Category: HOME LANDSCAPES

Exotics vs Native Plants in a Florida Landscape

by Mark Hostetler
August 3, 2026

In Florida and elsewhere, cities are a mixture of exotic and native species. These novel or “recombinant ecosystems” represent unique plant and animal communities that have been purposely or accidentally created by humans. The question posed ... READ MORE

Category: , Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Invasive Species, Lawn, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Conservation, Environmental Landscaping, Invasive Species, Native Plants, Wildlife
A fire burning on the ground among pine trees and grass.

Stay Informed About Wildfires

by Dr. Shelly Johnson and Natural Areas Training Academy
April 28, 2026

Florida is a fire-adapted landscape. That means fire is a natural and beneficial part of the ecosystem with many plants and animals evolved to rely on fire. It is not uncommon for natural areas managers to use controlled, planned wildland fire ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, , Disaster Preparation, Forests, HOME LANDSCAPES, Natural Resources, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Communications, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Natural Areas Training Academy

Bat roosts in Florida are protected as of April 16th

by Dr. Shelly Johnson
April 9, 2026

Bats are an important part of our ecosystem in Florida, as the only major predator of night-flying insects. To ensure bats continue providing natural pest control, all bats in Florida are protected. Bat roosts are provided extra protection during ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Conservation, HOME LANDSCAPES, Natural Resources, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Communications, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Bats, Chiroptera, Conservation, Exclusions, IFAS Extension, Maternity Colony, NATA, Natural Areas Training Academy, Natural Resources, Shelly Johnson, Wecdept, Wildlife, Wildlife Ecology And Conservation

Cues to Care: Are city landowners willing to create ecological landscapes?

by Mark Hostetler
April 8, 2026

 The purpose of this publication is to inform homeowners, developers, environmental horticulture Extension agents, and city officials about potential considerations to make urban landscapes more eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. Regarding ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Lawn, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Conservation, Environmental Landscaping, Sustainable Development, Urban Wildlife
White Ibis birds in a wetland.

Florida Master Naturalist Program Courses beginning April 2025

by Martin Main
March 25, 2025

Are you a nature enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about Florida's amazing ecosystems, the plants and animals that live there, and the conservation issues they face? Are you an educator or ecotour guide looking to expand upon ... READ MORE

Category: Clubs & Volunteers, Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Events, Forests, HOME LANDSCAPES, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Professional Development, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: FMNP, FMNP Blog, Https://www.facebook.com/@OfficialFMNP/, UF/IFAS Extension, WEC Department, Wildlife Ecology And Conservation

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