Based on an annual evaluation recent competed, and feedback from my advisory committee, water quality issues are the number one natural resource concern for those who follow my extension programs. It makes sense. Poor water quality can negatively ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
We are getting close to the end of the year and here are the salinity numbers for the 3rd Quarter. For those who have not been following this, we have trained volunteers to record the salinity at the surface near the shoreline around ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
Marine invertebrate species are among the most diverse group of organisms on the planet. From giant squid and octopus with huge brains and mind-blowing camouflage capability to free-floating comb jellies, they are endlessly fascinating. At ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
Mark Twain once said – “Everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it.” A similar statement could be made about the Gulf Sturgeon – “Everyone talks about the Gulf sturgeon, but on one has actually seen one.” ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
To the untrained eye, one might assume they are baby pitcher plants. Lying low and prone to the ground, parrot pitchers (Sarracenia psittacina) exhibit the same vivid coloration and intricate venation as other pitcher plants, but at ... READ MORE
Category: Forests, Natural Resources
Diamondback terrapins are the only resident turtle within brackish water and estuarine systems. Their range extends from Massachusetts to Texas but, prior to 2005, their existence in the Florida panhandle was undocumented. The Panhandle ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Recently I was walking along the shore of Santa Rosa Sound near Park West searching for horseshoe crab nesting. I did not find any nesting activity, but the beach was covered with small comb jellies. These creatures reminded me of my childhood ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
For most of the year, yaupon (pronounced “yo-pon”) holly is the nondescript evergreen backdrop to forested areas throughout the Panhandle. But in the fall, these plants are bursting with brilliant red berries. There are 9 holly species ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Natural Resources
This time of year is surrounded with creepiness—October is full of haunted houses, scary costumes, and spooky music. Halloween and the Day of the Dead are, at their essence, times when we reflect on the relationship between life and death. ... READ MORE
Category: Forests, Natural Resources
Since last year we have been logging reports from area residents of snake encounters. The purpose of this is education. We are learning which species people most frequently encounter, what time of year different species are encountered, ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Wildlife