This post entertains an ongoing debate that I often hear: Are palm trees really trees? Could our state tree, the sable palm, not even be a tree? This has been argued in many different ways with the answer lying somewhere in the middle. Skip ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
SEASON’S GREETINGS On behalf of all the Florida Land Steward partners we wish you a very festive, joyous, and safe Holiday season. Thanks to everyone who helped out with and participated in all the activities offered this year. There ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
I have written about William Bartram here before—he and his father, the “King’s Botanist”—explored Pensacola and much of the coastal southeast in the late 1700’s. Curious observers of everything from plant growth and wildlife ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources
Looking to do something inexpensive and outdoorsy this holiday season? Why not take a turn through a demonstration garden, courtesy of the University of Florida. UF/IFAS Extension offers demonstration gardens throughout the state, and most ... READ MORE
Category: UF/IFAS
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! On behalf of Florida Land Steward and Florida Tree Farm Program partners, we THANK YOU for all that you do for the stewardship of forests and natural resources in Florida. Your efforts provide innumerable benefits to the ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
Trees and shrubs can be purchased in many sizes, most are no smaller than a one gallon size, and many go up to 7 gallon (or larger). Because of both size at planting and maturity, cost of plants, and large root spread, planning for proper placement ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
For most of the year, yaupon (pronounced “yo-pon”) holly is the nondescript evergreen backdrop to forested areas throughout the Panhandle. But in the fall, these plants are bursting with brilliant red berries. There are 9 holly species ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Natural Resources
WELCOME! You may be seeing this blog update for the first time after requesting this service at one of the Florida Forests Week events held last week. We provide our Land Steward updates in this format as it may be easier to read than the email ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
This time of year is surrounded with creepiness—October is full of haunted houses, scary costumes, and spooky music. Halloween and the Day of the Dead are, at their essence, times when we reflect on the relationship between life and death. ... READ MORE
Category: Forests, Natural Resources
Two weeks ago, I saw my first foxes in the wild. A week and a half ago, I saw my first fox squirrel (Sciurus niger)! While unrelated, the ecology geek in me loved the unlikely coincidence. I saw the fox squirrel as we were leading a kayaking ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Wildlife