Nature Knowledge is a speaker series developed to share knowledge on current issues affecting nature in Florida. Dr. Shelly Johnson, State Specialized Agent in Natural Resources with UF/IFAS Extension, hosts an expert each month to discuss an environmental topic relevant to Florida’s natural resources.
Upcoming webinars:
FEBRUARY 2021 – Managing Aquatic Plants in Public Water Bodies: On Thursday, February 18th from 3-4pm, Dr. James Leary, Assistant Professor, Agronomy Department, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, will join us to discuss mechanical harvesting as it relates to the broader demands of managing aquatic plants in public water bodies. Register here in advance to receive Zoom link.
MARCH 2021 – Coyotes in Florida: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: On Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 3-4pm, Dr. Marty Main, Professor, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, UF/IFAS, will join us to discuss how the establishment and spread of coyotes in Florida has ramifications associated with how to classify these animals as well as understanding their potential positive and negative roles regarding environmental, economic, and human welfare impacts. This presentation discusses these issues to separate fact from fiction regarding Florida’s coyotes in Florida. Registration link will be posted here.
APRIL 2021 – Florida Atala Butterflies Back From the Brink? On Thursday, April 15, 2021 from 3-4pm, Ken Gioeli, M.Ag., Extension Agent IV/Natural Resources & Environment, UF/IFAS Extension, St. Lucie County, will join us to discuss the Florida atala butterfly (Eumaeus atala Poey). It was thought to be extinct due to overharvest of its host plant, Zamia integrifolia (a.k.a. coontie). These butterflies were rediscovered and are found in highly localized populations in coastal central and south Florida. Learn about this mysterious and fascinating butterfly species and what can be done to protect them in Florida. Registration link will be posted here.
MAY 2021 – Future webinars are in development for 2021; please check back often for updates! If there is a speaker or topic you’d like to learn more about, please contact Dr. Johnson.
Past webinars:
Florida Springs: On January 21st from 3-4pm, Robert A. (Rob) Mattson, CEP, CSE, Sr. Environmental Scientist, St. Johns River Water Management District, will join us to discuss the CRISPS Project: Science to Restore and Protect Florida Springs. This presentation highlights a major research effort undertaken by the St. Johns River Water Management District and the University of Florida to better understand some of the changes that springs have undergone, largely due to human influences, and how they may be reversed or mitigated. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Conserving Bird Habitat in Cities: On November 19, 2020, Dr. Mark Hostetler, Professor in the Department of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, IFAS, University of Florida, discussed creating and conserving bird habitat in our cities. A new evaluation tool, called Building for Birds, provides decision-makers with a way to evaluate different development scenarios and how they affect habitat for species of forest birds during breeding and migration seasons. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Glyphosate: On October 15, 2020, Dr. Stephen Enloe, Associate Professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (UF/IFAS CAIP) discussed the current status of glyphosate for weed management in Florida, the controversy surrounding banning its use, and alternatives to weed management. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Fire in Florida: Biodiversity Through Pyrodiversity! On September 17, 2020, Zachary Prusak, Florida Fire Manager, The Nature Conservancy discussed the important role of fire in Florida ecosystems. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Florida Red Tide: On August 20, 2020, Dr. Lisa Krimsky, UF/IFAS Extension & Florida Sea Grant, Water Resources Regional Specialized Agent, discussed Florida’s red tides. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Biocontrol Agents: On July 16, 2020, Dr. Emily Kraus, Biological Scientist IV at The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, discussed the role of biological pest control as a valuable tool in an integrated pest management program when implemented correctly. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Florida Friendly Landscaping: On June 18, 2020, Tina McIntyre, UF/IFAS Extension Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) Agent in Seminole County joined us to discuss how FFL conserves and protects our most precious natural resources. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Invasive Giant Asian hornet and Florida bees: On May 21, 2020, experts from the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology joined us to discuss the invasive giant Asian hornet (Amy Vu), types of native bees and potential threats (Dr. Rachel Mallinger), and invasive species management (Dr. James Cuda). If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Cyanobacteria Blooms: On April 9, 2020, Dr. Lisa Krimsky, UF/IFAS Extension & Florida Sea Grant, Water Resources Regional Specialized Agent, joined us to discuss Cyanobacteria Blooms in Florida. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Contact: Dr. Shelly Johnson, State Specialized Agent, Natural Resources, IFAS Extension, University of Florida, shelly.johnson@ufl.edu
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