We had some big waves in mid-December, and with that washed up a slew of plastic fragments and bottle caps as well as natural debris such as sargassum seaweed and black mangrove propagules. However, there was something different on our beaches ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Somewhere on the road between Okaloosa County and Boca Raton, three guys are driving a van and their equipment all the way back to the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) campus. An engineering professor and two undergraduate students (one ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water
: Volunteers in Taylor County's Marine Extension Programs In the heart of Taylor County, Florida, lies a community deeply passionate about preserving its coastal treasures. Behind the scenes of marine extension programs, dedicated volunteers ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources
: Recreational Fisheries Along Florida's Gulf Coast Nestled along Florida's picturesque Gulf Coast, Taylor County stands as an angler's paradise. Boasting an array of recreational fisheries that wave fishing enthusiasts from far and wide. ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation
I began this project in 2022 wanting to know which of the 40 species of snakes known to inhabit the Pensacola Bay area were encountered by people. I also wanted to know where they were encountering them and what time of year. This information ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
: Seagrass Ecosystems in Taylor County, Florida Beneath the tranquil waters along the Gulf Coast of Taylor County lies a hidden gem crucial to the marine ecosystem—seagrass. These verdant underwater meadows play a pivotal role in the health ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources
Sea turtles are among the most majestic creatures on our planet. With their gentle nature and graceful movements, they have captivated people for centuries. However, these incredible sea dwellers are facing numerous threats that endanger ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
I have written about William Bartram here before—he and his father, the “King’s Botanist”—explored Pensacola and much of the coastal southeast in the late 1700’s. Curious observers of everything from plant growth and wildlife ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources
: Coastal Recovery Post-Hurricane Idalia The aftermath of Hurricane Idalia left an indelible mark on coastal communities, including the path it forged along the Gulf of Mexico. This formidable force of nature brought devastation and ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Community Volunteers, Disaster Preparation, Natural Resources,
I am going to end 2023 with an article on a project I hope to conduct in 2024. It will focus on insular cottonmouths and will focus on the western panhandle, though those in the eastern panhandle might be interested and could help. For obvious ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife