County is working on a new project funded through the U.S. EPA Gulf of Mexico Program to reduce nutrient loading in Bayou Chico. The same project has the potential… Read More
In the past week, three eastern diamondback rattlesnakes were encountered near the Ft. Pickens area on Pensacola Beach. The first was at a condominium unit near the park gate where construction work was occurring, the second was found… Read More
Most of us have now have heard about the red tide occurring in southwest Florida and the terrible impact it is having on the economy, and quality of life, for our friends down there. Now we are hearing… Read More
In 2012 with the assistance of Lucy and Bob Duncan of Gulf Breeze, we discovered the invasive beach vitex (Vitex rotundifolia) growing on Pensacola Beach. We began educating the public about this plant and asking for assistance on… Read More
Honestly, I had never heard of this until one of our Master Naturalist brought it to my attention this week. Praying mantis, which are known to be major predators on many insects, have been known to sit on… Read More
The Florida LAKEWATCH Program is one that trains citizen scientists to monitor water quality at locations throughout the state. Created in 1986 as a partnership between the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) and… Read More
Most kids who grew up on the Gulf Coast grew up catching blue crabs. These animals are common along our shorelines, relatively easy to catch, and adventurous because they may bite you. I caught my first one in… Read More
Writing this series on coastal wildlife, we need to remember to discuss good locations to view these creatures as well. Most residents and visitors are familiar with the trails of our state and national parks, but may not… Read More
As a kid growing up here along the Gulf Coast, I had never heard of an osprey. Now, there is at least one mating pair on almost every body of water in the Pensacola Bay area. Where did… Read More
Of all the issues facing our local estuaries, high levels of fecal bacteria is the one that hinders commercial and recreational use the most. When bacteria levels increase and health advisories are issued, people become leery of swimming,… Read More
