Category: Conservation

Photo of boats at a mooring

Making the case for managed moorings

by Alicia Betancourt
November 17, 2023

The Florida Keys, with their turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning coral reefs, have long been a haven for boaters and sailors. This unique and fragile ecosystem holds a treasure trove of natural beauty and wonders. However, ... READ MORE

Category: , Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Boat Access, Boater Safety, Boating, Boca Chica Basin, Buoys, Coral Reefs, Economic Sustainability, Ecosystem Preservation, Ecotourism, Environmental Impact, Environmental Protection, Florida Keys, Infrastructure Development, Key West, Marine Biodiversity, Marine Conservation, Marine Ecology, Marine Resources Management, Maritime Conservation, Monroe County Commission, Mooring Fields, Revenue Generation, Seagrass Beds, Sustainable Boating, Sustainable Development, Tourism, Water Quality
A close up of a young American alligator's face as it rests atop rocks and plants in a natural environment

Stories of Gratitude for the World of Wildlife: The American Alligator 

by Zahir Ringgold Cordes
November 15, 2023

This November, we’re celebrating Wildlife Wednesdays with unique stories of gratitude for the animal kingdom. From pollination to pest management, follow along with this month-long blog series each Wednesday to learn why we have much to thank ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Tags: Conservation, Environment, Nature, Pgm_EcoNR, Stories Of Gratitude, Wildlife
Eco-friendly decor

Eco-Friendly and Ethical: A Guide to Sustainable Holiday Shopping and Spending

by Alicia Betancourt
November 13, 2023

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and giving. However, amidst the festivities, we must be mindful of our impact on the planet. Sustainable holiday shopping and spending are becoming increasingly important as people seek ways ... READ MORE

Category: , Community Volunteers, Conservation, Home Management, Money Matters, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Awareness And Education, Charitable Giving, Conscious Choices, DIY Gifts, Eco-friendly Gifts, Eco-friendly Wrapping, Environmental Impact, Ethical Labor Practices, Ethical Spending, Experiential Gifts, Fair Trade, Green Holiday Practices, Handmade Products, Local Businesses, Mindful Gifting, Reusable Decorations, Sustainable Brands, Sustainable Holiday Shopping, Volunteer Work, Zero-waste Celebrations

Florida Land Steward Update, November 9, 2023

by Chris Demers
November 9, 2023

THANKS, VETERANS, FOR YOUR SERVICE! We honor and give thanks to all military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!  Enjoy the Holiday! FALL-WINTER 2023 (Vol 12, No 4) ISSUE OF QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Awards, Calendar, Family Forest, Florida Land Steward Program, Forest, Forestry, Hurricane Recovery, Natural Resources, Online Course, Prescribed Fires, Scholarships And Funding, School Of Forest Fisheries And Geomatics Sciences, Timber, Tree Farm, Veterans Day, Wildlife
A meadow of Muhly at Shamrock Park in South Venice. Not pictured here, are several gopher tortoise burrows scattered throughout the muhly grass. Bunch grasses provide valuable shelter for wildlife.

Plants at Their Peak: Magical Muhly!

by Ashley Ellis
November 9, 2023

Plants at Their Peak: Magical Muhly!  As late autumn arrives, native Muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) takes center stage in Florida landscapes, showcasing its natural beauty and ecological significance. Muhly grass is a true spectacle ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: FFL, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Landscape, Landscaping, Pgm_HortRes, PlantsAtTheirPeak, Wildlife

Field Finds: Biologist Observes Uprooted Hydrilla Washed Over Native Plants

by Christine Krebs
November 6, 2023

This blog was written by Kelli Gladding, a biological scientist for the UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Invasive aquatic plants negatively impact the success of native plant populations. As a biological scientist, one of ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS
Tags: Aquatic Invasive Plants, CAIP, Center For Aquatic And Invasive Plants, Florida Lakes, Invasive Plants, Natural Resources, UF-IFAS

Golden Rain Tree: The Allure of the Invasive Intruder

by Heather Kalaman
November 6, 2023

It is officially fall in Florida. Temperatures are dropping, the holidays are just around the corner, and *gasp* the notorious golden rain trees have finally set fruit! Oh, you know the one. Adorned with sprawling limbs covered in peach-colored, ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Invasive Ornamentals, Invasive Plants, Ornamentals, Residential Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County

Florida Land Steward Update, November 2, 2023

by Chris Demers
November 2, 2023

WELCOME! You may be seeing this blog update for the first time after requesting this service at one of the Florida Forests Week events held last week. We provide our Land Steward updates in this format as it may be easier to read than the email ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Awards, Family Forest, Florida Land Steward Program, Forest, Forest Health, Forest Management, Hurricane Recovery, Natural Resources, Prescribed Fires, School Of Forest Fisheries And Geomatics Sciences, Timber, Tree Farm, Trees, Wildlife
A turkey vulture- a large dark brown and black bird of prey with a bright red naked head perches atop a banister with its wings outspread and facing the sun.

Stories of Gratitude for the World of Wildlife: Turkey Vultures

by Zahir Ringgold Cordes
November 1, 2023

In both temperate and tropical climates in the Western hemisphere of the world, fall marks a time of transition. Rainy season to dry season, or summer through winter, the natural world around us changes. As oak trees grow heavy with their acorn ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Tags: Conservation, Environment, Pgm_EcoNR, Stories Of Gratitude, Sustainability, Wildlife

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