The American Alligator: a new nuisance for the panhandle?
I recently saw a photograph of an American Alligator (Alligator mississppiensis) crossing Perdido Key Drive on a heavy rain day. This encounter would surprise some, and unnerve many. The majority of the nuisance wildlife calls I receive are for snakes. I have never...
Lending a Helping Hand after Irma, Harvey, and other Hurricanes
Recent images of hurricane Irma and Harvey’s devastating impacts remind all of us living along the Gulf just how powerful tropical cyclones can be. There’s a Gulf of Mexico kinship we all feel. Even more today since Irma has put our Florida homes and cities in...
Bay scallops: a boom and bust lifestyle
Many species of animals go through dramatic swings in population numbers over time. For some, these fluctuations are related to the dynamics of a natural symbiotic connection such as a predator-prey relationship. A classic example of this is the famous snowshoe...
Coastal Erosion–a problem with new solutions
Life on the coast has tremendous benefits; steady sea breezes, gorgeous beaches, plentiful fishing and paddling opportunities. Nevertheless, there are definite downsides to living along it, too. Besides storms like Hurricane Harvey making semi-regular appearances, our...
Steps for Dealing with Nuisance Wildlife
As a County Agent, I receive a wide variety of calls from clients relating to wildlife. The majority of these calls are quite positive; clients need help improving wildlife habitat or simply need a creature identified to satisfy their curiosity. However, from time to...
Invasive Exotic Species and Control Workshop
Join us to learn about identifying and controlling some of the most troublesome invasive exotic plants like cogongrass, Japanese climbing fern, privet, and others. We will also address exotic insects that are causing, or will cause, big headaches for forestry and...
So What’s Good with Local Seafood?
Actually, if you like seafood – it’s all good! However, not everyone does and sometimes when this question is asked they are interested in not how it taste but where the seafood came from. In recent years, there has been a move across the country to learn more...
Beekeeping in the Panhandle Summer Series – Starts August 17th
The UF/IFAS Extension Panhandle Agriculture Team is pleased to offer three intermediate level beekeeping classes. These classes will be offered via interactive web-conferencing at a number of Extension Offices across North Florida and will be taught by state and...
Panhandle Outdoors Water School – St. Joseph Bay
Our first POL program will happen this week - August 17 - at the Navarre Beach snorkel reef, and is sold out! We are glad you all are interested in these programs. Well! We have another one for you. The Natural Resource Extension Agents from UF IFAS...
Trying to Solve the Marine Debris Problem
Since the early 1970’s, when Chief Iron Eyes Cody shed a tear on a television commercial, we have been trying to reduce the amount of solid waste found along our beaches and within our waters. Though numerous agencies and civic groups, led by the Ocean Conservancy,...