I got my foot in the door for my first environmental job by volunteering at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) while still in college. The Submerged Lands and Environmental Resource Program (aka “SLERP”, now ERP) ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
Wrapping up my trio of west coast-based articles today, I’m focusing on California mussels (Mytilus californianus). When we walked down the beach near Malibu, every single rock was covered in these bulky shells. Packed in close together, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
If you’ve ever gone scuba diving or seen underwater footage of the cold waters off the Pacific coast, you’ll likely recognize giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera). The strappy greenish-brown blades of this seaweed form a thick, upright, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Forests, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
Over the holidays, my family took a trip out to the west coast. As always when experiencing a new place, I'm curious to see ecosystems that differ greatly from the ones I know well. So, for the next few weeks I’ll kick off the new year ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Ever notice the little air bubbles that form in the wet sand after a wave retreats? These are created by thousands of coquina clams buried just under the sand. When covered by an incoming wave, they open their shells to feed and clap closed ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
I spent three days in prison this year. Razor wire lined the exterior fences and along the drab concrete building rooftops. A 3-story guard tower was visible from every point in the compound, and we were at the mercy of a guard to notice ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Lawn, Natural Resources
When maintaining a garden, knowing the difference between your enemies and the “good guys” is half the battle. Once, I was teaching a group of landscape maintenance folks about beneficial insects, and quizzed them on their bug identification ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
Formed at the edge of freshwater and salt, dense forest and open water, scrubby dune and open marsh, the diversity along and within coastal dune lakes is tremendous. Coastal dune lakes are shallow, irregularly shaped, permanent bodies of ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
When you think of self-defense in the natural world, it’s normal to lean towards the animal kingdom. Between their intimidating teeth, claws, horns, and venom, animals can hold their own in a physical battle for dominance or survival. But ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
I have never come across the brilliantly colored rough green snake (Opheodrys aestivus) in the wild before, but our Master Naturalist class was introduced to a member of this species during the fight of its life yesterday. We took a trip ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Wildlife