Earth Day 2024 is coming up on April 22, and this year’s theme is “Planet vs Plastics.” Plastic Facts – Did you know? The synthetic plastic was Bakelite made in 1906 by Leo Baekland in Belgium. Plastics are made from naptha, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
We had some big waves in mid-December, and with that washed up a slew of plastic fragments and bottle caps as well as natural debris such as sargassum seaweed and black mangrove propagules. However, there was something different on our beaches ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Puerto Rico is famous for its bioluminescent bays, but did you know that we have the same organism creating bioluminescence right here in Florida? Each summer, the northern Indian River Lagoon attracts visitors at night for a special sight ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, , Water, Wildlife
Mangroves are an important component of Florida’s coastal ecosystem. They provide habitat for many organisms and protect us from storms. Mangroves have been moving northward in Florida, and it is important all of us around the state ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension,
A living shoreline uses natural materials such as marsh grasses, mangroves, and bags of oyster shell to stabilize the shoreline. Living shorelines prevent erosion while simultaneously restoring habitat. Residents living in coastal areas ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Every time I go to the beach, I love to walk along the shoreline to see what may have washed up from the ocean – usually several beautiful shells, oftentimes sargassum seaweed, maybe even part of a crab exoskeleton. Unfortunately, I usually ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Community Volunteers, Conservation
August is National Water Quality Month, which means it is a great time to learn a little bit about the water in our area and actions we can all take to ensure our waterways are clean and healthy. The Clean Water Act was passed in 1972, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Lawn, UF/IFAS Extension, , Water
Sea turtle nesting season in Flagler and Volusia Counties spans from May 1 to October 31. As we start to see more nests marked off on the beach, your best bet will be that they belong to a loggerhead sea turtle. Florida is the epicenter of ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, UF/IFAS Extension, , Wildlife
June 8 is World Ocean Day! The UN officially recognized World Ocean Day in 2008 to cultivate public interest in the protection of our oceans. I hope you celebrate by spending some time near the ocean and by learning more about the importance ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Camp, Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Events, UF/IFAS Extension
Are you frustrated that with all the energy and money devoted to your yard, you still have patchy turfgrass or weed spots? Or you are spending too much money to keep your grass green? Did you know... it all starts with irrigation! In this ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension, Water