News & Updates

Don’t Go Chasin’ Waterfalls – Please, Stick to Smart Irrigation!

Water quality and quantity issues are considered one of the greatest challenges facing our planet today. Access to clean drinking water and sufficient irrigation to cultivate food crops, hydrate livestock, and quench the thirst of our ever-evolving landscapes is fundamental for the continued well-being of society and our natural and modified ecosystems. Historically, much of…

Emergency Food Supply Ideas

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, which means that it’s important to have an emergency supply of food just in case disaster strikes. It is recommended that you have at least a 7-day supply of food on hand, and that you stockpile foods you and your family like and will eat. Here…

Mango Morning: Pruning Mango Trees

This year’s UF/IFAS Extension Collier County Annual Mango Morning class partnered with the Florida Forest Service to teach participants how to properly plant and prune mango trees. After an indoor lecture, we took 50 class participants into the Collier Extension Fruit Grove to pick up some tools and try out the techniques for themselves. When tropical fruit trees…

Tasty Treasures

One of my favorite parts of living in Florida is having more access to tropical fruit. The classic sweetness of mango, the distinct and delicate flavors of guava and papaya, and the almost chocolaty taste of sapodilla are simple yet profound delights. These delicious fruits are also versatile, and can be enjoyed on their own, with…

Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar: August

Honey beekeeping management practices for your Florida apiary in August: This beekeeping calendar is a tool for all beekeepers in Florida, small scale to commercial operations. This calendar is meant to be a reference point for beekeeping management and is not comprehensive. The check-list can be used to identify management issues or concerns in…

Reducing Conflicts Between Trees and Power Lines

Power is a great luxury enjoyed by many. This is true especially in the Florida summer. We love our air conditioning, functioning fridges, etc. Any time the power goes out, it is stressful. Your house can get hot, your food may go bad, it is generally not a great time. One way to keep the…

The Native Beauty of the Coonite and Deceptive Beauty the Asparagus Fern

Living in Florida offers a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the diverse and rich natural landscape. As we appreciate the beauty of our surroundings, it’s essential to be aware of the impact certain plant species can have on our environment. We will explore two fascinating plants that call Florida home – the native Coontie…

Mango Day

Mango day is quickly approaching (July 22nd), and these fruits definitely deserve their own day for their popularity in salsa, smoothies, and as a snack by themselves. However, be careful when you have extra mango, as they can attract fruit flies in your kitchen! Originally from the Indo-Burma region in Asia, they are known for…

Grape Expectations: Growing Muscadine Grapes

    Immature grape clusters growing on a vine. While citrus trees have long been a popular choice for home gardeners, let me introduce you to the delightful world of muscadine grapes—a refreshing alternative that may just make you reconsider your planting preferences. Muscadine grapes offer a range of advantages over citrus trees, starting with their…

A Sea of Grass; Part 11 – Reptiles

When snorkeling the grassbeds of the Florida panhandle encountering a reptile has a low probability, but it is not zero.  Of all the reptiles that call this part of the state home, few enter marine waters and most of those are very mobile, moving up and down the coast heading from one habitat to another. …

Our Intense Weather and Climate Change

Everyone has noticed the intense weather that crossed the United States in recent years.  Tornadoes are hitting communities throughout the Midwest, but are also hitting places like Seattle, southern California, and even recently Pensacola Beach.  Thunderstorms, though common, are occurring in waves.  Typical summer days here in the panhandle include afternoon thunderstorms, but recently there…
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