Invasive Species of the Day (February 25): Coral Ardisia and Wild Hogs
Coral Ardisia (Ardisia crenata): Coral ardisia is also known as coral berry, spice berry, and scratchthroat. It was introduced into Florida in the early 1900's for ornamental purposes. In the ensuing years, it has since it escaped cultivation and has become...
Invasive Species of the Day (February 24): Lionfish and Air Potato
Lionfish (Pterois volitans): Red Lionfish are a predatory reef fish that are non-native invasive species and have spread throughout Florida Waters. They are members of the family Scorpaenidae whose members are venomous and the lionfish is no exception. This...
Invasive Species of the Day (February 23): Kudzu Bugs and Beach Vitex
Kudzu Bug (Megacopta cribraria): Florida is extending a warm welcome to a new pest! In 2012, the Kudzu bug made its first appearance in our state. And they are settling in to stay. The kudzu bug was first documented in the US in 2009 in Northeast Georgia. It has...
National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) – February 22-28, 2015
Many plants and animals have been introduced to new regions for centuries, as people have discovered new lands. These transient species are known as non-natives, and can become invasive. Invasive species occur throughout the world and may blend in, be nondescript or...
1st Annual Statewide Nonnative Fish Catch, Click, and Submit Contest
The Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (ECISMA) is organizing a nonnative freshwater fishing tournament for Invasive Species Week. Begins: 6:00 AM Saturday February 21, 2015 Ends: 12:00 AM Sunday March 1, 2015...
Discovering Florida’s Panhandle – Barrier Islands – February 2015
Making the Big Sabine hike on Santa Rosa Island in February was COLD! A front had pasted over the day before and temp was in the 30’s with a north wind. But the sky was a beautiful blue and the Gulf was calm and clear. Joining me on my hike this month...
Check Those Passalong Plants
It’s Growing So Well It Must Be A Good Plant. Right? You know that plant in the corner of the yard that seems to be taking over? It’s the one that your friend “passed along” because they had plenty of them and wanted to share. After all, it grows so well. How can you...
Working to Restore Oyster Habitat
Nature has provided us with an incredible resource in the diverse assemblage of molluscan shellfish that inhabit our coastal bays and estuaries. One bivalve species in particular provides many human benefits. The eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) has not only...
Wood ducks could use your help this time of year
Wood ducks are one of the most colorful ducks in North America. Breeding males showcase an unbelievable combination of colors including a red bill and eyes, a metallic purplish-green crested head, black cheeks with thick white stripes, a maroon chest and rump, black...
Dirt is just dirt, or is it?
Many of us walk around daily and give no thought to what is under our feet. We do not consider soil a vital natural resource, but it is. And as with water and air, soil quality is very important to our society. Soils perform 6 functions in our ecosystems. First it is...