New FWC Regulations for Diamondback Terrapins
Let’s begin by stating what a diamondback terrapin is. I have found many Floridians are not familiar with the animal. It is a turtle. A turtle in the family Emydidae which includes the pond turtles, such as cooters and sliders. The big difference between terrapins...
Celebrating the Okaloosa Darter
World Wildlife Day was celebrated on March 3, 2022. This year’s theme is “Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration.” We celebrate this day to bring attention and awareness to many of the plants and animals that are considered threatened and endangered species...
Wildlife on the Beach in March
The month of March is the last of winter. For todays hike we returned to Gulf Islands National Seashore/Ft. Pickens where it was 63°F, overcast with a strong breeze from the northwest. A cold front is coming through to remind us that winter is not over yet. It was...
Snook in the Florida Panhandle
Snook… Wait did you say Snook in the Florida panhandle? Yep… they are not common, but they have seen here. For those who do not know the fish and do not understand why seeing them is strange, this is a more tropical species associated with tarpon. In the early...
Life Stages of the Eastern Newt
Many of our local creatures lead fascinating lives that are rarely observed by the casual nature-seeker. However, thanks to those seriously committed naturalists, who may seriously need to be committed, we get the opportunity to peek into the secret lives of newts for...
4-H Camp Timpoochee: An Outdoor Adventure in the Florida Panhandle
Nestled on the shore of the Choctawhatchee Bay across from Destin in Okaloosa County you will find 4-H Camp Timpoochee. Its private facilities, open spaces, waterfront view, and beautiful sunsets allow campers, students, and guests to play, learn, and work in a safe...
National Invasive Species Awareness Week – What Can You Do?
During this week we have read about what an invasive species is, how they got here, which ones have been here awhile, which are new potential threats, and why we should even care about this. All important things to know when you are trying to understand invasive...
National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) – The Dirty Dozen
The name lets you know that these are probably not good. What we call the Dirty Dozen are those invasive species who are in the high part of the invasive species curve. The section to the right that is red. They are widespread and abundant. They are here and not...
National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) – EDRR Species
Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) To understand better what this is you can look at the graphic below of the “invasive species curve”. You will notice that across the x-axis is time, increasing from left to right. On the y-axis you have area covered on the...
National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) – How Did They Get Here?
Based on the definition we use for an invasive species, they got here because of us. It may have been unintentional, but it was still humans who assisted their arrival. All species have a biogeographic range. There is some point of origin, where they first...