Exploration of the Farms, Families and History of Western Manatee County The 2018 Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District Spring Farm Tour hugged the coastline in contrast to some itineraries which have taken us much further east…. Read More
The annual land judging competition sponsored by the Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District was recently held at Ed Chance Reserve-Gilley Creek Tract. Students answered test questions concerning soil properties at four fields in such categories as… Read More
At the annual Manasota Regional Envirothon about 100 students, representing seven Manatee and Sarasota county high schools, competed at Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey. The Envirothon is an outdoor environmental team competition for high school students,… Read More
Did you know that the U.S. currently imports over 90% of the seafood we consume? And did you know that aquaculture supplies almost half of that seafood? Commercial production of farmed shellfish is an expanding industry in Florida… Read More
Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival February 17th & 18th, 2018 This year marks the 36th anniversary of the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival! Every February for almost four decades, people have gathered in one of Florida’s last true fishing villages… Read More
The next Southwest Florida Artificial Reef Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2017. Register Today! Artificial reefs contribute significantly to local economies, providing recreational opportunities for anglers and divers, and generating at least $3.1 billion of economic… Read More
There are 46 species of native snakes in Florida, six are venomous, and two of the six live only in north Florida and the Panhandle. People tend to have visceral reactions to snakes that usually involves a degree of… Read More
Goliath grouper are one of Florida’s most iconic fish. Capable of reaching sizes greater than 7 feet in total length and weighing in at over 700 pounds, this fish is not afraid of much of anything. A reef… Read More
What’s behind that big brown snout? Hogfish, often called ‘hog snapper,’ are actually members of the wrasse family. They are harvested in the US from North Carolina to the Florida Keys. Spearing is the most common way to… Read More
Joining the Master Naturalist Training Program in Florida is a wonderful experience for residents and visitors too. The program introduces many facets of Florida ecology. You will learn about the fauna (wildlife and invasive species too) and the… Read More
