At their December 2021 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) passed two rulings designed to enhance the conservation of diamondback terrapins, a small estuarine turtle. As of March 1, 2022, no one can possess ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Humans… No one species has altered the land, sea, and sky – as well as decreased the overall biodiversity of the planet in such as short time as has Homo sapien. Since we have arrived on this planet we have slowly dispersed across ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
The definition of an invasive species used by the University of Florida IFAS has three parts. It is not native to the area. Was brought to the area by humans; either intentionally or accidentally. Is causing an environmental or economic ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
The land of the wet and muddy – that’s what lot of folks call the salt marsh. If you have ever experienced walking through one you know why they call it that. Salt marshes are wetlands that are dominated by grasses and are partially ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, WildlifeIn 2017 researchers from Auburn University published a paper looking at the impact of development in Baldwin County on the streams that feed the lower Perdido Bay system. In this study they also included streams from the Florida side of Perdido ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
For some the forest is a scary place; for some it is a magical one; and for others it is spiritual. For wildlife it is a popular place. There are many places to shelter and plenty of food. Though the forest of our barrier islands is not ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Well, the TCU Horned Frogs didn’t make much of a splash during the college football championship earlier this week. Despite the outcome of the game, their unusual mascot is one of the more intriguing among universities. After noticing ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
When I was hired as the Sea Grant Extension Agent for Escambia County, I conducted a needs assessment with my advisory committee to determine the local issues that most needed education and outreach. They responded with several, but water ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
The dune fields of the panhandle barrier islands closely mimic those in the deserts of the American southwest. With rolling hills of sand (less the rock), small, spaced shrubs, and high temperatures, hiking through the dunes reminds me a lot ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
Let’s begin with understanding what a health advisory is and when they are issued. The Department of Health samples local water bodies where people frequently swim for fecal bacteria. As the name implies, these bacteria are associated ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources