By Elizabeth “Betty” Straugler and Kate Rose A recent detection of the microscopic alga Margalefidinium polykrikoides in Charlotte Harbor has drawn the attention of harmful algal bloom scientists throughout Florida. While this species ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Research
A hurricane seems like an obvious and ideal football mascot. A storm like that implies power, strength, and intensity running roughshod over anything in its way. I have discussed hurricanes in this blog before—and Florida is the most ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, Wildlife
We all love taking new plants home, but they often come in plastic nursery pots that aren't ideal for long-term plant health (plus, they aren't always the best to look at!). With increasing plastic pollution, keeping this debris out of ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension
Written by Frankie Just, 2026 Undergraduate Summer Intern This summer is one I will never forget. As an NCBS intern, I had the opportunity to engage in marine science through fieldwork and laboratory research. Every week brought new experiences ... READ MORE
Category: UF/IFAS Research, , Water, Wildlife
Una vez que los residentes aprenden qué son las plantas invasoras, a menudo comienzan a ver sus propios jardines de manera diferente. Una planta que han cultivado durante años puede de repente generar una nueva pregunta: ¿Podría ser invasora? Y ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension
What is helping some Florida wildfires burn hotter and spread farther? A University of Florida study suggests cogongrass, an invasive grass that has spread across much of Florida and the Southeast United States, is adding more fuel to the ... READ MORE
Category: Blog Community, , Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS ResearchWhat is helping some Florida wildfires burn hotter and spread farther? A University of Florida study suggests cogongrass, an invasive grass that has spread across much of Florida and the Southeast United States, is adding more fuel to the ... READ MORE
Category: Blog Community, , Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research
Grass clippings may seem harmless, but when they wash into storm drains, canals, ponds, and other waterways, they can contribute excess nutrients to the water. As grass clippings decompose, they release nitrogen, which can encourage unwanted ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Water
In Part I of this series, we looked at the plant structures involved in propagation, including stems, leaves, buds and roots. Now it’s time to put that anatomy knowledge to work! A cutting is a portion of a plant that is removed from ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, , Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching
National Estuaries Week is celebrated every year during the last full week of September. In 2026, it takes place September 20-26. This special week recognizes the important role estuaries play in supporting wildlife, local economies, and coastal ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife