Diamondback terrapins are the only resident turtle within brackish water and estuarine systems. Their range extends from Massachusetts to Texas but, prior to 2005, their existence in the Florida panhandle was undocumented. The Panhandle ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Since 2007 Florida Sea Grant has worked with partners, and trained volunteers, to assess the status of the diamondback terrapin in the Florida panhandle. This small emydid turtle is the only one that lives in brackish water and prefers salt ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
One of the programs I focus on as a Sea Grant Extension Agent in Escambia County is restoring the health of our estuary. One of the projects in that program is increasing the encounters with estuarine animals that were once common. Currently ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
As the Sea Grant Extension Agent in Escambia County, one of my program areas is to help restore a healthy estuary. To do this we focus on educating the public how to improve water quality, restore habitat, and manage invasive species, but ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural ResourcesMany folks are putting together a “bucket list” of things they would like to do or see before they can no longer do them. For many interested in natural resources there are certain national parks and scenic places they would like to visit. ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, WaterThey are marvelous creatures and there are very few panhandle residents who know what they are. My wife and I were introduced to Diamondback Terrapins by George Heinrich in 2005. George was the president of a nonprofit, Florida Turtle Conservation ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, WildlifeOne of the program areas Sea Grant intends to focus on in Escambia County during 2014 is the reduction of marine debris. Most citizens in our county are aware of the problem and the harm monofilament fishing line can cause. Another issue are ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Water
It is hard to say that one turtle is more beautiful than another; it is like saying one of your children is more beautiful than another, but this is one beautiful turtle! The diamondback terrapin is the only brackish water turtle in the ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife