A means of survival: Mimicry
“Imitation is the sincerest of flattery,” wrote Charles Caleb Colton. Colton was a sometimes cleric, essayist, wine merchant and gambler who bounced around Europe and North America during the early nineteenth century. It is likely many of his financial lenders hoped...
Wildlife Flourishes in Florida’s Summer! But Watch for Invaders Too!
Each of Florida’s seasons are characterized by a variety of amazing and beautiful wildlife activities. Below is a list of some notable native wildlife behaviors occurring in July and August around the state. July Birds Shorebird migration starts in mid-July, peaking...
Forestry Tools Jefferson and Leon Outdoor Camp
Campers Measuring Trees with Division of Forestry.
Swamps: Watershed or Wasteland?
Recent rains have left water standing on some panhandle Florida real estate which has been dry for several years. Ponds, natural and dug, are brimming with water reflecting the generous outpouring from the slow and wet weather system which passed listlessly over the...
Looking Out for Horseshoe Crabs
Spring is here and that can only mean one thing, horseshoe crabs! That’s right it’s horseshoe crab survey time! Each spring the scientists with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) look for volunteers to report horseshoe crab sightings around...
Sinkholes in the Florida Panhandle, Facts and Resources
During our heavy March rainfall events a tiny sinkhole appeared in my yard. While it was only 3 feet across, it was over 5 feet deep! After reading about the various types and causes of sinkholes, I decided it was most likely a “subsidence incident” sinkhole caused...
Improving Water Quality and Bringing Back the Bayous
Those who have lived in the Panhandle area for many years will remember the days when our local bayous were places people water skied, kids learned to swim, and fishermen brought home plenty of speckled trout. But today we see little of this. Water quality within...
Invasive Species of the Day Series (March 10th): Palmer Amaranth & Nutria
National Invasive Species Awareness Week: March 3rd – March 8th March 10th: Palmer Amaranth (Palmer amaranth) & Nutria (Myocastor coypus): Palmer Amaranth: Palmer Amaranth, a type of pigweed, is invading the Southeast. It is a very troublesome weed for us...
Invasive Species of the Day Series (March 9th): Mimosa Tree & Eurasian Water Milfoil
Mimosa Tree: When traveling down secluded roads, one always marvels at the beautiful fragrant puff-like flowers lining the right of way. Many people decide that they must have one for their yard. Unfortunately, obtaining one for landscaping purposes is a bad decision....
Invasive Species of the Day Series (March 8th): Red Imported Fire Ant & Giant Tiger Prawn
National Invasive Species Awareness Week: March 3rd – March 8th March 8th: Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) & Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon): Red Imported Fire Ant: Many of us cherish childhood memories of family picnics during summer. What we...