For years, I’ve recommended a plant—the rain lily (Zephyranthes spp.)—for people interested in building rain gardens. In truth, I’d never knowingly seen the plant in the field or a landscape, but many horticulture professionals I ... READ MORE
Category: Forests, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources
As temperatures drop precipitously this week, I know most of us are digging out those gloves and hats we needed last month. The record-breaking snowfall we experienced along the Gulf Coast in late January was nothing short of surreal. While ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
According to Conservation International, there are 36 biodiversity hotspots worldwide. These are defined as areas with “at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemics — which is to say, it must have a high percentage of plant life found ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
UF/IFAS and UF Health officials shared safety tips Thursday after reports of jellyfish near the Panama City Beach shore triggered purple flag warnings for dangerous marine life. (more…) READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Water, Wildlife
The Snake Watch Project is one that is helping residents in the Pensacola Bay area better understand which species of snakes are most encountered, where they are encountered, and what time of year. The project began in 2022 and over the last ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, WildlifeOrganized and sponsored by Florida Sea Grant, the "Stem to Stern" workshop in November 2023 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center marked a significant gathering in marine conservation and management. This event drew together legal experts, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Disaster Preparation, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
I am sure everyone has noticed how cold this winter has been. We have had multiple days in the 20’s here in the Florida panhandle, even some snow flurries near Pensacola. I was first told this may happen by a Sea Grant colleague of mine ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources
I began this project in 2022 wanting to know which of the 40 species of snakes known to inhabit the Pensacola Bay area were encountered by people. I also wanted to know where they were encountering them and what time of year. This information ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, WildlifeI am going to end 2023 with an article on a project I hope to conduct in 2024. It will focus on insular cottonmouths and will focus on the western panhandle, though those in the eastern panhandle might be interested and could help. For obvious ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Mark Twain once said – “Everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it.” A similar statement could be made about the Gulf Sturgeon – “Everyone talks about the Gulf sturgeon, but on one has actually seen one.” ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources