It’s spring break season, and area beaches are loaded up with students and families taking advantage of the beautiful sunshine and water along our coasts. Tucked among the full parking lots, restaurants, and entertainment venues on the ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Our topic today might seem better suited to late October, but it can be observed in the woods year-round. During a recent Master Naturalist class, we discussed the various species of pines that grow in northwest Florida. All seven Florida ... READ MORE
Category: Forests, Natural Resources
Lichens are commonly seen on many landscape plants. They are often thought to be the cause when a plant is in decline. Learn information about lichens and why you see them on your plants with UF IFAS Extension Escambia County. https://youtu.be/gBQQeBnwtnQ?si=27E0kVg3nSV76a-T READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
I’ve only dedicated one of these blogs to an individual before, after the passing of Navarre’s beloved Kayak Dave. But after losing a friend and mentor earlier this week, I knew it was time for another personal tribute. Sheila Dunning ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Natural Resources
Throughout local woods, roadsides, and residential properties right now, red maples (Acer rubrum) are harbingers of spring. Their brilliant red samaras—wind driven seed pods—are loaded up on the branches. This spring and summer they ... READ MORE
Category: Forests, Natural Resources
WINTER-SPRING ISSUE OF QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE In this issue: Congratulations Rebecca and Manny Mendoza: 2025 Florida Land Steward Landowners of the Year, Ginger Feagle to Lead Florida Tree Farm Program, David ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, Water, Wildlife
A few weeks after Yiannis Ampatzidis started working at the University of Florida in 2017, Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on the Florida peninsula and its citrus groves. Growers needed to count their trees with precision to get crop insurance, ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, UF/IFAS
Walking along the beach, my eyes are naturally drawn to the waves. That mesmerizing, repetitive motion of water is both calming and endlessly fascinating. But have you ever looked back at the dunes and noted the shape of the vegetation growing ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Forests, Natural ResourcesI spent a lot of time in my childhood lying in our backyard hammock, reading. Inevitably, I’d take a break and stare up at the tree canopy above me. We had sweetgum trees in that corner of our yard, and I’d watch squirrels chasing each ... READ MORE
Category: Forests, Natural Resources
While National Arbor Day is always in April, many Floridians do not know that Florida’s Arbor Day is the third Friday in January. In 2025 that date is Friday, January 17th. This early date is perfect for planting trees in our area. The trees ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS