Arbor Day was established to celebrate trees and their beneficial ecosystem services they provide for humans and our environment. Florida Arbor Day is on January 19, 2024, as cooler months are the best time to plant trees, although trees can ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a... Is it an egret or a heron? Well, biologically there isn't much of a difference. Taxonomically, egrets and herons are classified in the same Order and Family, meaning they are very similar. In fact, the ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
You thought your college roommate was bad! Gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) are the architects, builders, and apartment supers of the woods in Florida. Their capacious burrows provide relatively safe and comfortable living quarters ... READ MORE
Category: Invasive Species
USDA NRCS ANNOUNCES CONSERVATION EASEMENT AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPPORTUNTIES TO FLORIDA LANDOWNERS Apply by February 20, 2024 Florida landowners interested in aligning their land uses with conservation values and practices are encouraged ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
Herons The likely mascot of your neighborhood pond, herons belong to the Family Ardeidae, of which there are around 70 different species of herons, egrets, and bitterns worldwide. Dive in to learn more about the herons of Florida, or navigate ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
One of the programs I do with Florida Sea Grant is Restoring a Healthy Estuary. There are four focus areas within this program: improving water quality, restoring habitat, managing invasive species, and enhancing wildlife. For those who ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Sarasota County is privileged to source its drinking water from diverse outlets, combining surface and well water to cater to the county's needs. The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority contributes roughly half of the county's ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Water, Work & Life
Found worldwide, in all countries aside from Antarctica, the term "hawk" is used to describe over 250 species of diurnal raptors under Order Accipitriformes, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, and ospreys. Raptors, or birds of prey, share ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Walking through the forest, Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) might catch your eye. The fronds are delicate and almost lacy in shape, winding their way along the stems of shrubs and trunks of trees. Like most vines, they rely on ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources
Upcoming Programs 4-H Youth Development Teen Leadership Club 4-H Teen Leadership Council (TLC) Is a youth-led club that provides leadership and support to Nassau County. This club is designed to help youth get out of their comfort zone, achieve ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Events, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension