While it doesn’t feel like it lately, northwest Florida gets a LOT of rain. And when I say a lot, I mean the highest average rainfall in the Southeast (tying with Mobile, AL at over 65"), which rivals pretty much the rest of the country. ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Water
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census began in Georgia in 2019 with the goals of increased pollinator habitat, teaching the public the importance of insects, and providing useful data to researchers. 2024 is the first year for Florida to be ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Natural Resources, Wildlife
University of Florida football games are a lot of fun to watch in person. Being in The Swamp, yelling for the team, singing “I Won’t Back Down” with 88,500 other fans acapella; these are experiences every Floridian should have. But ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
One aspect I really love about my work with Extension is the incredible network of creative, helpful, and extraordinarily knowledgeable people it gives me quick access to. In 2010, I had no idea how to respond when an oil spill was approaching ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Water
It’s warm here in northwest Florida, which means our cold-blooded reptile friends are on the move. In the last few weeks, I’ve seen a snake at work, one at home, and received snake photos from my neighbors' and parents’ yards. A fear ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Years ago, we took a family canoe trip down the Suwannee River. It’s a gorgeous place to paddle, with cypress draping over the banks and crystal-clear springs feeding into the main channel. At one point, we heard a splash that sounded ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
My husband’s best friend was a nature nerd like me. If I didn’t know what something was, Anthony was the first person I’d send a photo to for identification help. We lost him unexpectedly last year, but he shows up in small ways for ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Recreation
I have always had a sweet tooth. While some folks prefer their sweetness in fruit or fruity candy, my go-to has always been chocolate. So, you can imagine my delight upon learning our national meeting for Extension natural resource agents ... READ MORE
Category: Agribusiness, Conservation, Crops, Forests, Natural Resources, Recreation
Wetlands are beautiful, important, and valuable components of our ecosystems. But for a long time, they were considered little more than insect-riddled cesspools, places devoid of worth. While not everyone fully appreciates wetlands’ many ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
Florida is blessed with an abundance of ecologically diverse state parks. Among them are opportunities to hike, camp, and see wildlife lush forests and wide-open savannas or fish, swim, and paddle through pristine bayous and rivers. One ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife