As strong summer thunderstorms start to roll in, which sometimes bring heavy amounts of rain, it is important to remember to keep yard waste from collecting near and going down the storm drains. Collectively, this… Read More
Once thought extinct, rare atala butterflies were rediscovered and can thrive with a little help from St. Lucie County residents. The UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County, the Manatee Observation and Education Center, Heathcote Botanical Gardens… Read More
Sabal palm (Sabal palmetto) is native to Florida. It is also the official Florida state tree. This beautiful tree can be found growing in landscapes and natural areas throughout the state. Oftentimes, other plants such… Read More
Hikers trekking through St. Lucie County’s scrub might encounter an endemic species: the Florida scrub jay. The St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department (ERD) maintains preserves with scrub habitat that I recommend hiking. Sheraton Scrub… Read More
Introduction Peanut Butter Fruit Tree (Bunchosia glandulifera), also known as Monk’s Plum, is a perennial flowering plant native to Central America and South America. Other than ornamental value, the tree produces small orange-red fruits, almost one… Read More
Landscapers and homeowners alike are very excited during plant growing season. People in my neighborhood are busy with their lawnmowers and are shopping for new plants. But did you know that many lawn and landscape… Read More
For decades, fire ants have been a nuisance in the Southeastern United States. Fire ants move from one location to another, people transport them when transport landscaping and agricultural equipment. Therefore, it is advisable to… Read More
The Florida atala butterfly (Eumaeus atala Poey) is a rare hairstreak butterfly characterized by satiny black wings featuring an iridescent turquois shimmer. It was thought to be extinct due to overharvest of its host plant,… Read More
As an Extension Educator with the UF/IFAS Extension, clients told me many times that the applied pesticides do not work against the targeted pest anymore. In most cases the pesticide applicators blame pesticide failures on… Read More
Introduction Due to increased pest and disease pressure and production costs, citrus growers are beginning to look into alternative crops to diversify and find new markets. Some of these alternative crops might work, while others… Read More
