Wetlands are beautiful, important, and valuable components of our ecosystems. But for a long time, they were considered little more than insect-riddled cesspools, places devoid of worth. While not everyone fully appreciates wetlands’ many ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
Florida is blessed with an abundance of ecologically diverse state parks. Among them are opportunities to hike, camp, and see wildlife lush forests and wide-open savannas or fish, swim, and paddle through pristine bayous and rivers. One ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
We have an incredibly showy tree making a dramatic splash in our demonstration garden right now. The fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) is a native to the eastern and southeastern part of the United States. Its genus name, Chionanthus, ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Natural Resources
Driving through north Alabama and central Tennessee this week, my eyes were drawn to a stunning display of color on the roadsides. The redbud (Cercis canadensis) trees are a striking shade of fuschia and really pop out in contrast to the ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Natural Resources
Bugs love weeds. This combination is likely the bane of most homeowners—the stereotypical lawn is typically bug-free and a bright green monoculture of one turf species. But when it comes to the health of the ecosystem, bugs and weeds are ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Lawn, Natural Resources
All my life, I’ve known them as mosquito hawks. Built like extra-large, spindly-legged versions of mosquitoes, they look a bit intimidating. However, growing up we were told they were harmless and actually fed solely on mosquitoes. In ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
Pensacola is a city blessed with parks. For a comparatively small community, we are home to 93 individual public parks within the city limits. Most residents have one in walking distance, within a few blocks of most homes. There are also ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
Beachcombing is a fun way to spend time on our local shorelines. While most people are interested in unusual shells or intact sand dollars, other fascinating organisms will wash up in the wrack line as well. One of my favorites is the unassuming ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
The Gulf of Mexico is a powerful force. If you’ve ever experienced a hurricane, tried to paddle a kayak against the waves, or even just tried to keep your balance at the wave break, you know this firsthand. All along the Gulf Coast, barrier ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
Wax myrtle (Myrica/Morella cerifera) is one of those evergreen shrubs that mostly lives out its life in the background. Neither tall and imposing (on average, up to 12’; rarely as tall as 20’), nor full of showy flowers, it is nonetheless ... READ MORE
Category: Forests, Natural Resources