Despite the issues with modern agriculture, we still need food, and we need it for a lot of humans. So, what can be done to help improve things? Let’s look at some ideas that were suggested when I was teaching the class. Pesticides. ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural ResourcesLet’s begin with crops. In 2011 it was reported that 77% of the world's food was coming from grains being grown on 11% of the worlds land. Rice, wheat, and corn were/are the big players. We mentioned in Part 8 of this series that industrial ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources
Coreopsis flowers are like sunshine on a stem. Their bright, festive yellow petals look up to the sun and are especially striking when planted en masse. Our Master Gardeners have planted and tended a garden of these cheerful asters at the ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Natural Resources
In 1950, two brothers were out harvesting peat in the marshes near their homes in Denmark. The water was low, and they saw what looked like the outline of a human body whose skin was perfectly intact. Alarmed, they quickly notified the authorities ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
It’s spring break season, and area beaches are loaded up with students and families taking advantage of the beautiful sunshine and water along our coasts. Tucked among the full parking lots, restaurants, and entertainment venues on the ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Wildlife
According to Conservation International, there are 36 biodiversity hotspots worldwide. These are defined as areas with “at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemics — which is to say, it must have a high percentage of plant life found ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
When we turn the page into a new year, the motto is often “out with the old, in with the new.” But what if we actually kept the old and transformed it into something really useful? That’s exactly what happens with composting. Instead ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources
If you live near or visit the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico coasts, odds are you’re a fan of the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). Fried or steamed legs and claws, crabcakes, entire softshell crabs—that sweet crab meet is delicious ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
They call Rome the “Eternal City.” It’s been around as long as anyone can remember, bearing witness to most of recorded human history. As the seat of the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church, and the conquerors of Western civilization, ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources
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