Mountains of Jellyfish
In recent weeks there have been reports of large masses of jellyfish along the Gulf Coast. I have actually heard people state “I would rather be in the water with 100 sharks than 100 jellyfish”. Maybe that is true from some. Honestly, it seems...
Our Native Saturniid Moths
It certainly appears that I am on an insect kick of late based on the content of my last three newsletter articles. Honestly though, when I think about it, bugs definitely rank near the top of my list for mystery and intrigue in the natural world. When we begin to dig...
The Pensacola Bay Horseshoe Crab Hunt 2022
This is an amazing animal – the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus). A relic of an age before the dinosaurs, they have been plowing the sediments of our marine and estuarine waters for over 400 million years. They are thick armored tanks, shaped like...
Buggin’ Out! When the Outdoors Comes Indoors
AUTHOR: ETHAN CARTER - Regional Agriculture Specialist; Northwest District While many people enjoying hiking and exploring the outdoors, coming home to find unexpected bugs in the house is much less enjoyable. There are several key factors that generally lead insects...
Bad Cat Classic 2022 -Catfishing and Bream Tournament
Father and son team in 2021 Bad Cat Classic. The Bad Cat Classic will be hosted on August 27, 2022 by the Holmes County by UF/IFAS Extension Holmes County. The Bad Cat Classic is a bream and catfishing tournament with the mission to get youth on the water, spending...
Come on in… The Water Is Fine!
Well… It’s Better When I joined Florida Sea Grant in 2012 my advisory committee told me water quality was one of their major concerns. Makes sense really. Some members were from the tourism and boating industry. Some were from commercial and...
Can You Find a Coral Snake?
Most of you – okay… ALL of you who read this column like the outdoors. Some like it for its peace and beauty, some for recreation opportunities, some like it for both. One activity I have found many enjoy is seeking creatures from a list. A sort of...
Guidelines on Selecting a Consulting Forester
Author: Ian Stone - Forestry Extension Agent Walton County Selecting a consulting forester is often a major decision for small to large private landowners engaged in forest management and enterprises. Consulting foresters provide technical forestry assistance in all...
Wildlife on Our Barrier Islands in August
It has been a few months since we have posted an article on the changing wildlife over the course of a year on our barrier islands. I took the month of June off and just could not schedule a hike in July. But it is now August, and we DID get out this...
Mangroves in the Western Panhandle
Mangroves in the northern Gulf of Mexico are a relatively new thing for most coastal counties. Some residents are aware they are arriving and are not concerned. Some are aware and are actually excited about it. Some are aware and are concerned. Some are not...