UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County -

Scallop Season is Here: Help Keep the Tradition Alive with a Scallop Sorter

by Brittany Hall-Scharf
June 25, 2026

Summer on Florida's Nature Coast means one thing for many families and outdoor enthusiasts - scallop season has arrived! From first-time snorkelers to seasoned scallopers, thousands of people will head to the seagrass beds this summer in search ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Bay Scallops, Clean Scallops, Florida Sea Grant, Recreational Scalloping, Scalloping

Too Cold to Swim: What Florida’s Winter Weather Means for Sea Turtles

by Brittany Hall-Scharf
January 29, 2026

Florida is famous for its warm beaches, swaying palms, and marine life. But when winter cold fronts sweep through, even our Sunshine State can get chilly enough to place sea turtles in danger. What is Cold-Stunning? Sea turtles are ectothermic ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, WORK & LIFE
Tags: Boating, Cold Events, Florida Sea Grant, Marine Life, Sea Turtles, Wildlife Rehabilitation

Upcoming Cold Temperatures Signals Manatee Season is Near!

by Brittany Hall-Scharf
October 29, 2025

As cooler weather begins to move into Florida this weekend, we’re once again reminded that the time when the Florida manatee (also known as the West Indian manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris) seeks warm-water refuge is upon us. These ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Chassahowitzka, Cold Events, Florida Sea Grant, Manatees, Weeki Wachee

Marshes in Motion

by Brittany Hall-Scharf
September 15, 2025

Ever wandered through the salt marshes of Hernando County and noticed the ground moving? Look closer, and you might catch sight of an entire troop of fiddler crabs scurrying across the mud. Meet the Fiddler Crab The most obvious fiddler ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Fiddler Crabs, Florida Sea Grant, Healthy Ecosystems, Marine Life, Salt Marsh

Wildlife & Invasive Species Education™ (WISE) Free Webinars

by Jim Davis
June 2, 2025

Protect Native Wildlife & Fight Invasive Species with W.I.S.E. Webinars – Free in 2025! Join the 2025 Wildlife & Invasive Species Education™ (W.I.S.E.) webinar series to explore the fascinating world of native wildlife and learn ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Backyard Wildlife, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Invasive Species, Master Naturalist, Wildlife

The Basics of Growing Citrus in Central Florida – And Where to Get a Citrus Greening Resistant Sugar Belle Tree!

by William Lester
February 14, 2025

Citrus trees are a staple of Florida landscapes, offering not only beauty but also delicious, homegrown fruit. Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits all thrive in Central Florida, but successful citrus growing requires proper care and planning. ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping

Good Bulls, Good Culling, and Good Pasture for Economic Success

by laurahbennett
January 13, 2025

With cattle prices at very high levels, what are some things you can do to maximize use of this added income? It is always best to make proper investments and not hasty purchases because the cycle is just that – a cycle. The high cattle price ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Livestock
Tags: SFBF

Growing Groceries: Fabulous Figs Made Easy

by William Lester
December 20, 2024

Figs (Ficus carica) are a delightful addition to any Central Florida garden. These hardy trees are not only beautiful but also produce delicious fruits. Among the varieties suited to our region, the Celeste fig stands out for its adaptability, ... READ MORE

Category: Fruits & Vegetables, HOME LANDSCAPES

It is Testing Season! Soil and Forage Testing for Livestock Producers

by laurahbennett
November 21, 2024

With the holidays quickly approaching, taking a test is the last thing on your mind. However, soil testing and forage testing are two very inexpensive but very valuable tools. Both tests help to improve your ability to provide for your livestock. If ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Livestock

Summer is here and so are the scallops!

by Brittany Hall-Scharf
June 27, 2024

Summertime along Florida’s Nature Coast offers a unique adventure: recreational scalloping. Enthusiasts and families alike eagerly anticipate this activity, seeking out the bay scallops that inhabit the shallow seagrass beds. These fascinating ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Clean A Scallop, Florida Sea Grant, Florida's Adventure Coast, Nature Coast, Scallop Sorter, Scalloping

Subscribe For More Great Content