Managing Muddy Ponds

Managing Muddy Ponds

– Muddy water can be a problem in ponds across the Florida Panhandle. Not only is it unattractive, but it can be detrimental to life in a pond. Muddy or cloudy water reduces the amount of sunlight that enters a pond. This decreases the quantity of available fish...
Torpedograss Slowly Attacking the Panhandle

Torpedograss Slowly Attacking the Panhandle

Tordpedograss (Panicum reopens) is one of the most concerning weeds in Florida, and has become a significant weed problem in the Panhandle. This weed’s favorite habitat is in or near ponds and ditches, but will spread across lawns, turf fields, and pastures. A native...
Grass Carp – A Biological Control to Manage Pond Weeds

Grass Carp – A Biological Control to Manage Pond Weeds

Florida has hundreds of aquatic plant species, and they are an often-overlooked feature of Florida’s landscape.  Overlooked that is, until the growth of non-native (even some native) species interferes with use of our waters.  Some aquatic plant species can become...
Dry Weather has not deterred the Dragons among Us

Dry Weather has not deterred the Dragons among Us

During a pond visit to the dry northern part of Escambia County, something caught my eye floating along the margins of the pond. There, on the shore, perched on a blade of grass, was an empty dragonfly exoskeleton and a newly emerged adult dragonfly (see image...
Mosquito Control Can Be As Close As A Farm Pond

Mosquito Control Can Be As Close As A Farm Pond

The consistent and ample rains of late over Florida’s Panhandle assure enough moisture is available for row crop production and development, and forage growth. It has also minimized, if not eliminated, the need for irrigation and its associated cost. As with anything...