The cottonmouth is the aquatic superstar of venomous snakes in Florida. Also known as the moccasin, the cottonmouth can be found in every county in the sunshine state. Cottomouths are relatively large snakes. Specimens can reach a length of ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Wildlife
Join us for some new adventures nest year in 2019 for Hike Sumter. READ MORE
Category: Events, Natural Resources
Selecting the right plant and placing it in the right location is one of the most important tips a UF/IFAS extension agent and Master Gardener can tell you. One of the biggest mistakes people make is to select the wrong plant for this area. ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
If you are new to the sunshine state, you may have noticed that there just a few bugs down here. Well, maybe more than just a few! Bugs can be found everywhere. They are in our landscape, flowers, mulch and even our trees. We also have bugs ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
If you ask many adults what their greatest fear is public speaking would probably rank number one. Ironically, public speaking is a skill that is highly valued and sought after by employers. 4-H Youth Development programs are able to give youth ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth
According to the American Heart Association, approximately one in three children and teens are overweight/obese. Childhood obesity is now the number one health concern among parents in the United States. Among American children ages 2-19, the ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Health & Nutrition
Florida’s state tree, the cabbage palm, Sabal palmetto, is one the easiest palm trees to grow. The cabbage palm is a Florida native that can reach a height of 40-50 ft. tall. Do not worry though; this is a very slow growing palm. In fact, ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Survival of the fittest is the primary rule in my garden. If a plant constantly gets sick or is infested with insects, it is quickly escorted out of the landscape. One true workhorse in the garden is the yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria). The yaupon ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
Winter has finally arrived, though it certainly does not feel like it. With the cooler weather and time of year, some homeowners might be noticing patches of dead or brown grass in their lawn. The prevalent disease on turfgrass this time of ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Lawn
Warmer weather is back, but Sumter County has recently suffered some severe freezing temperatures. You may have noticed that your lawn has suddenly turned brown. Do not worry! Brown is a color too. This is perfectly normal for this time of year ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Lawn