Invasive Species of the Day Series (March 4th): Cogongrass and Hydrilla

National Invasive Species Awareness Week: March 3rd – March 8th

March 4th: Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) & Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata):

Cogongrass Photo Credit: Chris Evans, Illionois Wildlife Action Plan, www.bugwood.org

Cogongrass Photo Credit: Chris Evans, Illionois Wildlife Action Plan, www.bugwood.org

Cogongrass: Cogongrass is one of the 10 worst weeds in the world.  This grass is an aggressive grower and forms colonies causing loss of productive forest areas, severe degradation of habitat, and economic issues.  Since its introduction in the 1900s, Cogongrass has spread to most of the counties in Florida.  Reproduction occurs through seed production and the creeping rhizome system.  This plant is prolific once established with the creation of a very dense rhizome system that retains water and releasing of allelopathic chemicals reducing competition from other plants. The main identifying characteristic is the off-center mid rib and its yellow green coloring.

Once this grass invades, it will quickly displace the native species and requires frequent and intensive controls.  Early detection is best since a small infestation is easier and cheaper to treat.  The larger infestations become more time intensive, expensive, and difficult.  There are treatment options for these infestations, make sure that specific instructions are followed and treatment is repeated.  For more information on the biology of this plant and various treatment options visit http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg202.   Also, by contacting your local UF/IFAS Extension office for assistance and information.

For more information contact the author Brooke Saari, Sea Grant Marine Science Extension Agent, 850-689-5850

Hydrilla: Hydrilla is a submerged plant that grows in dense mats up to the surface of freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, springs, and rivers.  Growing at the rapid rate of an inch a day and up to 25 feet long, hydrilla shades out beneficial native plants and clogs waterways, preventing flood control, boating, shrimping and fishing.  In dense populations, the plant can alter oxygen levels and water chemistry and survive in a wide variety of nutrient conditions, sunlight availability, and temperatures.

Hydrilla Photo Credit: Vic Ramey, UF

Hydrilla Photo Credit: Vic Ramey, UF

Originally found in Asia and introduced to Florida (likely through Tampa and Miami) in the 1950’s as part of the aquarium trade, hydrilla has become a very expensive problem for the state.  Millions are spent annually on chemical and mechanical treatment simply to maintain the plant.  Adding to the problem is the fact that it is still available commercially, even though it has been placed on the US Federal Noxious Weed List.

Methods of control include mechanical harvesters and chopping machines (although fragments of hydrilla left in the water can regrow), introduced insects and fish (particularly the Chinese grass carp), aquatic herbicides, and lake drawdowns. Hydrilla is often transported from one body of water to the other by unknowing boaters moving fragments of the plant left on boats, trailers, or live wells, so learning to identify the plant and cleaning boats before leaving the ramp are helpful in prevention.  Visit the Extension Hydrilla IPM site for more helpful tips at: http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/hydrilla/index.shtml.

For more information contact the author Carrie Stevenson, Coastal Sustainability & Natural Resources Agent, 850-475-5230.

Invasive Species of the Day Series (March 2nd): Popcorn Tree & Torpedo Grass

National Invasive Species Awareness Week: March 3rd – March 8th

March 2nd: Chinese Tallow (Sapium sebiferum) & Torpedo Grass (Panicum repens)

Chinese Tallow Photo Credit Cheryl McCormick, UF, www.bugwood.org

Chinese Tallow Photo Credit Cheryl McCormick, UF, www.bugwood.org

Chinese Tallow (Popcorn Tree): Benjamin Franklin has been blamed for introducing the invasive exotic Chinese Tallow tree to the Southeast when he mailed seeds to a planter after one of his trips to London in the late 1700’s. However, recent DNA work has traced the invasive strain to federal scientists’ importations in 1905.  No matter. The “Popcorn Tree,” as it’s also called because of its white seeds, has invaded the Gulf of Mexico coast from Texas to Florida, especially the wetlands and bottomland forests. A mature tree may produce as many as 100,000 seeds annually. These seeds can be spread by birds or moving water and expedite the trees’ takeover of habitat. The sap and berries are toxic to humans and livestock. It has been planted for its red fall color, but it crowds out native wetland species such as black gum and red maple, both noted for their red fall leaves. Its tolerance to flooding and saltwater can also make it a threat to bald cypress.

Recently research by scientists of the US Forest Service and others has shown that dissolved oxygen and pH levels in the leaf litter of the tallow tree are fatal to the early stage eggs of the leopard frog.  While tallow trees provide a nectar source for bees and have been investigated as a biofuel source, the damage to wetlands caused by these invaders more than offsets the positive aspects of the plant.

To control this species, small seedlings may be hand pulled, especially in wet areas, but care should be taken to leave no root pieces to resprout. Herbicides including triclopyr can control Chinese Tallow. More information is available at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag148 and   http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/676.  For local assistance, contact your county UF IFAS Extension office.

For more information contact the author Jed Dillard, Livestock & Forages Extension Agent,850-342-0187.

Torpedo Grass: Torpedo grass (Panicum repens) is an invasive weed that is a scourge in lawns, flowerbeds and landscapes. Even if introduced into a small area, this weed can rapidly spread to become a major problem. Its name is derived from the hard, sharp point of the rhizome that runs horizontally underground, almost like a torpedo going through water. The rhizomes can travel a foot or more deep, and the hard tip will easily punch through landscape fabric and weed barriers.

Torpedo Grass Photo Credit: Graves Lovell, Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, www.bugwood.org

Torpedo Grass Photo Credit: Graves Lovell, Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, www.bugwood.org

Native to Africa and Asia, Torpedo Grass was introduced to the United States around 1876, primarily through seed used for forage crops. The real infestation came in the early part of the 20th century when the USDA imported and distributed seed for planting pastures as forage for cattle.  Ironically it proved inferior for use as a forage crop. Now it is found in the Gulf South from Florida to Texas and in other coastal areas around the world.

Torpedo grass is nearly impossible to completely eliminate, so management of it is not a matter of how to get rid of it completely but instead how to prevent it from taking over an area. The only way that this can be accomplished is with repeated and frequent efforts. You will have to scout regularly and any time torpedo grass is seen, promptly take action.  Prevention is best for management of this weed, mechanical provides moderate control, and the most effective is herbicide use.  Glyphosate (Roundup, etc.) has been found to be the most effective control herbicide but specific chemicals and application techniques will vary depending upon the landscape or habitat characteristics.  For management in lawns please refer to http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep387 for specific herbicide controls based predominate lawn species.  For management of invasive species in natural areas, refer to http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg209 for a comprehensive list of species and their controls.  As always, refer to instructions on herbicide label to ensure proper usage.  Understand that herbicides will suppress torpedo grass for a time, but they will not kill it.  Unfortunately, at this time, there is no quick, easy or permanent way to deal with this weed.

For more information contact the author Rob Trawick, Horticulture Extension Agent,850-482-9620.

 

National Invasive Species Awareness Week March 3rd – March 8th

Logo for National Inasive Species Week

National Invasive Species Awareness Week

Invasive Species Awareness: How is Your Invader Knowledge?

Invasive species are non-native or exotic species that do not naturally occur in an area and cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.  These invasive species have become the number one threat to biodiversity on protected lands.  However, invasive species do not know boundaries and as a result public and private lands are affected as well as natural and man-made water bodies and associated watersheds.  Northwest Florida is home to many unique habitats, including upland, wetland, and marine.  These habitats, housing a variety of plants and animals, make this area considered as one of the top six biodiversity hotspots in the country. These invasive species threats can come in the form of both plants and animals, in Florida there are over 500 non-native fish and wildlife species and over 1180 non-native plant species that have been documented.  Exotic species are able to outcompete many natives causing habitats to degrade, animals to leave, and can introduce diseases that can destroy economically important species. This is a worldwide issue that can be addressed on local levels. One of the most effective ways to control invasive species is by prevention, just by becoming invasive aware can help to control some of these issues.

So how aware are you?  Recreationalists such as boaters, fishermen, pet owners, gardeners, hikers and travelers can be unknowing dispersers of invasive species.  These everyday steps can help: By cleaning and draining your boat, gear and trailer between water bodies can stop the spread of species that may be hitchhiking on your equipment.  If you are a pet owner and find yourself in a possession of a pet you no longer want or can care for, it is important not to release these into the wild.  No pet, either native or exotic, should ever be released.  This act can cause more harm than good, not only to your pet but to the other native wildlife.  Follow the simple tips on Habitattitude to get tips on alternatives to releasing your pet.  When out enjoying nature while biking, hiking, camping, birding, etc. take care to check where you are trekking, what might have attached to your clothing, making sure you do not end up being an unwitting disperser.  Gardeners, even you can help especially when dealing with non-native plant dispersal.  Not all non-native plants are bad but make sure that the plants you are putting in your garden are not harmful invaders that will make it into natural areas.  Verify your plants by making sure they do not occur on the invasive plant list which can be found at http://www.fleppc.org/.  There are many ways to get involved in the battle against invasive species.  For more information about National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) please visit http://www.nisaw.org/, landowners can join your local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMA) group or for more info on local invasive species contact your UF/IFAS extension office.  Look for the invasive species of the day posts on the Panhandle Outdoors Extension Newsletter blog throughout NISAW to increase your awareness of local invasive exotic species.

For more information, please contact Brooke Saari, Florida Sea Grant Marine Science Agent, Okaloosa/Walton County UF/IFAS Extension by phone 689-5850 or email bsaari@ufl.edu.

Panhandle Outdoors LIVE 2013!

 

kayaksAre you interested in exploring and discovering more about the waterways and wildlife around you?  If so, Panhandle Outdoors LIVE may be right up your alley.  In 2012, natural resources Extension Agents took over 200 people on trips from Perdido to Apalachicola, and this yearlong series of hiking, boating, and kayaking trips is back by popular demand with 9 new locations.  Local experts will provide you with insight into the “real” Florida and take you to places unique to our corner of the world. We promise you’ll go home with a new appreciation for our Florida ecosystems!

The expedition schedule is as follows:

March 15: Aucilla River Sinks (Jefferson County)

March 28:  The Great Florida Wildlife Trail (Calhoun County)

April 2:  Pitcher Plants & Weeks Bay (Baldwin County, Alabama)

May 8:  Coastal Dune Lakes (Walton County, Florida)

June 6:  Yellow River & Boiling Creek (Santa Rosa County)

August 15:  Saltwater Marshes of St. Andrews Bay (Bay County)

September 24:  Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (Franklin County)

October 3:  Blackwater River State Forest (Santa Rosa County)

November 15:  Seagrasses & Manatees of Apalachee Bay (Wakulla County)

 

Each day starts at Pitcher plant bog9:30 am central/10:30 am eastern and runs to 4:00 central/5:00 eastern.  Please arrive at least 20 minutes early for each trip to ensure the events can start on time.  Depending on location, moderate walking, hiking, swimming, and/or paddling may be involved.  Lunch, park entry fees, and rentals will be provided for each participant (18 and up only) at a cost of $30.

Click here for registration and contact information. Space is limited, so register early!

 

Enjoy exploring Northwest Florida during Panhandle Outdoor Live 2013

Enjoy exploring Northwest Florida during Panhandle Outdoor Live 2013

Necessary equipment and clothing will vary based on weather and location, but participants should bring sturdy shoes, drinking water, sunscreen, and a camera to each trip. Transportation to each location will be facilitated by carpooling, and some counties may be able to provide transportation.

 

Water Management Summit of Northwest Florida to be held at Niceville Community Center January 31

Water Management Summit Flyer. Great Speakers and Topics for Irrigation and Turf Professionals.

Water is a precious natural resource that often makes headlines. Here in Northwest Florida we have Areas of Special Concern in which it has been determined that availability will not meet the needs as our population grows. Now is the time to make all efforts to conserve this valuable commodity. For those in the landscape industry, water plays a big part in their livelihood. To learn more about water conservation and related issues please attend this Third Annual event January 31, 2013 from 8:00 – 4:30. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Door Prizes Available for those who registered in advance by January 25! To pre-register call Sheila Dunning, Okaloosa County Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent – 850.689.5850.

Hosted at the Niceville Community Center.

Topics and Speakers include:

Water Use Update – Lauren Connell, Hydrogeologist, Resource Regulation, Northwest Florida Water Management

Landscape Irrigation Water Requirements, What Does the Science Say? – Michael Dukes, Ph.D., Irrigation Specialist, University of Florida

Urban Irrigation Smart Controller Retrofits – Kati Migliaccio, University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center

Reclaimed Water – Tom Shannon, Ewing Irrigation

Practical Considerations for Minimizing Environmental Impact of Turf Maintenance – Bryan Unruh, Ph.D., Turfgrass Professor and Associate Center Director, University of Florida, West Florida Research and Education Center

Damage Prevention – Brad Martin, Sunshine One Call 811

Click here to view the entire agenda.

 

Soil Moisture Sensor Video and Urban Irrigation Scheduler Instructions

ET Controllers Installation and Programming Video

For more resources and information come to the summit and visit http://irrigation.ifas.ufl.edu

Your Watershed “Address:” What is it, and Why it’s Important

Image of Lake Hilda as example of our connections to watersheds

No matter our distance from a lake, wetland, river, or coastline, we all live within the boundaries of a watershed – photo by Judy Ludlow

No matter our distance from a lake, wetland, river, or coastline, we all live within the boundaries of a watershed.  In fact, all land on earth is part of a watershed and all habitats exist within a watershed boundary.  The size of watersheds can vary from a few square feet to millions of acres.  It is important to realize our location is always within a watershed.  All domestic, agricultural, horticultural, or industrial activities that occur in a specific watershed will impact surrounding water quality and quantity.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency defines a watershed as “an area of land where all of the water that is under it or drains off of it goes to a common waterway, such as a stream, lake, estuary, wetland, aquifer, or even the ocean.”  Think of a watershed as a bowl or basin formed by the elevation of surrounding terrain.  Gravity moves rainwater, surface water, and groundwater down the basin to its lowest point ending in a body of water.

Meandering Apalachicola River connects the watershed to Apalachicola Bay and eventually the Gulf of Mexico

Being aware of your actions within the watershed is important to the long term water quality and quantity of your favorite panhandle Florida lake, river, or spring run – photo by Judy Ludlow

With that description in mind (water moving to the lowest point), think about the daily activities within your watershed.  Watersheds contain houses, cars, businesses, natural areas, timber lands, agriculture, gardens, golf courses, shopping malls, pavement, septic systems, factories etc.  So no matter where we are within our watershed, whatever falls to the ground (wash water, chemicals, fertilizers, fuels, oils, wastes, etc.) within that watershed will flow “downhill” to the water system that drains it.  You may think the accidentally spilled motor oil may never reach the nearest lake, but it will impact the surface water and/or ground water as it moves downhill through the watershed.  You may also think one isolated spill is insignificant.  Keep in mind however; the more densely populated a watershed is, the greater the frequency and volume of impacts to surface and ground water will be.

Whether you are a business or individual, becoming aware of your watershed “address” is a novel way to view your essential connection to your water resources.   Becoming aware, also, of your actions within the watershed, is important to the long term water quality and quantity of your favorite Panhandle lake, river, or spring run.

For more information about locating your watershed “address” and about watershed management please see the following resources.

Watersheds – Functions and Management

Find Your Watershed “Address”

Watersheds of Florida: Understanding a Watershed Approach to Water Management

Know Your Watershed