NISAW 2017: Cuban Anole
The brown anole, a lizard native to Cuba and the Bahamas, first appeared in the Florida Keys in 1887. Since then it has moved northward becoming established in nearly every county in Florida. By hitching a ride on… Read More
Tag: Wildlife
Acorns Abound!
Do you have more acorns than you know what to do with? When oaks produce loads of acorns, it sometimes is called a “mast” year. Do you remember the oak tree pollen and all those catkins that fell… Read More
Consider a Native Evergreen This Christmas
Throughout history the evergreen tree has been a symbol of life. “Not only green when summer’s here, but also when it’s cold and dreary” as the Christmas carol “O Tannenbaum” says. While supporting the cut Christmas tree industry… Read More
Is It a Salamander or Pocket Gopher?
Pocket gopher is a furry animal known by many locals as “sandy mounder.” It was given this name because of the sandy mounds of excavated earth that the gopher pushes out of its underground burrows. The name sandy… Read More
Native Plants and Wildlife
According to the Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants, there are more than 4,200 plant species naturally occurring in the state. Nearly 3,000 are considered native. The Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) defines native plants as “those species occurring… Read More
Gardener’s To Do List for December
Though the calendar says December, the weather in Northwest Florida fluctuates between winter and spring temperatures. The nice days are wonderful opportunities to accomplish many of those outside landscape chores in preparation for spring. But, it is also… Read More
Protecting Precious Species From Pesticides
There are more than 100 species of plants and animals living in Florida that are in danger of extinction. These trees, flowers, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and invertebrates are listed as either threatened, endangered or species of… Read More
Insectary Meadows Provide Food for Pollinators and Homes for Good Bugs
Bees have been disappearing at an alarming rate and continue to vanish without a trace. Why should anyone care? Well, they matter a lot more than most people think. Bees are the overwhelmingly dominant pollinator for most food… Read More
Invasive Species of the Day (February 25): Coral Ardisia and Wild Hogs
Coral Ardisia (Ardisia crenata): Coral ardisia is also known as coral berry, spice berry, and scratchthroat. It was introduced into Florida in the early 1900’s for ornamental purposes. In the ensuing years, it has since it escaped cultivation… Read More
National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) – February 22-28, 2015
Many plants and animals have been introduced to new regions for centuries, as people have discovered new lands. These transient species are known as non-natives, and can become invasive. Invasive species occur throughout the world and may blend… Read More