2020 Year of the Turtle – mud turtles
This is a new one for many of you… mud turtles. Most have never heard of them. They are very small turtles with oval shaped, domed shells that have hinges similar to box turtles. There are actually two genera within this family of small turtles, the mud turtles...
Seagrass… It’s Alive!
What’s the big deal about seagrasses? Seagrass meadows are made up of plants that live under water in our local estuaries. Just like the grass and plants in our yards where many types of insects, worms and small animals live, seagrass meadows provide habitat for...
New Spotted Seatrout Rules & 2020 Gulf Red Snapper Season Dates
Recently FWC (Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission) announced rule changes relating to spotted seatrout. The text was taken directly from FWC press releases; details not pertinent to NW Florida were removed. Several rule changes for spotted seatrout...
Embrace the Gulf 2020 – the birds
The birds… This is nuts… an article about the birds of the Gulf of Mexico in 500 words or less… right. Do you know how many species of birds live in and around the Gulf? It’s a lot… Birds have the fewest barriers, and the widest range of just about any animal on the...
2020 Year of the Turtle – the softshells
These are some of the most unique turtles in the Order Chelonia. Softshells are very distinct with their flat, leathery shells and long tubular snouts. These guys like to lie beneath the sand of Florida’s rivers, buried except their eyes and snout, awaiting passing...
National Invasive Species Awareness Week 2020 – An Opportunity for Action
February is a month filled with special celebrations and events like Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, Groundhog Day, and of course NISAW! NISAW or National Invasive Species Awareness Week isn’t as famous or beloved as the other February dates. You likely won’t...
Keeping “Zombie Deer” Out of Florida
“Zombie Deer” have been making headlines lately. What are “zombie deer”? They are deer with chronic wasting disease or CWD. CWD is a progressive, neurological disease that is similar to BSE or Mad Cow Disease. It is believed to be caused by a prion (an abnormal...
Embrace the Gulf 2020 – the reptiles
When you think of reptiles you typically think of tropical rainforest or the desert. However, there is at least one member of the three orders of reptiles that do live in the sea. Saltwater crocodiles are found in the Indo-Pacific region as are about 50 species of...
2020 Year of the Turtle – Sea Turtles
This is one of the most beloved animals on the planet… sea turtles. Discussions and debates over all sorts of local issues occur but when sea turtles enter the discussion, most agree – “we like sea turtles”, “we have nothing against sea turtles”. There are nonprofit...
Where can you have your well water tested to ensure it is safe to drink?
Residents that rely on private wells for home consumption are responsible for ensuring the safety of their own drinking water. The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) recommends private well users test their water once a year for bacteria and nitrate. Unlike...