Every now and then, somebody sends in a “stump the expert” question, requiring further research, study, and a little experimentation to figure it out. I love these. Biology geek-wise, few things are more exciting than… Read More
As the name implies, they are haunting—long stretches of standing, dead trees with exposed roots. These “ghost forests” are an unsettling scene in unsettling times for the environment. While coastal erosion is a fact of… Read More
Some basics on ecology Let’s begin this unit by defining ecology. Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with their environment and with each other. For example, you can take the ecological community… Read More
Crape myrtles are all around good tree selections for the landscape. When left in their more natural form with just a little selective pruning, crape myrtles can provide shade during our hot summer days. Learn… Read More
Six Rivers “Dirty Dozen” Invasive Species Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense) Define Invasive Species: must have all of the following – Is non-native to the area, in our case northwest Florida Introduced by humans, whether intentional… Read More
At first glance, I thought I was looking at a pond completely overtaken with green algae. You see rivers and lakes like this, especially in South Florida where development is denser and the phosphorus levels… Read More
Health Advisories Health advisories are issued in estuarine systems by the Department of Health when colonies of Enterococcus bacteria surpass 71 colonies/100ml of sample. If they get this number a second sample is pulled to… Read More
I am always on the lookout for interesting plants and animals any time I go outside. In the spring, of course, birds start hatching, wayward baby squirrels leave the nest, and wildflowers start to bloom…. Read More
EDRR Invasive Species Beach Vitex (Vitex rotundfolia) Define Invasive Species: must have ALL of the following – Is non-native to the area, in our case northwest Florida Introduced by humans, whether intentional or accidental… Read More
I loved dandelions as a kid. The idea of a backyard full of magical wishes (granted only if you could blow away all the wispy seed heads in one blow) was too terrific to pass… Read More
