Participate in the City Nature Challenge BioBlitz The City Nature Challenge is a global celebration of biodiversity—and you can be part of it right here in Polk County. From April 25–28, 2025, community members across the region will join ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation
Are you itching for answers to the pesky mosquitoes starting to make their presence known? In this two-part episode, we explore the mosquitoes of Florida, covering everything from mosquito biology, types of mosquitoes, mosquito surveillance ... READ MORE
Category: , Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, Work & Life
Engaging the Community in Biodiversity Conservation The 2024 DeLuca BioBlitz in Osceola County was nothing short of amazing, with an astounding 3,311 observations of 674 species by 43 observers. The collaborative spirit of the event led ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation
Exploring Biodiversity The City Nature Challenge is an exciting global event that celebrates the wonders of nature right in our own backyards. Hosted by The Nature Conservancy, this four-day bioblitz encourages people of all ages to become community ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Events, Natural Resources, Recreation,
In this episode, we explore the two species of skunks found in Florida, the striped skunk and the eastern spotted skunk. A mammal that is so unique, it recently divided from a subfamily of the weasel to become its own family, a stinky one! ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
How do you feel about snakes? Not a fan? Well, while we believe snakes are friends, not foes, we recognize it may be comforting to know that the vast majority of snakes in Florida are non-venomous and largely cannot hurt you or your family. ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
Manatees are Florida’s gentle giants and are a sight to behold. They are state and federally protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of ... READ MORE
Category: , Natural Resources
Florida black bears have been in the news, frequently, this year! On today's episode, we chat about the Florida black bear's diet, behavior, and biology, and provide some tips for co-existing with our resident bears. New Episode from Naturally ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
If you live in Florida, chances are you have heard or read about “harmful algal blooms" commonly referred to as HABs. We have received many requests for an episode on this topic, so…here it is! What are algae? What is a HAB? Are all algae ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
We're excited to share that the Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership has awarded a Conservation Grant to Shannon Carnevale, our Natural Resources and Conservation Extension Agent. With this grant, we will launch the "Supplemental ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife