Gopher Tortoises
In architecture, a “keystone” is the top, central block in an arch structure, the one that holds the entire building up. Without it, the bricks around it collapse. With it, there is nothing stronger. So, when you hear an animal referred to as a “keystone” species, it...
2020 Year of the Turtle – map turtles
Map turtles (Graptemys) are pretty common across much of the eastern and midwest areas of the United States. Not so much in Florida. There are only two species, and they are only found in the panhandle. However, the range for those two species is mostly in Florida...
Share the Shore with Nesting Seabirds and Shorebirds!
Black Skimmers and Least Terns, state listed species of seabirds, have returned along the coastal areas of the northern Gulf of Mexico! These colorful, dynamic birds are fun to watch, which can be done without disturbing the them. What is the difference between a...
Weekly “What is it?”: Pitcher Plants
If you live in northwest Florida or southeast Alabama and have never laid eyes on our wild native carnivorous plants, it is about time! April and early May are the best time to see them in bloom. We have six species of pitcher plants (Sarracenia), the most common...
Embrace the Gulf 2020 – flatworms
Okay, this is a gamble. I began this series to celebrate the year of the Gulf of Mexico - “Embracing the Gulf 2020”. The idea was to write about the habitats, creatures, economic impacts, and issues surrounding the “pond” that we live on. I did a few introductory...
The Spiderwort
The spiderwort is a pretty little plant that most people have encountered in their yards or on roadsides. In cattle or hay pastures, it is considered a weed because cows won’t eat it, and its high moisture content can ruin hay harvests. In a home landscape, though, it...
2020 Year of the Turtle – chicken turtles
Bet you have never heard of these? Chicken Turtles? But they exist! And the reason you probably have not heard of them is because, unlike so many other turtles, they do not spend a lot of time in the water. Chicken turtles are fans of the ephemeral ponds, these are...
New List Provides Assistance Options for Florida Coastal Businesses
Florida Sea Grant is maintaining a curated list of disaster assistance options for Florida’s coastal businesses disrupted by COVID-19. The list contains links to details about well- and lesser-known options and includes “quick takeaway” overviews of each assistance...
Embrace the Gulf 2020 – the jellyfish
I’d like to be a jellyfish… cause jellyfish don’t pay rent… They don’t walk and they don’t talk with some Euro-trash accent… Their just simple protoplasm… clear as cellophane They ride the winds of fortune… life without a brain These lyrics from Jimmy Buffett’s song...
The Incredible Floridan Aquifer
As Florida residents, we are so fortunate to have the Floridan Aquifer lying below us, one of the most productive aquifer systems in the world. The aquifer underlies an area of about 100,000 square miles that includes all of Florida and extends into parts of Alabama,...