There are five species of sea turtles that nest from May through October on Florida beaches. The loggerhead, the green turtle and the leatherback all nest regularly in the Panhandle, with the loggerhead being the most frequent visitor. Two ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, WildlifeMost coastal residents along the panhandle are aware of the invasive lionfish and the potential impacts they could have on local fisheries and ecosystems. Since they were first detected in this area in 2010, there have been tournaments, workshops, ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, WildlifeCoral Ardisia (Ardisia crenata) photo courtesy of Les Harrison Coral ardisia is also known as coral berry, spice berry, and scratchthroat. It was introduced into Florida in the early 1900’s for ornamental purposes. In the ensuing ... READ MORE
Category: Invasive Species, Natural Resources, WildlifeFences make good neighbors except when your neighbor is a Chinese tallow or popcorn tree. Seed is easily spread across property borders. Birds, storm-water, and vehicles are just few ways seeds move away from large trees. Photo by Scott Jackson. ... READ MORE
Category: Invasive Species, Natural ResourcesThis yard on Pensacola Beach has become over run by vitex. Photo courtesy of Rick O’Connor. In 2013 we began writing about a potential invasive plant in the Florida panhandle called Beach Vitex (Vitex rotundifolia). The first record we ... READ MORE
Category: Invasive Species, Natural ResourcesLibbie Johnson UF IFAS Escambia County Extension Northwest Florida can be a pond owner’s paradise. There is usually enough rainfall to keep ponds filled, catfish, bass, and brim are well adapted to the environmental conditions, and there is ... READ MORE
Category: Invasive Species, Natural ResourcesFive tiger shrimp captured by shrimpers in Pensacola Bay. Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon): This catchy phrase coined by Robert Turpin (Escambia County Marine Resources Division) describes a recent invader to our marine waters in ... READ MORE
Category: Invasive Species, Natural Resources, WildlifeAir potato vine. Photo by Scott Jackson Air potato (Dioscores bulbifera) is a perennial, herbaceous self-twining vine that can grow over 60 feet in length, enabling it to climb over and smother many native plants. The Florida Exotic Plant Pest ... READ MORE
Category: Invasive Species, Natural ResourcesGiant Salvinia mats completely covering Bay County pond. This fast growing invasive can double in size every week! Photo by L. Scott Jackson Matthew Phillips and Scott Jackson – UF/IFAS Extension and Research works with ... READ MORE
Category: Invasive Species, Natural Resources