Non-Native Freshwater Jellyfish in Florida?
Yes, you read the title correctly, it says freshwater jellyfish in Florida! The first time I encountered these unusual aquatic creatures was while swimming in a small lake in southern Indiana. It turns out these jellyfish, while not very common, have been found in...
Outdoor Adventure is Nearby!
This time of year, many families are looking for ways to entertain their kids during spring break. For those not planning to travel far, our area is full of fun, and often inexpensive, outdoor adventures. As part of a series of field excursions led by Extension Agents...
Spring is Here! Discovering the Panhandle – Barrier Islands – March
What many have been waiting for... spring is here! HAPPY EQUINOX EVERYONE! Today's photoperiod will be 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness - equinox. Many cultures around the world celebrate this and many ancient cultures built great structures...
The Preying Mantis: Friend to Gardeners, but Nightmare to Insects
The last two years have been kind to the insect population in north Florida, and 2015 appears to be continuing the trend. The weather has provided enough rain for those bugs which depend on the generous supply of foliage and the temperatures are returning to an...
Resurrection Ferns: Hardy Native Air Plants
One of the wonderful features of spring is the return of green to the branches of many trees in north Florida. Cypress, poplar, cherry and many others have been defoliated by the cool season which is now retreating. Buds are breaking everywhere deciduous trees reside...
Six Simple Ideas for Dealing with Your Unwanted Exotic Pet
Now that we have completed National Invasive Species Awareness Week many readers have learned what NOT to do with their unwanted exotic pets… but what DO you do with them? Here are six simple suggestions for you to consider. Many professional herpetologists suggest...
It’s not just the honeybees!
Honey bees are quite the buzz these days. Reports of population declines and the importance of their role in pollination have caught the country’s attention. The Northwest District IFAS Beekeepers’ classes have grown by leaps and bounds over the years. Many folks...
Invasive Species of the Day: Cogongrass and Tawny Crazy Ant
Cogongrass (Imperata Cylindrica): Cogongrass is one of the 10 worst weeds in the world. This grass is an aggressive grower and forms colonies causing loss of productive forest areas, severe degradation of habitat, and economic issues. Since its introduction in the...
Invasive Species of the Day: Cuban Tree Frog and Hydrilla
Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis): The Cuban Treefrog: was introduced into Florida as a stowaway on vehicles and plants in the 1920’s. As of 2013, breeding populations have been recorded as far north as Georgia. Cuban Treefrogs have larger toepads and eyes...
Invasive Species of the Day: Tiger Prawn and Climbing Ferns
Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon): Giant Tiger Prawn: This large shrimp, also known as the Asian Tiger Shrimp and the Black Tiger Shrimp, can reach lengths between 8-12 inches. It resembles are native edible penaeid shrimp but differs in that it has distinct black...