So where does all the water from a summer rainstorm go? It rushes off rooftops onto yards and driveways; from there it picks up fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemical pollutants before flowing into a nearby storm drain. This stormwater ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, , Water
Water Markers Many boaters wonder why there are so many different types of markers out there in navigational waters, and how they work. Well, it works just like road signs, and they are as important to keep us safe in the water. On the road, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water
Where is the Seagrass? The Extension Office has received several calls from boaters with a concern about the changes in large seagrass areas that seem to be “gone”, showing only sandy patches where it used to be a good seagrass ground. ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water
Sheepshead If you want to enjoy some good time fishing on the coast of the Big Bend, Sheepshead might be one of your options. They are considered one of the most important coastal trophy fish. Their most common habitat is coastal waters near ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water
Is the red tide a current threat to Taylor County waters? The most accurate short answer is perhaps no. Red tide is a phenomenon caused by the blooming of toxic microalgae known as Karenia brevis. Which not only accumulates in filter-feeding ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water
What happens after Scallop season Scallop season deals with different challenges, including penny-sized scallops, rain (a lot of it in the last years), bad weather, storms, hurricane warnings and landings, flooded rivers, sea urchins, inexperienced ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water
Assessing the condition of seagrass, sea urchins, and scallops The UF/IFAS Extension Agent and a certified scientific volunteer diver visited the area between Piney Point and Grassy Island to assess the condition of seagrass, sea urchins (https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/codes/food-bait-invertebrates/variable-urchin/) ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water
Coastal cleanup by the numbers This year, the International Coastal Cleanup was a back in full swing and was a success! At least 140 volunteers braved the rain to remove nearly 2,500 pounds of trash from local shorelines. This is similar to ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Community Volunteers, Events, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
The change of seasons here in North Florida provides a time to encourage kids to put away the tablets and phones and get in touch with the outdoors. Youth need time to reconnect with nature. A great way to teach them about the great outdoors ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Conservation, Curriculum, Forests, Health & Nutrition, Natural Resources, Recreation, Relationships & Family, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Nothing says summer in the Nature Coast like the start of scalloping. Starting tomorrow, June 15th, thousands will splash into the clear water searching through carpets of seagrass for bay scallops. This annual marine Easter egg hunt is possible ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water