Category: Natural Resources

The Olive Grove

FIELD TRIP: The Olive Grove, Brooksville, Florida

by Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer
September 19, 2026

Written by MGV Cathy Keller September 16, 2026, was a break from the oppressive, drippy Central Florida heat. In contrast, it was sunny, breezy, and low humidity, so the outdoor visit was a delight! Husband and wife Cambren and Dede Davis ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Conservation, Crops, Farm Management, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Bonsai, Mushrooms, Olive Grove, Olive Oil, Olive Tree Bonsai, Olives
Children and an adult plant a young tree togethr in a shaded park, placing the root ball into the soil beneath mature trees.

A Tree Is an Investment in Your Home and Health

by Margaret Stewart
September 18, 2026

A healthy tree is much more than a pretty part of the yard. Trees provide shade, lower energy costs, manage rainwater, support wildlife and improve air quality. They may also increase property value and support our physical and mental health. These ... READ MORE

Category: Health & Nutrition, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Air Quality, Carbon Dioxide Reduction, Carbon Storage, Climate Resilience, Energy Savings, Environmental Benefits, Florida Gardening, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Gardening In The Panhandle, Home Landscaping, Mental Health, Native Trees, Northwest Florida, Okaloosa County, Physical Health, Pollinators, Property Value, Shade Trees, Stormwater Management, Sustainable Landscaping, Tree Benefits, Trees, UF/IFAS Extension, Urban Forestry, Water Quality, Wildlife Habitat
Tropical milkweed

Found an Invasive Plant? Here’s What to Do Next

by Sara MacDonald
September 18, 2026

Once homeowners learn what invasive plants are, they often start seeing their own yards differently. A plant they have grown for years may suddenly raise a new question: Could this be invasive? And if it is, the next question is usually: “How ... READ MORE

Category: , Community Volunteers, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Pests & Disease, Recreation, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Florida Friendly Landscape, IPM, UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County

Florida Land Steward Update, September 18, 2026

by Chris Demers
September 18, 2026

  Congratulations Mark and Janora Crow: 2026 Jon Gould Florida Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year The Florida Tree Farm Program proudly recognizes Mark and Janora Crow as the 2026 Jon Gould Florida Outstanding Tree Farmers of ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Disaster Preparation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, Water, Wildlife
Tags: American Tree Farm System, Award, Drought, Florida Land Steward Program, Forest Landowner Academy, Hurricane Preparation, Hurricane Recovery, Hurricane Season, Landowner Assistance, Loblolly Pine, NRCS, School Of Forest Fisheries And Geomatics Sciences, Southern Pine Beetle, Tree Farm
Volunteers lined up on a stage

The Power of Volunteers: Making a Difference Through Extension

by Lori Wiggins
September 17, 2026

Volunteers are at the heart of UF/IFAS Extension Taylor County. They give their time, share their knowledge and step forward when help is needed. While much of their work happens quietly behind the scenes, their collective impact can be seen ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Clubs & Volunteers, Community Volunteers, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: #TaylorCounty, 4-H, Family, Florida, Florida Master Gardener Volunteers, Marine Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, Volunteer

Peanut Butter Challenge Kicks Off in Jackson County Sept. 28

by Abbey Smith
September 16, 2026

Start Giving Season early this year by participating in UF/IFAS Extension’s Peanut Butter Challenge this October. Jackson County is participating again this year. The friendly competition among counties asks community members to bring a ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Jackson County, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Challenge, Peanuts, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Jackson County Extension

Weekly “What is it?” Tailgate Trivia Edition: The Nautilus and the Argonaut

by Carrie Stevenson
September 16, 2026

Like a surprising number of schools, the University of West Florida (UWF) has two mascots: the Argonaut and the Nautilus. Or technically, a mascot and “emblem.” Both representatives are tied intrinsically to the university’s location ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Coastal Wildlife, College Football, Football, Pensacola Bay, Special Topics, Weekly What Is It
A mole cricket in the grass.

Florida Lawn Insect Control

by Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer
September 15, 2026

Written by MGV Clayton Yuen Florida’s Five Most Destructive Lawn Insect Pests: What Homeowners Need to Know A lush green lawn is a source of pride for many homeowners, but beneath the surface, insect pests may be quietly causing extensive ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Armyworms, Chinch Bugs, Florida Lawns, Lawn Insect Pests, Mole Crickets, Sod Webworms, White Grubs
Tops of pine saplings.

Drought rapid response project lands nearly $300K NIFA grant

by Wes Wolfe
September 15, 2026

You spend the money, take the time and effort, then you have your seedlings in the ground ready to start their growth into tall and hardy trees. However, as it’s liable to do, the weather turns poor and you get a severe drought, like the one ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Disaster Preparation, Forests, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, Work & Life
Tags: Forest, Forest Health, Forest Management, Forestry, Natural Resources, School Of Forest Fisheries And Geomatics Sciences, Timber, Tree Farm, Trees

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