Early in the week, I was fortunate to visit one of my favorite parks in Sarasota County: Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center. I was invited to present to a group of park volunteers about estuary ecology, mangrove best management practices, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Introduction There are inherent dangers associated with fun time in marine and estuarine waters. Drowning is an obvious danger, but there are others. Have you ever heard someone recommend "Doing the stingray shuffle?" Environmental educators ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
(This blog post is third in a series recounting a summer internship opportunity for the author. Collaborating with Martin County 4-H Youth Development and Florida Sea Grant extension agents, this account provides a unique perspective on the ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
A hurricane is a devastating natural disaster. Loss of life and destruction of property are two things most people think of in the aftermath of a hurricane. New UF/IFAS-led research focuses on how hurricanes impact some inland waters. “A ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, UF/IFAS Research, Water
Mangroves Mangrove trees are an important part of Florida’s diverse ecosystem and are integral to the coastal estuaries where they grow. Mangrove forests in the tropics and subtropics are identifiable by their dense tangle of prop roots ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources
Macroalgae are large species of algae often referred to as seaweeds. When not attached to bottom sediments, they are commonly called drift algae. Macroalgae come in colors of red, green, brown and black, and they randomly wash up on beaches ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Water~A look at National Estuary Programs on Florida's Gulf Coast and 5 things we can do to protect them If you live in Florida, chances are you have a water story. Whether it involves childhood memories of a day at the beach, water skiing on ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Turf, WaterPerhaps the most well-known function of estuaries, such as Charlotte Harbor, is their role as nursery grounds for growing fish, shrimp and shellfish. Very few marine species spawn in estuaries, but estuaries are used extensively as nursery ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine