Along with several colleagues from UF IFAS Extension, I had the opportunity to attend the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education (AIAEE) Conference in Scotland last week. While our meetings were in the Highlands ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
“Don't fly, Mister bluebird, I'm just walkin' down the road. Early morning sunshine, tell me all I need to know.” These lyrics from the Allman Brothers’ song, “Blue Sky” always come to mind when I step outside our office building ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Wildlife
For years, I’ve recommended a plant—the rain lily (Zephyranthes spp.)—for people interested in building rain gardens. In truth, I’d never knowingly seen the plant in the field or a landscape, but many horticulture professionals I ... READ MORE
Category: Forests, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources
Spring has arrived! Azaleas are in full bloom and the bluebirds are busily working on nests. Also in full bloom are the Demonstration Gardens of UF IFAS Extension, Escambia County. Known informally as the “Demo Garden,” the landscape ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources
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
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
As temperatures drop precipitously this week, I know most of us are digging out those gloves and hats we needed last month. The record-breaking snowfall we experienced along the Gulf Coast in late January was nothing short of surreal. While ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
According to Conservation International, there are 36 biodiversity hotspots worldwide. These are defined as areas with “at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemics — which is to say, it must have a high percentage of plant life found ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife