Every year since 1970, people around the world have come together to celebrate our planet and support environmental action on April 22. This Earth Day 2024, let's rally together for the crucial theme of 'Planet vs Plastic.' This year’s theme ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation
Low-Maintenance Vines Vines are so versatile! Vines can be trained to grow on walls, fences, trellises, archways, and even trees. Keep reading to learn about some vines that require minimal watering and care in Sarasota County. Note: The ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Highlights: Burmese python breeding season is in full swing in the Florida Everglades. For a team of scientists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), this ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Invasive Species, Pests & Disease, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research, Water, Wildlife
Welcome to the lush landscapes of Southwest Florida! As you settle into your new home, you might find yourself drawn to the idea of adding some greenery to your surroundings. But before you start digging, it's essential to understand the unique ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Wild Weeds – Weed of the Month Sparkleberry Vaccinium arboreum Sparkleberry is a flowering shrub/small tree found in hammocks and woodlands throughout the state of Florida. In the spring, it's many small but fragrant flowers attract a variety ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Spinning, swirling sawfish—oh my. But why? Since last fall, reports of stranded, whirling, “spinning” and even dead sawfish have been making headlines in the lower Florida Keys. These events have been observed by community members and ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
https://youtu.be/p90D1S_T-kQ?si=1jU-cKGykS7qzVnY Ever come across medications that have expired or you don't use anymore? Think flushing them down the drain or toilet is the proper way to dispose of those medications? Think again. "I think ... READ MORE
Category: , Natural Resources, UF/IFAS
Between innings of his intramural softball games, Mark Hostetler will sometimes ask student participants about the high-pitched chirps and shrieks emanating from above their heads. “We always hear that bird screaming,” the students often ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
CONGRATULATIONS BARRY JACKSON: 2023 GLEN HARRIS FLORIDA TREE FARM INSPECTOR OF THE YEAR Our apologies for the late spotlight on this award. Barry Jackson is the District 6 representative for the Florida Tree Farm Program which covers Baker, ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, Water, Wildlife
I was having dinner with my family on a cool March evening when one said “I have not seen any Swallow-tailed Kites yet. We usually see them this time of year”. To which I replied, “I saw one today!” – and I had. It was March ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife