Category: Water

close-up of reed plants growing in shallow muddy water.

“Flesh-Eating Bacteria” Is a Scary Phrase. The Microbiology Behind Vibrio vulnificus Is Even More Interesting.

by Dana Saunders
September 30, 2026

Quick Facts Organism: Vibrio vulnificusType: Gram-negative, curved, rod-shaped bacteriumHabitat: Warm saltwater and brackish coastal waterCommon sources: Open wounds exposed to coastal water, raw or undercooked shellfishHighest risk: People ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, UF/IFAS, , Water
Tags: Environmental Microbiology, Flesh Eating Bacteria, IFAS, Soil And Water Sciences, University Of Florida, University Of Florida Institute Of Food And Agricultural Sciences, Vibrio Vulnificus

Recap: Septic System 101 – Understanding Septic Systems and Common Homeowner Practices

by Yilin Zhuang
September 29, 2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Septic System 101 webinar, hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Well Owner Network (FWON). This was the second webinar in our Private Well and Septic System Webinar Series, and we appreciated everyone’s ... READ MORE

Category: Home Management, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Drainfield, FWON, Household Wastewater, Household Water, Private Wells, Septic, Septic System, Septic Tank
Slider turtles lined up on logs in the Santa Fe River.

Field Guide Face-Off Part 3: Cooter vs Slider

by Bridget Gerovac
September 25, 2026

Welcome to another installment of Field Guide Face-Off, a series I created to compare some of Florida's most commonly confused species and provide ways to tell them apart. We've spent quite a bit of time talking about and learning to identify ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Conservation, Identification, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, St. Lucie County, Turtles, UF/IFAS Extension

Florida Land Steward Update, September 25, 2026

by Chris Demers
September 25, 2026

Wetland Preserve Recognized as Florida Land Steward Ambassadors at the 2026 Florida Forestry Association Annual Meeting The Florida Land Steward Ambassador award is presented to Wetland Preserve for outstanding communications and service ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, Water, Wildlife
Tags: American Tree Farm System, Award, Conservation, Florida Land Steward Program, Forest Landowner Academy, Forest Landowners, Hurricane Recovery, Landowner Assistance, NRCS, School Of Forest Fisheries And Geomatics Sciences, Southern Pine Beetle
Aerial view of the Indian River Lagoon showing winding waterways and mangrove islands, with a small boat traveling through calm water.

Celebrate National Estuaries Week and the Indian River Lagoon

by Holly Abeels
September 21, 2026

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
Tags: Coastal Ecosystems, Environment, Estuaries, Florida Sea Grant, Indian River Lagoon, Water Quality

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

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
banner with pine stand, pine branches and cones, and the Family Forest Tree Farm sign

Congratulations to Mark and Janora Crow: 2026 Jon Gould Florida Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year

by Chris Demers
September 15, 2026

  By Eric Deprez, Florida Forest Service Photos by Mark Crow The Florida Tree Farm Program proudly recognizes Mark and Janora Crow as the 2026 Jon Gould Florida Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year, honoring more than six decades ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
Tags: American Tree Farm System, Award, Florida Forest Service, Florida Forestry Association, Florida Land Steward Program, School Of Forest Fisheries And Geomatics Sciences, Tree Farm

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