Finding Rare Animals
One of the programs I focus on as a Sea Grant Extension Agent in Escambia County is restoring the health of our estuary. One of the projects in that program is increasing the encounters with estuarine animals that were once common. Currently I am focused on...
Copy Cats Abound in the Insect World
When it landed on my hand, the first reaction was to brush it off as quickly as possible. However, something seemed to be slightly odd about this particular “wasp” that made me take another look. First, it was not prone to fly away as I moved my hand up for a better...
Bluefish of the Florida Panhandle
“Bluefish!” … “It’s just a school of bluefish!” So yelled the lifeguard in Jaws II when Chief Brody had mistaken a school of bluefish for the rogue great white shark that was plaguing the town. He would not have been the first to mistake these large schools for a...
Buttonbush: A Pollinator’s Favorite
Beginning in 2007 the US Senate, in support of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign, declared the last week of June as “National Pollinator Week.” As humans, we depend on pollen-moving animals for one out of every three bites of food. Without birds,...
PlayCleanGo Pledge
Now that you've learned about the PlayCleanGo initiative and the ways you can help stop invasive species in your tracks, Take the Pledge!
PlayCleanGo Day 5: ATVs and Trailers
ATVs and Trailers: Don’t Let Invasive Species Catch a Free Ride! In the final installment of our PlayCleanGo program, Rick O’Connor and Carrie Stevenson will look at how you can avoid spreading invasive species when you use a vehicle outside. Utilizing a hose and...
PlayCleanGo Day 4: Camping and Firewood
Tents and Firewood: Don’t Let Invasive Species Camp with You! In the 4th installment of our PlayCleanGo program, Rick O’Connor and Carrie Stevenson will show you how to avoid the introduction of invasive species when you go camping or use a firepit. In this video, we...
PlayCleanGo Day 3: Watercraft
Watercraft and Fishing: Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers: Keep your Kayak and Other Paddle Craft Clean! In the 3rd installment of our PlayCleanGo program, Scott Jackson will show you how to keep paddle craft clean of invasive species that may be present in the water....
PlayCleanGo Day 2: Horseback Riding
Hair, Hay, and Hooves: The Places Where Invasive Plants May be Lurking In the 2nd installment of our PlayCleanGo program, Jennifer Bearden showcases how horse owners can ensure that their equestrian activities don’t introduce invasive plants. Within the video,...
PlayCleanGo Day 1: Hiking
Hiking: Watch Your Step and Clean Your Soles The first of 5, this video created by Rick O’Connor and Carrie Stevenson discusses how residents can enjoy the outdoors and wildlife trails while still making sure to preserve the environment. Brushing and cleaning your...