Category: Natural Resources

The Halloween Pennant: A Festive Dragonfly and Five Plants to Attract More Like It

by Bonnie Wells
October 30, 2025

When you think of Halloween, you might picture bats swooping through the twilight or the rustle of leaves beneath a moonlit sky as an owl perches high in the trees, ready to take flight. But there’s another winged creature that fits the ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Biodiversity, Dragonflies, Entomology, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Natural Resources

Go Mothing! It’s National Moth Week—Join the Hunt!

by Bonnie Wells
July 23, 2025

Mothing is the practice of attracting, observing, photographing, identifying, and documenting moths—either casually for enjoyment or as part of scientific study. All it takes is a white sheet and a light source, or even a bit of sugary bait ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, , Wildlife
Tags: Biodiversity, Insects, Lepidoptera, Moths, Natural Resources

Mosquito Alert – St Lucie

by Grantly Ricketts
April 11, 2025

If you are a landscaper, you have no choice but to work outside. There are so many nuisances in the landscape and I do not believe anyone likes to be bothered by mosquitos. You may have already heard about or met the newest addition to the list ... READ MORE

Category: Invasive Species
Tags: Aedes Scapulari

Chainsaw Safety

by Grantly Ricketts
February 12, 2025

Recently, we have experienced many tornadoes in our area. Many trees were down, and many were using chainsaws to remove damaged trees. Homeowners were operating chainsaws for the first time without any training or precautions. Operating a chainsaw ... READ MORE

Category: Forests, HOME LANDSCAPES
Tags: Chainsaw Safety

St Lucie County Fertilizer Ban

by Grantly Ricketts
June 11, 2024

St Lucie County Fertilizer Ban The month of June often brings a lot of rain. Florida’s rainy season starts June 1st and ends September 30th. Water is required for plants to grow healthy, but too much or too little is unsuitable. Too much ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture, Turf, Water
Tags: Fertilizer Ban

April is Earth Month

by Christine Jackson
April 11, 2024

April is recognized as Earth Month. With the 22nd being Earth Day. Earth Day started as a one-day event in 1970, with protests about environmental ignorance and demanding new legislation. After this event, major environmental laws were introduced, ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Lawn, Pests & Disease, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Composting, Conservation, Earth Day, Gardening, Planting

Managing Lawn and Landscape During Drought

by Grantly Ricketts
April 4, 2023

Looking around our neighborhood’s landscape, it is evident that St Lucie County and the neighboring counties are experiencing an extended period of drought. Lawns that are not irrigated appear straw-like, the place is dusty and ornamental ... READ MORE

Category: HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Lawn, Turf, , Water
Tags: Landscape Drought

April: Water Conservation Month

by Eva Maria Pabon
April 3, 2023

For the last 25 years, April has been Water Conservation Month in Florida. This is especially important this year, as we are in a drought. While half of Osceola is only in a moderate drought, the other half is severe. Seminole ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Lawn, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Eva Maria Pabon, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Gardening In Central Florida, Toho Water, Water Conservation

Avoiding Common Landscape Mistakes

by Eva Maria Pabon
March 14, 2023

Everyone has the same goal for the yard. We all want our place to look good, whether we take care of it ourselves or hire various companies to do it. Either way, here are some ideas on how to have a nice yard with fewer problems. Choose ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Lawn, UF/IFAS Extension, , Water
Tags: Eva Pabon, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Gardening, Water Conservation

The Florida Cooters

by Eva Maria Pabon
March 10, 2023

From one hobby to another While gardening is always a great thing to do, a person sometimes needs to take a break and go out and look at the world around us. This hobby has caused me to find the Florida Cooter. What in the world is a ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: Cooters, Gardening, Gardening In Central Florida

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