Category: Wildlife

Slider turtles lined up on logs in the Santa Fe River.

Field Guide Face-Off Part 3: Cooter vs Slider


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


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

Weekly “What is it?” Tailgate Trivia Edition: The Hurricanes and the Ibis


September 24, 2026

A hurricane seems like an obvious and ideal football mascot. A storm like that implies power, strength, and intensity running roughshod over anything in its way. I have discussed hurricanes in this blog before—and Florida is the most ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, Wildlife
Tags: Birds, Coastal Wildlife, Football, Habitat Conservation, Hurricane, University Of Miami, Weekly What Is It
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


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
mosquito

More Than an Itch: Protecting Your Home and Family From Mosquitoes


September 21, 2026

For many Floridians, mosquitoes are simply part of spending time outdoors. But a mosquito bite can be more than an annoyance. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases, including dengue, West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Recent dengue ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Clubs & Volunteers, Community Volunteers, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Health & Nutrition, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: (MGV), Florida Friendly Landscape, UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County
Tropical milkweed

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


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


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


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


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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