I don’t want this to sound like a “Debbie Downer”… but there are problems with our estuaries and panhandle residents should be aware of them. There are things you can do to correct them – which we will discuss in the final issues of this series – but you need to understand the problem to be able to solve it. Unfortunately there are many issues and problems our bays and bayous face and we do not have time in this short article to discuss them all, but we will discuss some.
We’ll start at the top… with our rivers. Since the founding of our nation many communities were built on estuaries; those that were not were built on the rivers. Water was an easy way to move throughout the country – much easier than wagon crossing over the Appalachians or through a bog. There are several communities that developed along the rivers that feed the panhandle bays. Though the situation has improved in the last few decades, most of these communities have used these rivers as a place to dump their waste. Assorted chemicals, sewage, and solid waste were discharged… and it all came down to us. The Mississippi River is an example of this problem. Discovered in the 1990’s the Louisiana Dead Zone is an area in the Gulf where the levels of dissolved oxygen are so low that little or no life can be found on the ocean floor there. It is believed to be trigger by nutrients, chemical fertilizers and animal waste, being discharged upstream. These nutrients create a bloom of plankton, which can darken the water. Though the phytoplankton can produce oxygen during the daylight hours, they consume it in the evening, lowering the concentration of dissolved oxygen within the water column. The plankton are relatively short lived and eventually die. As the dead plankton fall out to the seafloor bacteria begin to decompose their bodies thus dropping the dissolved oxygen levels further. When the dissolved oxygen concentrations drop below 4.0 millgrams/liter we say the water is hypoxic (low in oxygen). Many species of aquatic organisms begin to stress. At 2.0 mg/L many species will die and we have a “dead zone”. If it reaches 0.0 mg/L we say the water is anoxic (without oxygen). This process is called eutrophication and not only a problem at the mouth of the Mississippi River, it occurs in almost all of the bays and bayous of the panhandle and is the primary cause of local fish kills.
A more recent issue with our rivers has been the reduction of water. In the so called “Water Wars” the state of Georgia has used its damn system to block the flow of the Chattahoochee River to create electricity and a reservoir of drinking water for river communities. Under normal conditions this has not created a problem however in recent years the southeast has experienced drought and the state of Georgia has had the need to hold back water for large communities – such as Atlanta. This has reduced the amount of water flowing towards the Gulf and has impacted communities all along the way. It is not the only issue but is the primary factor triggering the collapse of the oyster industry in Apalachicola. The reduced freshwater flow has increased salinities in the bay. This has disrupted the life cycle of the eastern oyster and has increased both predation and disease within these populations. Apalachicola produces over 90% of Florida’s oysters and 10% of the oysters for the entire country! Oysters are a huge industry in this town. Many are oystermen and many others process the product when it is landed… the industry is on the verge of collapsing. (Learn more).
Photo: Sea Grant
These are just some the issues stemming from the rivers… what about the issues initiated from the communities that live along the bay…
How about the seafood? We discussed the oyster industry in Apalachicola Bay but oyster production in other local bays has declined as well (for other reasons). Scallops are gone from many of their historic estuaries, shrimp and blue crab landings are down, this year mullet seem to be hard to find. What is going on here? For the most part the decline in seafood products can be tied to either a decline in water quality or from over harvesting. The harvesting issue is easy… do not harvest as much. However these fisheries management decisions impact many lives and has caused a lot of debate. First you need to determine whether the decline is due to overharvesting or some other environmental factor… easier said than done. Certainly the biology of your target species will give you an idea of how many animals you can remove from the system and sustain a healthy population (maximum sustainable yield) but this method has triggered debate as well. Most fishermen do not want to see the fishery collapse and are willing to work with fishery managers to assure this – but they do have bills to pay. Fishery managers have a responsibility to assure the fishery remain for current and future generations of fishermen and they are basing their decisions on the best available science. It is a touchy subject for many and a problem within our estuaries.
The other cause of declining seafood is poor water quality. You can talk to any “ole timer” and they will tell you about the days when the water was clearer, the grass was thicker, and the fish were more abundant… what happen? I spoke with my father-in-law before he passed away about the changes he saw in Bayou Texar in Pensacola. He remembers being able to see the bottom, more seagrass, and being able to catch a variety of finfish as well as shrimp the size of your hand. The first change he remembered was a change in water clarity… it became murkier… and this happen about the time they began to develop the east side of the bayou. As our communities grew more land was cleared for development. The cleared land allowed more runoff to reach the creeks, bayous, and bays. Infrastructure had to be placed to reduce flooding of yards and streets – Bayou Texar has 38 storm drains. All of this led to more runoff into our water ways. With the increase in turbidity the amount of sunlight reaching the bottom was reduced and seagrasses began to decline. Many species of seagrass require salinities of 25 parts per thousand or higher and the increase in freshwater runoff lowered the salinity which also stressed these grasses. Much of this runoff included sand and silt and the grasses were basically buried. All in all seagrasses declined… and with them many of the marine creatures. Salt marshes were removed for coastal developments, industries were located on our rivers and bays and introduced their chemical discharge, and boating activity increased… our estuaries were being literally “loved to death”. I have seen in my lifetime the decline of sea urchins and scallops from our bay, the increase in turbidity, and the decline of seagrasses. But we cannot blame all of this on habitat loss and pollution. Speaking recently with fisheries managers they believe the recent decline in blue crab landings is due to drought. Reduction in rainfall means reduction in river discharge, which means an increase in salinity and a disruption of the crab reproductive cycle.
Photo: Flickr
Another problem that is associated with runoff has been the increase in bacteria. Fecal coliform bacteria are found in the stomachs of birds and mammals. They assist with our digestion and are released into the environment whenever we (or they) go to the bathroom. So finding fecal coliforms in the water is not unusual… the problem is TOO many fecal coliforms. As mentioned coliforms are not a threat to us but they are used as an indicator of how much waste is in the water. Feces harbors many other microbes in addition to coliforms – hepatitis and cholera outbreaks have been linked to sewage in the water. So agencies monitor for these each week. Most agencies will monitor for E. coli when sampling freshwater and Enterococcus in saline waters. E. coli values of 800 colonies / 100 milliters of sample or higher, and Enterococcus values of 104 colonies / 100 ml of sample will trigger a health advisory being issued – and some bodies of water being closed. In the Pensacola area the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Escambia County Health Department both monitor for bacteria. They post their results each week and I, in turn, post to the community. Our local bayous are averaging between 8-10 advisories each year. The problem with these advisories is that residents who live on the waterways, businesses (such as hotels and ecotours) who use the waterways become concerned about entering the water. It is not good for business or property values if the body of water you are on has high levels of bacteria and signs posting “no swimming”.
Photo: Rick O’Connor
There are many problems our estuaries are facing but for this article we will end with solid waste. Trash and garbage has been a problem since I can remember. Campaigns have been launched each decade to try and reduce the problem but the problem still exist. Plastics and monofilament litter the beaches and waterways creating problems for marine life and an “eye soar” for those enjoying the bay. I am currently working with the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida and CleanPeace to monitor solid waste in Pensacola Bay. Each week CleanPeace host a Saturday event they call “Ocean Hour” where they select a location on the bay and clean for an hour. They submit the top three items to me each week and have been doing this since January… it has been pretty consistent… cigarette butts, plastic food wrappers, and plastic drink containers. We are not going to get rid of garbage on our beaches but if we can consistently reduce the “top three” we should be able to reduce the problem.
More on what we can do to help in the final issue.
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Comments:
May 19, 2023
Contact Dorothy at dclee@ufl.edu for more information on canning classes!
April 14, 2022
Hello, I can't seem to find any canning classes near me. I don't mind driving up to 1 hour away but the closest I've seen on this site is 8 hours away from Punta Gorda, FL. Please let me know if I'm missing something closer to home. Thank you, Jill
April 13, 2022
Wow, a wonderful success story to create even more successes.Thank you for your willingness to share these POSITIVE things. Makes my days brighter!
April 1, 2022
Great info!
March 28, 2022
Hahaha - yes, many of my students felt the same!
March 25, 2022
Loved the adventure, though reading about it is more to my liking. Thanks, Carol Sigler
March 23, 2022
Didn’t know about excluding bats but I do know you cannot relocate a squirrel . Used to do it all the time until I found out it’s not legal.
March 11, 2022
Hey Carol - snake photos already coming in. Let's see what we find next month!
March 11, 2022
Fun trip..thanks. Carol
March 10, 2022
You are so welcome, Elizabeth! Thanks to YOU for all your tireless work, as well.
March 10, 2022
Thank you--I thought the analogy would be useful! And yes, her pies are Amazing.
March 10, 2022
Thank you! Yes--quite timely with Pi day!
March 9, 2022
That is a lovely pie..,and Pi Day is coming!
March 9, 2022
Love the comparison between meringue and sea foam. Your mom's pie looks yummy!
March 9, 2022
You do such good work. Thanks for ALL your many efforts.
February 28, 2022
There are certainly plenty of reasons to manage them.
February 28, 2022
Thanks Jean Ann
February 28, 2022
I’ve considered the “let it be scenario” with the invasives until I participated in the naturalist course. The biggest whap on the head was the description of what is contained in an oak tree as compared to a tallow and how the oak supports so many natives. Nature is wonderful..we just need to stop “messing around”.
February 28, 2022
Good article, Rick.
February 28, 2022
Hey Donna They could be. International law prohibits the discharge of any waste from ships in federal waters, and specific waste in international waters. Many vessels carry large tanks, as do smaller vessels and aircraft, which are pumped out. But there is less law enforcement on the high seas and partial discharges could occur. For our cases in estuaries this of course is illegal. All watercraft in state waters can not discharge but must "pump out" - and most do. However, law enforcement have found, and cited, watercraft within marinas that were illegally discharging - so, it does happen.
February 25, 2022
Thank you for clarifying this issue. I am wondering…how do cruise ships/boats dispose of human waste? Could they be contributing to this problem?
January 24, 2022
Enjoyed every bit of your blog article. Much obliged.Loading...
January 23, 2022
I've searched the Pensacola ordinances looking for an answer to my problem. I'm a tree hugging type, very into preserving our planet and trees; but, there's a heritage tree right on the fence line that's roots have utterly destroyed the foundation of our pool house. There's one crack the runs nearly the entire length that's displace the floor by a full 1/2 inch. We're in East Hill in an old home and it's clear the root damage began long ago. What are my best options to mitigating this growing, pun intended, damage to my home?
February 13, 2021
Hello! I am just getting started with beekeeping and would love to know resources and learning in Escambia / Santa Rosa Co. Florida
January 23, 2021
Today's Arbor Day event was very professional and well executed. Thank you for the community service and well done to the many 4-H'ers who assisted with event. Please put me in contact with the appropriate Agent and I may want to provide some assistance with the program. Thank you
January 5, 2021
Hi Diane, Beth's email is bbolles@ufl.edu if you'd like to contact her directly!
November 9, 2020
11-9-2020, Hi Beth, this is Diane again, I have been in touch with you a few times and yet again I cannot identify 2 plants, I think one is a cathedral cactus and the other one I have no idea what to even call it....I can try to send you pictures but could not.......find your email and I DO NOT FACEBOOK......My neighbors bamboo plant decided to die....never did figure out what kind it was... Thanks again, be safe, wear your mask, WE NEED YOU..... :-)
October 16, 2020
Case law is on the side of your neighbor. If any part of the tree is over his property, he can trim it. If you refer to this document, there is case law on a similar situation. This is a quote from the document. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe962 "What is the liability for over-hanging branches and encroaching roots? Branches and roots frequently extend across property lines. Whether a branch or root from a tree on an adjacent landowner's property is the responsibility of the landowner with the tree located on his or her property or the landowner of the property to which the branches overhang or roots encroach depends upon the branches or roots themselves. If the branches or roots are healthy, then the landowner with the tree located on his or her property is not liable for damage caused by the branches or roots. The adjoining landowner may, at his or her own expense, trim back the branches or roots as he or she desires up to the property line. If the branches are dead, however, then the landowner with the tree located on his or her property may be responsible and could be liable for damages caused by the branches (1 Fla. Jur 2d Adjoining Landowners section 8 [2014]).
October 15, 2020
Landlord.
October 14, 2020
You mention part of a tree crosses a property line AND effects his property he is entitled to trim it at his expense. What if it just crosses the property line but does NOT effect his property, can he unilaterally remove a large limb. Say one that hangs over his drive.
September 23, 2020
Hey, nice article. I liked your advice on keeping the parsley out of the sun more in summer.
September 12, 2020
Even though purple hyacinth bean is an edible plant in many parts of the world, it is mostly considered an ornamental in our area. One of the reasons is that raw beans are poisonous and must be properly cooked before eaten. Because of the toxicity of the beans, it is best to plant in the ornamental garden rather than the edible garden.
August 28, 2020
Many thanks for the information. Hope it goes even better next time
June 2, 2020
The Bog in Old Oakland is brimming with forest goods- fertilizers. The time is almost different. The South Side, Pittsburgh renamed Newton also. THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Tne Natural Emergency.The real emergency.
March 28, 2020
Pretty sure my live oak had stem galls; what treatment, if any, is available? Thanks
September 19, 2019
Hi Rick. I am curious about the life cycle of the common sand spur. I live on the beach and would like to be able to Identify these plants early on to manually remove them from our sandy lot before they set seed. Most info I have found is more about chemical control which I’m not interested in. Thanks.
August 25, 2019
In case you are interested, a book on the cultivation of the fig tree in the Albatera field has been published, it is a publication that will help the farmer / technician in the management of the crop, which also contributes to deepening the knowledge of it, in aspects as morphology, pollination, caprification, irrigation, fertilization; with novel data on pests and crop damage not known so far, with updating historical data on pruning and other techniques, with more than 200 images, and that will be a useful tool for the technician, farmer, student or for anyone who Want to delve into himself. https://www.paraninfo.es/catalogo/9788494343032/el-cultivo-de-la-higuera-en-el-campo-de-albatera
August 9, 2019
I wanted an actual recording of a cicada. I am not from Florida and was wondering if the noise I was hearing was indeed the cicadas.
July 29, 2019
who is responsible for rotten trees that are dangerous on private property, Landlord or Tennant? deloreskoontz@yahoo.com
July 8, 2019
Hi Carrie, thanks for writing this informative post. Keep up the good work.
January 10, 2019
Great post! Thanks for sharing.
September 3, 2018
Hello, My name is Kimberlee Blaine and as a first grade teacher at West Navarre Primary School in Navarre, Florida, I'm interested in bringing in a bee keeper to share their expertise in the bee world. Please contact me, if you know of someone that would be willing to share their information with my class. Thank you for your time, Kimberlee Blaine email: kimberleeblaine@yahoo.com
August 12, 2016
Beth, I have encountered some of the downsides you mentioned with this fabric. If the torpedo grass rhizomes run above the fabric in the mulch, it is easy to remove them; however, when they get under it, the effort involved is ten times more. The fabric must be cut and folded out to get at them. When you want to plant something in a new spot, the fabric must be cut to gain access to the soil underneath. I can sometimes cut through it with a spade, but mostly have to get a cutting tool. If the fabric is supposed to reduce erosion, it only works if the flow of water is on top of it. Once it breaks through underneath the fabric, you find soft spots with a hole below. My gut feeling, and of course I could be wrong, is that these fabrics are used more to reduce erosion before plants cover the areas. I noticed our landscaper only used it in areas that weren't relatively flat. Not a horticultural reason to reduce weeds and they certainly make it more difficult later for the gardener.
August 12, 2016
One of the best pieces of landscaping advice you can offer. The worst possible use is under 'landscape' rocks. Two sinister plots to foil future attempts to garden in that spot. As for weeds? What do they care? Neither effort thwarts unwanted herbaceous plants from taking hold.
August 12, 2016
Very informative article. Chuck Stander
August 4, 2016
What type of fig tree is best growing in SanataRosaCountyFla? Are fig trees self pollinateing? I have a fig tree that has been planted for about 20 years and is only about one foot tall and has never had more than 3 or 4 leaves. It has never had any figs or any bloom. Thanks for any information you might have.
July 31, 2016
Great article Rick on very important subject. The water wars will be very ugly.
July 29, 2016
Great article! Thanks
July 14, 2016
CONGRATULATIONS !!! KEEP THE GOOD WORK, SO MUCH NEEDED IN THIS WORLD, THANK YOU.
June 21, 2016
Timely commentary , For what it's worth if others require a USDA OF-301 , my colleague found a sample version here http://pdf.ac/9yCdXq.
June 13, 2016
Thanks Eleanore - will make that correction
June 11, 2016
The word "Welp" is incorrect. That means to bear puppies. The correct word it welt.
June 10, 2016
You are more than welcome.
June 10, 2016
Thank you for the very interesting and helpful information!
June 4, 2016
Great article Carrie. Thank you. This is related to your first paragraph. After the "hurricanes" and so many homeowners, including Master Gardeners, were rushing to get all the pine trees left in the ground, removed, Dr. Thetford made a simple comment that I thought was so appropriate. Some had been talking about all the lightning and wind and they were having those darn pine trees removed. He said, "And now what will be the tallest thing in your yard?" Food for thought! Thanks again Carrie. Sonya Robinson .
May 21, 2016
Thanks For Informarion.
May 10, 2016
Thank you very much for this information. Ants can be such a positive force in the landscape, but we're tempted to tar all ants with the reputation of fire ants.
May 7, 2016
Two green thumbs up.
May 6, 2016
Thanks for the good information. I really enjoy learning about ant species.
May 5, 2016
Thank you for this, Mary and Beth. Had no idea; now to teach the husband and his ant killer mania. Shari Farrell Ok. MG
April 9, 2016
Two green thumbs up! Love our carnivorous plants!
April 4, 2016
Aha! This explains those tiny "anthills" that never seem to have any ants associated with them.
April 4, 2016
What type of Indian Hathorn can I use for a 3 foot formal hedge, do not want it to be real tall, maybe 3 ft
March 12, 2016
Thanks Paul If you do see please log onto the FWC horseshoe crab site - and let me know as well! Would like to keep track locally how many we are seeing.
March 12, 2016
Rick, Found a couple of Horseshoe Crab shells washed up on my beach a few years ago. Have marked my calendar to check on the dates you listed. Paul Bennett
March 11, 2016
Hi Deborah I believe I responded to you directly but wanted to add to the blog to make sure others saw the answer. One variety of vitex is listed in Florida as "Invasive, not Recommended". This is beach vitex, Vitex rotundifolia. Used in landscaping in coastal areas can lead to an invasive situation and is very difficult to remove once it begins to spread. We would recommend using a local native plant instead.
February 23, 2016
Vitex tree is different than Beach Vitex. Beach vitex was discussed in the blog post. The vitex tree is also invasive.
February 23, 2016
Is the Vitex tree invasive? I saw a Vitex shrub in Lowe's last year and was going to buy it. I looked for it a few weeks ago and they did not have any. I read that it was a fast growing shrub/tree that I wanted to plant along my driveway. Any info is greatly appreciated.
February 23, 2016
I did not know that Vitex is an invasive species. Does that mean all strains of Vitex? I saw some Vitex (not sure if Chinese) in Lowe's last year and was going to buy them, but I did not. I looked for them at Lowe's last week and they did not have any.
February 1, 2016
They do sell lawn herbicides in garden centers that contain the combination of 2,4-D and Dicamba, which are the active ingredients in Weedmaster. You may also find some products claiming brush control on the label with the triclopyr, that is the active ingredient in Remedy that provided better control of this weed. The brand names of garden center products vary considerably, but the active ingredients are similar, but may not be as concentrated.
January 29, 2016
I am having issues with this weed in my yard and wondering where I can purchase for residential use.
January 26, 2016
YES! Thank you - made the change. You read over and over looking for typo's etc. Do not pay attention to whether the direction was correct or not. Will double check on future post. Thank you for catching.
January 26, 2016
Mr. O'Connor, You need to rewrite this: "As you leave Perdido Key you find Big Lagoon State Park on your left." There is no possible way coming off of Perdido Key by car that Big Lagoon State Park is on your left. It is on your right.
December 23, 2015
Enjoyed this article. Thank you
December 21, 2015
Excellent suggestions! I love this.
December 8, 2015
Will be curious to see how it does in the trial garden. Any value to wildlife?
November 13, 2015
Where is there a collection location in the Navarre/Gulf Breeze area? Somewhere near the zoo on Hwy 98 if possible
November 6, 2015
Hi Rick! Thanks for another great article! I'd just like to point out that the Aucilla Sinks Trail is also a part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail! More information on that and other GFBWT sites can be found at www.floridabirdingtrail.com
October 24, 2015
Carrie, Beautifully written and cogent. Thanks Elizabeth Major
October 24, 2015
Great article Carrie!
October 9, 2015
Good job!
September 24, 2015
These articles are great and need to broadcast to a wider audience. Putting this on FB....
September 14, 2015
Speaking from 16 years of Volunteer Fire service....training is definitely the key. You are only as good as you train. Thanks!
August 27, 2015
Thank you for your comment, here's another viable alternative: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/cats/cat-confinement-enclosures-and-fencing/cat-proof-fencing
August 27, 2015
Here's another viable alternative: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/cats/cat-confinement-enclosures-and-fencing/cat-proof-fencing
August 27, 2015
Better to have suggested keeping cats and other small pets indoors at all times, rather than just at night ; cats, both domestic and feral, especially wreak havoc on our ecosystems.
August 26, 2015
Dear Beth, Your articles are always inspiring. This one has a little different slant on the pest as we normally think about. This is a wonderfully surprising article in a very small amount of space. I believe that those that are not Master Gardeners will also be amazed. Would you give me permission to include this article in the next FFGC District 1 Newsletter? You will get all the credit of course. If it is not alright, I'll understand. Thank you, Sonya
August 26, 2015
Cats should not be let to roam outside at anytime, anywhere. There are many ways for them to be injured or killed. But most importantly is the wildlife they kill, the numbers of small wildlife killed by free roaming cats is huge and should not be acceptable. This slaughter of wildlife can be prevented by keeping cats indoors at all times. If a person cannot accept this than they should choose not to have cats. Please visit American Bird Conservancy (ABC) 'Cats Indoors' initiative. The death toll on wildlife, the potential for disease transmissions from cats to humans, and the possibility of injury or death to the cat should make all cat keepers think twice before they open the door and let kitty out unattended. Please help educate people on this subject. We can all easily help wildlife by keeping our cats indoors, safe and healthy. A cat can be happy and have a good life in the house.
August 15, 2015
Hey Nick Glad you enjoyed the article. Was targeting folks such as yourself. Interesting findings and will good discussion next FMNP class. Your pictures are great! Thanks for letting me use them.
August 14, 2015
Surprised to see the photo.......thought it looked familiar......scrolled down, and sure enough it was one I had taken. (-: As a Master Naturalist I am delighted to be able to share my photos with IFAS and fellow Master Naturalists, whenever they are useful. Great story too btw. (-: NB
August 14, 2015
HEY WHITNEY! Yep, I remember... after reading the Gainesville blogs I think we were looking in the wrong place. Apparently concentrated at one point on the island. Maybe next time :-)
August 12, 2015
That's great! Glad we could help. Thanks for reading and letting us know.
August 7, 2015
Awesome article, Rick! I remember our trip there trying to find the cottonmouths!
July 29, 2015
Thank you Carrie! My husband now agrees the big pecan tree needs to stay and continue shading the A/C compressor on the south side of the house. Shari Farrell Okaloosa MG
July 29, 2015
Stephanie~ I have had my large rosemary for at least 15 years and, like yours, it blooms sporadically. I'm thinking it blooms better with enough water to drain. They are drought tolerant certainly, but aren't completely a desert variety plant... no water. Since they bloom in the drier part of Florida during the winter, some irrigation is good. Hopes this works for you.
July 21, 2015
Is it native to northwest Florida?
July 21, 2015
Is fakahatchee grass native to northwest Florida? Thanks, Martha Lyle
July 1, 2015
Had a similar experience Carrie and agree with you 100%!
June 30, 2015
Hi there. I have grown 2 separate Rosemary bushes over the years in a spot that gets sun and drains well yet, never have I gotten either one of them to bloom? Can you explain that? Thank you!!
June 5, 2015
Thanks Paul! Thinking of doing a late afternoon trip for June. See if there is a difference. Let you know.
June 3, 2015
Thanks Beth, I bought a few of these because they were awesome but the seller insisted they were just big bulbina. Now I know what to re-order. Glenn
May 30, 2015
Rick, that interesting milkweed we saw on the island today is called Sandhill Milkweed or Pinewoods Milkweed (Asclepias humistrata). More here: http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/49 Paul
May 29, 2015
Thanks Whitney! Hope things are going well with you.
May 26, 2015
Nice article, Rick!
April 28, 2015
Hey Kathy Chipmunks have never been in high numbers here in Florida. The few I have seen have been in the northern portions of counties that border Alabama and Georgia. Currently the population of those have been declining and FWC has now listed them. I do not think the squirrels are the reason for their low numbers. They are more common in rocky terrain and in colder climates where squirrels are still common. I think it is more of a climate issue. I am not sure why the few we have in the state are declining.
April 19, 2015
Do they taste like cherries in jams? Where is the best place to purchase these bushes if you wanted a decent quantity? What time of yr do they produce? thank you
April 18, 2015
Excellent illustrated descriptions of our barrier islands. Much appreciated and valued. Your work for the youth is a community asset.
March 28, 2015
curiously, I have noticed that there are no chipmunks in my area - NW Florida - specifically, Gulf Breeze. Is there a logical reason for this - we have squirrels but I have never seen a chipmunk and I would think the weather would be quite perfect for these little creatures.
February 23, 2015
This a terrific essay chock full of good info and causes me to wish for more of the great Master Naturalist classes and Panhandle Outdoors.
February 11, 2015
good ideas with photos and reminders not to hide the house. foundations plantings are sort of a myth.
January 30, 2015
Working on the link Lori. Sent the pdf version. If this does not help you let me know and we will find what you need.
January 30, 2015
Hi Rick, Great article! I would like to reprint this on Walton Outdoors. I was wondering if you have any duck box assembly instructions you can share. The link at the end of your story is a bad link. Thanks so much!
January 24, 2015
Good morning Nina The NW panhandle team will be meeting Feb 18 to decide what project we will be doing this year. I suspect we will do a Panhandle Live program but the format may be different. Will let the group know of your interest and respond to you after the meeting.
January 24, 2015
Will there be a Panhandle Outdoors LIVE 2015 this year? If so, can you direct me to the flyer?
January 17, 2015
Thank you! I hope your mailing list is very long and also that this paper will appear elsewhere. I am a volunteer in a visitors' center at the Gulf Islands National Seahore, and I hear frequetly from visitors how beautiful this area is. Part of that beauty is because there is plenty of it---and our visitors have said they appreciate that we are less "developed." I was young and adventurous 'way back when there were 10 animal phyla and ecological studies were simply "conservation" (so you see, my 1957 BS in Biology is quite outdated). I was worried back then and are even more so now, but with people like you and a steady drumbeat of your messages, perhaps the majority of us will enjoy a more natural, balanced way of iving after all.
January 4, 2015
Larry, from everything I've read, just pull several inches of the rhizomes up with the fern and place them in a natural crook or deeper bark ridges of the new oak tree, and they should do great. I've even heard of teachers keeping them alive in classrooms with spray water bottles in a bowl. Resurrection ferns are so hardy that I believe it'd be hard to go wrong. On a side note, we recently just picked up some firewood that had pieces of resurrection fern growing in loose bark--you could always take a small piece of bark that already includes some fern and place it on a horizontal limb to help transplant it. Let me know if it works for you!
December 21, 2014
Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said "You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear." She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone! My weblog bench craft inc sofa
December 6, 2014
Hi Carrie, What is the best way to start a resurrection fern from one live oak tree to another live oak tree in a different location? Would love to hear from an expert. Thanks and I would appreciate your suggestion. Larry Phillips lpponderosa@aol.com
October 3, 2014
What I do in the garden is use very forceful streams of water to wash them off. This process needs to be repeated several times until their life cycle is disrupted. The undersides of the leaves must be washed as well. This works in the garden, but is labor intensive and would not be practical for large scale production. See the publication below for more info. http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/2012/05/10/as-summer-approaches-spider-mites-attack-ornamental-shrubs/
September 15, 2014
Michele Rick O'Connor - Sea Grant in Escambia What we would like to do is first verify and photograph the plant to post on EDDmaps - will need your permission to do so. Then, if interested, we can advise you on how to remove. Let me know if you are interested in doing part or all of this.
September 12, 2014
Could you recommend some organic methods of spider mite management? Thank you :)
September 12, 2014
Add bay county to the list. I have a house on the beach and my dunes are covered. So sad as it has climbed the sea oats this year, and many failed to survive.
September 5, 2014
I would like to participate in this class if you have availability.
August 18, 2014
This sounds great! Are you guys doing something like this for 2015?
February 6, 2014
Jane, Asclepias seeds germinate in 3-4 weeks at temperatures of 68-86 degrees F. Seeds are short lived so plant soon after ripening. Milkweed are warm season plants so wait until after our last frost to set out the transplants, about mid to late March. If we get a late cold, be prepared to cover.
February 5, 2014
Our Garden Club in Panama City Beach is getting ready to co-op with our Conservation Park to create a Butterfly Garden. We have 300 Milkweed seed to begin with---any helpful suggestions on the best way to start these seeds and when to transplant???? Thank you! (Beth, I attend your classes in Milton at Short Course North.)
February 5, 2014
Enjoyed the content and links. Linda Deaton
October 13, 2013
love those peanuts. grew up on farm in Jackson county where we grew peanuts, cotton, corn, soybeans. love those peanuts. cant seem to get enough of peanuts. didn't even know there was so many vitamins in peanuts. just taste good sue wiley
October 11, 2013
Thank You. We are here to serve your gardening needs, and value your input.
October 8, 2013
Thank you...........I love all the information from the University of Florida IFAS Extension
October 8, 2013
Where can I buy barrels? Thank you!
September 22, 2013
Update 9/22/2031 The Blackwater River State Forest Trip Oct 3 is now open for registration. There's was registration delay due to our attempt to reschedule the Apalachicola trip originally scheduled for September 24. The date conflicts with an important meeting our Sea Grant Agents are required to attend. This meeting was not on the calendar when the original POL 2013 dates were announced. At this time, we cannot find a date that works for the trip leaders. Typically we open the trips for registration after the preceding trip is complete. So at this time we are opening the next trip to Blackwater River State Forest. To register visit http://panhandleoutdoorslive2013.eventbrite.com
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