Category: Natural Resources

Frogs: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

by BLOGS.IFAS
September 25, 2017

How do you react when you see a frog? Are you frightened and run away, fascinated and want to catch one, hungry and want to eat the legs, or disgusted and turn your head? Most frogs are quite important to the environment and to humans. However, ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Tags: Cane Toad, Critter Corner, Cuban Frog, Frog Facts, Invasive, Invasive Frogs, Invasive Species, Toad, Tree Frog

Invasive Species: Asian Green Mussels

by J. Johnson
September 23, 2017

Found in numerous locations in Florida, the Asian green mussel has become an invasive species. An invasive species is those plants and animals that are not native to an area and which have a negative impact on native species, the environment, ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Water
Tags: Boat Safety, Coastal Pest, Florida Coast, Green Mussels, Invasive Species, Mussels, Ocean

Gopher Tortoise: Gopherus polyphemus

by BLOGS.IFAS
August 22, 2017

Appearance: The gopher tortoise is a moderate-sized, terrestrial turtle, averaging 23–28 cm (9–11 in) in length. The species is identified by its stumpy, elephantine hind feet and flattened, shovel-like forelimbs adapted for digging. The ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Conservation, Natural Resources
Tags: Conservation, Gopher Tortoise

A Bird’s Eye View: How Birds Select Habitat

by BLOGS.IFAS
August 22, 2017

by Mark E. Hostetler If you were to look at Florida from an airplane, you would see urban environments expanding into natural areas. Thousands of people are moving into Florida each year. To make room for people moving to Florida, vast areas ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Tags: Birds, Conservation, Habitat

Cicadas in Florida

by BLOGS.IFAS
August 21, 2017

If you hear a loud buzz coming from trees in the daytime, the noise is most likely caused by cicadas. These buzzing critters make their presence known by leaving their brown exoskeletons on tree trunks and shrubs. Cicadas can be found throughout ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources
Tags: Cicada, Conservation, Insect

Making neighborhoods more bird-friendly

by BLOGS.IFAS
August 21, 2017

By Samantha Grenrock UF/IFAS Communications When it comes to urban planning, sometimes a bird in hand is not worth two in the bush. Researchers with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have created an online ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Conservation, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Tags: Birds, Conservation

The difference between a skink and a lizard.

by Rebecca Jordi
July 31, 2017

Both lizards (anoles) and skinks are classified in a larger sense as lizards. They inhabit similar environments (tree) and both feed on insects, spiders and small invertebrates which is why we categorize them as beneficial animals. Skinks are ... READ MORE

Category: Wildlife
Tags: Anoles, Critter Corner, Lizards, Skinks

UF/IFASExtension Columbia County

UF/IFAS
Extension Columbia County