Appearance: The gopher tortoise is a moderate-sized, terrestrial turtle, averaging 23–28 cm (9–11 in) in length. The species is identified by its stumpy, elephantine hind feet and flattened, shovel-like forelimbs adapted for digging. The ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources
by Mark E. Hostetler If you were to look at Florida from an airplane, you would see urban environments expanding into natural areas. Thousands of people are moving into Florida each year. To make room for people moving to Florida, vast areas ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
If you hear a loud buzz coming from trees in the daytime, the noise is most likely caused by cicadas. These buzzing critters make their presence known by leaving their brown exoskeletons on tree trunks and shrubs. Cicadas can be found throughout ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources
By Samantha Grenrock UF/IFAS Communications When it comes to urban planning, sometimes a bird in hand is not worth two in the bush. Researchers with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have created an online ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Most gardeners have a deep seeded (no pun intended) desire to have an attractive landscape so managing pests without harming our beneficial insects can be a challenge. Every conscientious gardener should be aware of which insects are beneficial ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Between 600,000 to 800,000 tons of hay are produced every year Domestic grazing animals such as cattle, horses, and goats require conserved forage to maintain weight and health through winter months when temperatures deter forage growth. Hay ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Livestock, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Every year across the state hundreds of youth exhibit swine in County and State fairs. Raising livestock takes up time and resources for these youth and often the market sale provides a monetary reward for their hard work.It is a stressful but ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth
Dirt is synonymous with filth, clutter, mess, and other descriptors used for things that generally have a negative impact on well being. That being the case, why should 'dirt' be used to refer to one of the most important things to sustaining ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Farm Management
Information for the 2017-2018 4-H year membership enrollments and fees. 4HOnline enrollments and payments go live for the new 4-H year on August 17, 2017. This system is used to keep track of all youth and volunteers that are involved with ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Clubs & Volunteers
Both lizards (anoles) and skinks are classified in a larger sense as lizards. They inhabit similar environments (tree) and both feed on insects, spiders and small invertebrates which is why we categorize them as beneficial animals. Skinks are ... READ MORE
Category: Wildlife