Nature Knowledge is an online webinar sharing scientific knowledge on current issues affecting nature in Florida, supported by UF/IFAS Extension and hosted by Dr. Shelly Johnson, State Specialized Agent in Natural Resources. See below for registration links and past recordings! This program is provided free of charge, but pre-registration is required.
Upcoming webinars:
Nov 10, 2022 from 3-4pm EST – When Burning Matters: Seasonal Effects on Plant Communities in Florida – Dr. Raelene Crandall, Fire Ecology Lab in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences at The University of Florida, will discuss the effects of burning during different seasons on plant populations and communities. Even if you are not a fire practitioner and just want to know why you occasionally see smoke, this program will provide general information about fire regimes in the southeast and highlight some benefits of using fire for land management and restoration. Advance registration is required: Register here
Future webinars are in development for 2023. If you would like to receive program updates via email please SUBSCRIBE to the NR-PROGRAMS-L (Natural Resource Extension Program Announcements) listserv. To receive a certificate of participation or arrange Continuing Education Units, please contact shelly.johnson@ufl.edu.
Past webinar links to view online:
Get a Move On! Bat Exclusions & the UF Bat House – Dr. Shelly Johnson, PhD, State Specialized Agent in natural resources, IFAS Extension and affiliate faculty the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at The University of Florida, will discuss techniques and challenges to convincing bats to move out of a home or structure; including updates on the recent exclusion at the UF Bat House on campus (https://news.ufl.edu/2022/08/bat-house-renovation/). If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here SOON.
Is it HEMPening or not? An Agroecologist’s Dilemma – Dr. Zachary Brym, PhD, Assistant Professor of Agroecology, Agronomy Department, Tropical Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida, discussed the many agronomic, environmental, and ecological challenges for hemp in Florida in the face of strong demand for new crops. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Exploring the World of Microplastics – Lara Milligan, M.S., Natural Resources agent for UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County, provided an introduction to and exploration of microplastics. This presentation explained sources and threats of microplastics, and highlighted steps individuals can take to lessen their contribution to microplastic pollution. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Understanding Climate Change in Florida – Holly Abeels, M.S., UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County, Florida Sea Grant Agent & Climate Change Professional®, joined us to discuss how climate change can seem overwhelming and all encompassing, including what we know about how climate change will effect Florida and what YOU can do. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Goliath Grouper Management and Research in Florida: A Big Fish Story – Dr. Angela Collins, PhD, Florida Sea Grant Agent for UF/IFAS Extension and based in Manatee County, joined us to discuss Goliath grouper. Fishing for Goliath grouper has been prohibited in the US since 1990, and the species has responded well to protective measures in Florida. However, the full recovery of the population throughout its historical geographic range remains unclear. This talk will provide a brief overview of research and management history of the Goliath grouper in the state of Florida. Unfortunately, there were some technical difficulties and we were not able to record the program, but Dr. Collins did a very similar presentation in August 2021, which you can view here.
Large Invasive Reptiles in Florida – Paul Evans, M.S., Outreach Coordinator with the UF/IFAS Croc Docs, located at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, discussed how to identify and report large invasive lizards and snakes in Florida. Did you know there are more species of non-native reptiles reproducing in Florida than native species? Learn more about their threat and how to report sightings in Florida. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Bats in Florida: Frequently-asked questions, myths, and misconceptions – Dr. Shelly Johnson, PhD, State Specialized Agent in Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension and joint faculty in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, discussed bats and bat habitat in Florida, clarification about misconceptions and myths, importance of bats to the ecosystem, and information on how to help conserve these species. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Florida’s Forgotten Habitat: Native Groundcover – Megan Ellis, Private Lands Biologist from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and Landowner Assistance Program, discussed the importance of native groundcover for wildlife habitat, its decline throughout history, and what we can do to recover this forgotten habitat to benefit wildlife. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Genetically Modified Mosquitoes in Florida – Dr. Eva Buckner, PhD, Assistant Professor & State Extension Specialist, UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, discussed the release of genetically modified mosquitoes in Florida. She will also give answers to frequently asked questions on the topic. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Nature as your Neighbor: Reducing Wildlife Conflicts in Florida Communities – Catherine Hannan, Senior Wildlife Assistance Biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, discussed some of the common wildlife species with which we share the landscape in Florida and ways to coexist with them. This presentation provided an overview of wildlife awareness and pet safety techniques, as well as ways to keep wildlife wild while enjoying your untamed neighbors from a distance. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Saving Florida’s Seagrass for Bay Scallops – Dr. Savanna Barry, PhD, Regional Specialized Agent in Coastal Ecosystems, UF/IFAS Extension – Florida Sea Grant & Nature Coast Biological Station, discussed the importance of seagrass in supporting bay scallops in Florida. Learn more about how you can do your part to save seagrass this summer. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Climate Change: A Look at Impacts to Hurricane Season – Libby Carnahan, M.S., UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County, Florida Sea Grant Agent & Climate Change Professional®, discussed how climate change is impacting to hurricane season. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Florida Atala Butterflies Back From the Brink – Ken Gioeli, M.Ag., Extension Agent IV/Natural Resources & Environment, UF/IFAS Extension, St. Lucie County, discussed the Florida atala butterfly (Eumaeus atala Poey). Learn about this mysterious butterfly and what can be done to protect them in Florida. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Coyotes in Florida: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly – Marty Main, Professor, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, UF/IFAS, discussed the spread of coyotes in Florida and their potential positive and negative roles regarding environmental, economic, and human welfare impacts. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Managing Aquatic Plants in Public Water Bodies – Dr. James Leary, PhD, Assistant Professor, Agronomy Department, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, joined us to discuss mechanical harvesting as it relates to the broader demands of managing aquatic plants in public water bodies. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Science behind Florida Springs – Robert A. (Rob) Mattson, CEP, CSE, Sr. Environmental Scientist, St. Johns River Water Management District, discussed the CRISPS Project: Science to Restore and Protect Florida Springs, a major research effort to better understand some of the changes that springs have undergone 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 – Dr. Mark Hostetler, PhD, Professor in the Department of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, IFAS, University of Florida, discussed creating and conserving bird habitat in our cities, and a new evaluation tool, called Building for Birds. If you missed it, or want to review, you can view the video online here!
Glyphosate – Dr. Stephen Enloe, PhD, 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 – Zachary Prusak, M.S., 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 – Dr. Lisa Krimsky, PhD, 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 – Dr. Emily Kraus, PhD, 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 – Tina McIntyre, M.S., 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 – 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 – Dr. Lisa Krimsky, PhD, 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 Extension Agent (SSA) in Natural Resources with UF/IFAS Extension, hosts an expert each month to discuss a current environmental topic relevant to Florida’s natural resources. If you have suggestions for future topics or speakers, please EMAIL. If you would like to receive program updates via email please SUBSCRIBE to the NR-PROGRAMS-L (Natural Resource Extension Program Announcements) listserv.
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Shelly Johnson (shelly.johnson@ufl.edu, 352-294-0757) at least 2 weeks in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
University of Florida IFAS Extension is committed to diversity of people, thought and opinion, to inclusiveness and to equal opportunity. UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
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