I 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
When we turn the page into a new year, the motto is often “out with the old, in with the new.” But what if we actually kept the old and transformed it into something really useful? That’s exactly what happens with composting. Instead ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources
I got an email in my inbox yesterday from Dr. Bill Hunt, an agricultural engineering professor and Extension specialist at NC State University. He is offering a study tour and a series of webinars on Roman engineering. It is mind-blowing ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Water
If you live near or visit the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico coasts, odds are you’re a fan of the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). Fried or steamed legs and claws, crabcakes, entire softshell crabs—that sweet crab meet is delicious ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
They call Rome the “Eternal City.” It’s been around as long as anyone can remember, bearing witness to most of recorded human history. As the seat of the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church, and the conquerors of Western civilization, ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources
I have a vivid memory of snorkeling the seagrass beds around Port St. Joe when I was an undergraduate marine biology student. Our field research lab involved completing a visual fish survey, using waterproof dive slates and pencils to record ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
I was lucky enough to spend this past weekend exploring a lovely, low-key stretch of northwest Florida. We hiked trails and took the boat tour at Wakulla Springs State Park, marveling at the numerous alligators and admiring birds and a slow-moving ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Every now and then, we get a true “what IS it?” come through our office. A couple of weeks ago, a local oysterman found one of the weirdest organisms I’ve ever seen. This tiny creature was only an inch long, and had what looked ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
If you’ve spent any time on the coast, you know we’ve got plenty of marine mammals. Dolphins will surface in pods, delighting beachgoers; they’ll bow-ride along boats and occasionally treat onlookers to a full Sea World-style leap ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
While we have luckily avoided direct impacts from recent hurricanes Helene and Milton in northwest Florida, we still felt their massive size and power. These storms whipped up the entire Gulf of Mexico, pushing creatures rarely seen above ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife