Panhandle Saltmarshes: Riches Beyond our Dreams
The Florida Panhandle is fortunate to have an abundance of salt marsh habitat fringing many of our coastal environs. Although this habitat may not receive the appreciation it deserves by those seeking a white-sandy beach, it is intricately linked with many of the...
Should We Eliminate Mosquitos?
Yea… should we? Probably your next question would be – can we? The answer is… maybe There was an interesting article in the June edition of the Smithsonian magazine. It discussed this question. Science is close to being able to eliminate mosquitos… sort of…...
Scalloping: Unrivaled Natural Experience for Kids
If you have done this phenomenal summertime activity, then you know what I’m talking about. And it’s not just the kids that derive an amazing, nature-based educational experience. Anyone who puts on a mask and snorkel for their first scalloping adventure is about to...
Water Wars… Can We Avoid It in the Panhandle?
On a recent camping trip out west I was made aware of just how valuable water is. The American west has been battling water issues for a few years now. Some camp showers had buttons that would provide you water for a couple of minutes, others charged $.50 for four...
What Cause the Toxic Algal Bloom in South Florida and Could It Happen Here?
Most of us have heard about the toxic algal blooms plaguing south Florida waters. If not, check out http://www.cnbc.com/2016/07/05/. This bloom has caused several major fish kills, bad odors, and has kept tourist away from the area. What happen? and could it happen...
Explore the Panhandle in a Kayak!
Many consider Northwest Florida as the “Canoe Capitol” of the state. We have numerous rivers, creeks, and springs that are great paddling spots. The scenery is great, wildlife is common, and most are easily accessed. To introduce residents and visitors to the...
Snorkeling and Kayaking in St. Joe Bay
Who does not like St. Joseph Bay! What a place… One of the more pristine estuaries in Florida, St. Joe is famous for its snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and scalloping. 15 miles long and 6 miles across (at its widest point), St. Joe Bay has no significant...
Transient Birds and Beach House Refuge
Birds, migration, and climate change. Mix them all together and intuitively, we can imagine an ecological train wreck in the making. Many migratory bird species have seen their numbers plummet over the past half-century – due not to climate change, but to habitat loss...
Oil Spill Science Seminar held in Okaloosa County
The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill occurred about 50 miles offshore of Louisiana in April 2010. Approximately 172 million gallons of oil entered the Gulf of Mexico. Five years after the incident, locals and tourists still have questions. The Okaloosa County UF/IFAS...
Southern Copperhead in Florida
There are approximately 44 species of snakes found in Florida. The Southern Copperhead is one of the six venomous snakes that one might encounter while outdoors in the panhandle of Florida. A uniquely beautiful and secretive snake, they historically have...