Earth Day 2024 is coming up on April 22, and this year’s theme is “Planet vs Plastics.” Plastic Facts – Did you know? The synthetic plastic was Bakelite made in 1906 by Leo Baekland in Belgium. Plastics are made from naptha, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
In the realm of botany, not all trees are created equal—especially when considering the delicate balance of local ecosystems. The Albizia julibrissin 'Alba', commonly known as the 'Alba' Mimosa Tree or Silk Tree, stands as a testament to the ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Invasive Species, Lawn, Natural Resources,
We had some big waves in mid-December, and with that washed up a slew of plastic fragments and bottle caps as well as natural debris such as sargassum seaweed and black mangrove propagules. However, there was something different on our beaches ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, , Water
Wedelia (Sphagneticola trilobata) is an invasive plant that was introduced to Florida in the early 1900s from Central and South America. It was widely used as a groundcover for its daisy-like flowers and fast growth habit. However, it has become ... READ MORE
Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Natural Resources
Welcome to the second blog of the Florida 101 series. If you haven’t read it yet, go back and check out our first entry on Florida weather. Understanding tides is vital to being able to appreciate life on the coast! Tides affect ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension, , Water
November 17, 2023 from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm The Volusia County Farm Tour has been a popular fall tradition since 1981. The agriculture industry is the silent engine of the Volusia County economy where local farmers create jobs, feed families ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Crops, Events, Farm Management, Horticulture, Livestock,
Welcome to the first blog in the Florida 101 series! This series of blogs will be geared towards introductions to topics that are important to understand when living in coastal Florida. Whether you are one of the 1,000 new residents who ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension,
In the vibrant tapestry of Florida's flora, two plants stand out - the invasive Mexican Petunia and the native Tropical Sage (Salvia coccinea). While one has found its way into gardens and landscapes, the other has deep roots in Florida's native ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Natural Resources,
Living in Florida offers a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the diverse and rich natural landscape. As we appreciate the beauty of our surroundings, it's essential to be aware of the impact certain plant species can have on our environment. ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension
Puerto Rico is famous for its bioluminescent bays, but did you know that we have the same organism creating bioluminescence right here in Florida? Each summer, the northern Indian River Lagoon attracts visitors at night for a special sight ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, , Water, Wildlife