Nature
**Naturally Florida**

Naturally Florida is a podcast about Florida’s natural areas and the wild things that live here.

This podcast is brought to you by UF/IFAS Extension’s Natural Resources programs in Polk and Pinellas Counties.

Latest Episodes:

Toads as Big as Your Head! Cane Toads in Florida May 17, 2022

Cane toads are well known for posing a threat to our pets. They are one of many invasive animal species we have here in Florida. In this episode you will learn all about this invasive toad species, how it became established in Florida, impacts of its presence, and ways you can help.

Learn more:

Florida’s Frogs & Toads – Cane Toad - https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/canetoad.shtml (includes videos on identification, action steps if a pet is poisoned by a cane toad, and how to humanely euthanize them)
Cane Toad or “Bufo” Toad (Rhinella marina) in Florida - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW432
Southern Toad or Cane Toad – a compare/contrast video - https://youtu.be/7jTDEVEolu8
What to do if a pet encounters a cane toad (video) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg1HUuxM7Zc

How You Can Help:

Share what you learned with a friend!
Report invasive cane toads outside of current range See Figure 1 from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW432 and report any sightings outside of the green area – email Dr. Johnson (tadpole@ufl.edu) with location information for the cane toad sighting and at least two focused pictures, one showing the top of the head and another of the shoulder area.
Humanely euthanize invasive cane toads - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCZlSVbOkWU

Sources for this Episode:

Cane Toad or “Bufo” Toad (Rhinella marina) in Florida - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW432
Florida Wildlife Extension – Marine Toad - https://wec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/wildlife_info/frogstoads/rhinella_marina.php
Department of Wildlife & Ecology – UF Wildlife – Johnson Lab - https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/canetoad.shtml
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/amphibians/cane-toad/

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

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Coyotes are here to stay! Apr 19, 2022

Coyotes have been in Florida since the 1970s but still feel like a relatively new species for many. In this episode, Shannon and Lara explore the latest research, facts, findings, and realities of living with coyotes.

Learn more:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Species Profile Page for coyotes - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/coyote/
Watch a webinar on coyotes in Florida - https://youtu.be/0Q3gZnPtwTM (Taught by Lara!)

How You Can Help:

Share what you learned with a friend!
Secure attractants like pet food and garbage - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW437
Haze coyotes that are getting too close to humans: Here is a video from FWC explaining why and how it should be done - https://youtu.be/PnSo45n3mHM
Have nuisance coyotes trapped by a licensed wildlife trapper - https://app.myfwc.com/HGM/NWT/NWTSearch.aspx

Sources for this Episode:

Dr. Martin B. Main, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida
Angeline Barker, Certified Wildlife Biologist®, Biological Administrator I, Wildlife & Habitat Management Section, Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – Coyotes - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/coyote/

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

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Special Interview with Dr. Scott Angle, UF Sr. Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources Mar 21, 2022

The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is a federal-state-county partnership dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences. Join Lara and Shannon as they interview Dr. J. Scott Angle, UF Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of UF/IFAS.

Learn more:

Dr. Angle has recently published a commentary on UF/IFAS’ snail kite work. Read it, here: Signs of hope for endangered Everglade snail kite | The Invading Sea
Everglades snail kite – Learn more about this species on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission page - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/raptors-and-vultures/everglade-snail-kite/
Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) - https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/horticulture/cups/#:~:text=Citrus%20Under%20Protective%20Screen%20(CUPS)%20is%20an%20integrated%20system%20for,of%20Huanglongbing%20disease%20(HLB).
About UF/IFAS - The mission of UF/IFAS is to develop knowledge in agricultural, human, and natural resources, and to make that knowledge accessible to sustain and enhance the quality of human life: https://ifas.ufl.edu/about-us/
About Dr. J. Scott Angle - https://ifas.ufl.edu/vp-office/about/j-scott-angle/
Follow Dr. Scott Angle on Twitter - https://twitter.com/IFAS_VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
About Dr. Robert J. Fletcher - https://vivo.ufl.edu/display/n11658

How You Can Help:

Connect with UF/IFAS through social media networks – Help us share the great works, findings, and opportunities from UF/IFAS: https://ifas.ufl.edu/social-media/
Subscribe to the UF/IFAS Blogs site – Learn what UF/IFAS faculty and staff are doing around the state or subscribe to a particular county’s blog site: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/
Support conservation of our agricultural and natural lands – There are numerous organizations working to support our agricultural and natural lands. Consider finding one whose mission you wish to support.
Participate in conservation work – Find a local organization conducting regular tree plantings, restoration, clean-ups, invasive species removal, etc., and get involved.

Sources for this Episode:

All About Birds – The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snail_Kite/overview

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

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Words Matter: When and How to Use the Words Invasive Species Feb 22, 2022

Florida is a hotspot for nonnative and invasive species, but there hasn't been a consistent way to talk about these species until now. In this episode, we explore the various words biologists, park rangers, the public, and news media use to describe nonnative and invasive species. We will define and explain invasive species vocabulary and clarify what these words mean.

Learn more:

Florida Invasive Species Council - The mission of the Florida Invasive Species Council is to reduce the impacts of invasive plants in Florida through the exchange of scientific, educational, and technical information - https://floridainvasivespecies.org/
Watch a webinar on proper terminology (Designed for practitioners) https://ufl.zoom.us/rec/share/44S0gD4WDRW8Kd_iAl_RXGN5WQtde3BuIxKBOMpzZCYtMZ60-aQ79uGhUbX0PhE6.7fADGgWMwrlZqruO (Taught by Shannon)

How You Can Help:

Research plants before you buy them! – Check the IFAS Assessment: https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/
Research permit requirements for nonnative wildlife and reptiles - https://myfwc.com/license/captive-wildlife/ and https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/rule-development/
Remove invasive species from your yard - Contact your local extension office for help: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/
Report sightings of nonnative plants and wildlife online or via smartphone app: https://www.eddmaps.org/
Report sightings of high-priority nonnative reptiles- (Examples of high-priority nonnative reptiles are nonnative snakes of any species, tegus, monitor lizards) Contact FWC's invasive species hotline at 1-888-483-4681 or online at ExoticReports@MyFWC.com (include photos!)

Sources for this Episode:

UF/IFAS EDIS Publication, "Standardized Invasive Species Terminology for Effective Outreach Education" (Shannon is a co-author!) - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/FR/FR439/FR439-Dsr1ns611r.pdf
Journal of Extension, "Invasive Species Terminology: Standardizing for Stakeholder Education" (Shannon is a co-author!) - https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol58/iss3/27/#.YhZAiDBNQi0.link
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission websites: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

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Is It Getting Hotter in Our Cities? It's the Urban Heat Island Effect! Jan 25, 2022

Florida is known for being hot in the summer, but Florida cities are even hotter. Energy from the sun gets absorbed by buildings and paved areas (like roads) which makes the whole urban area significantly hotter than natural areas. This is a phenomenon known as an urban heat island. Today we are going to explore urban heat islands and their associated impacts on our natural world.

Learn more:

Climate Kids - https://climatekids.nasa.gov/heat-islands/
Learn About Heat Islands - https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/learn-about-heat-islands
Planting Trees for Energy Savings - https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/landscaping-for-specific-sites/planting-trees-for-energy-savings.html
Public health benefits of urban trees: https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/Public_Health_Benefits_Urban_Trees_FINAL.pdf

How You Can Help:

Plant a tree – Planting trees that shade west and east-facing walls will help to keep your house cool during summer, but make sure to do your research so you plant the right tree in the right place. Find your local Extension office here: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/ OR read information on planting trees: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf%5CEP%5CEP31400.pdf
Support green infrastructure - Let your city or town know that you value a greener city. Talk to commissioners, speak at meetings, and let your thoughts be heard! You can learn more about green infrastructure and its potential impact on your local built environment, HERE: https://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/videos/low-impact-development/ OR http://www.pinellascounty.org/publicworks/pdf/green-infrastructure.pdf
Encourage neighbors, family, friends, and local governments to keep current trees intact - Large, mature trees provide significant pollution removal among many other ecosystem services including mental and physical health benefits.

Sources for this Episode:

Air Pollution Removal and Temperature Reductions by Gainesville’s Urban Forest - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/FR/FR27800.pdf
T. Chakraborty, X. Lee, "A simplified urban-extent algorithm to characterize surface urban heat islands on a global scale and examine vegetation control on their spatiotemporal variability", International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation. 74, 269-280, 2019.
Volatile trees - https://earthdata.nasa.gov/learn/sensing-our-planet/volatile-trees

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

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American White Pelicans, Florida's Other Snowbird Dec 21, 2021

American white pelicans are one of the largest birds in North America with wingspans up to 9.5 feet across. These majestic birds migrate to Florida for winter feeding grounds, before retreating north and west for the breeding season. Floridians may see these snowy white cousins of the year-round resident brown pelican, feeding in shallow water or soaring across the sky in silent flying V’s.

Learn more:

Read and share our blog post on American White Pelicans: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2017/11/22/american-white-pelicans-floridas-other-snowbird/
Learn about feather adaptations birds have in "Bird Feathers: A Guide to North American Species" by S. David Scott, and Casey McFarland, https://www.google.com/books/edition/Bird_Feathers/LhdExsnFNKIC?hl=en&gbpv=0 The black flight feathers described by Lara are included on pages 35-38.

How You Can Help:

Resist the urge to feed Florida's waterbirds

Read more about why, here: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW193

Resist the urge to scare a flock into flight while enjoying Florida's waterways

American White Pelicans are very shy, compared to other water birds. Harassment of their flocks may lead them to abandon a feeding area, increasing their risk of exhaustion or starvation during their migration. So, consider avoiding flocks you may encounter on our beautiful waterways, give them a wide berth.

Encourage your local government to support the protection and restoration of Florida's wetlands and waterways

American white pelicans and other migratory waterbirds in Florida, such as ducks, depend on healthy aquatic ecosystems with ample vegetation, prey items, and good water quality.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

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Florida on Fire: Prescribed Fire in the Sunshine State Nov 23, 2021

In this episode, we explore fire in Florida, what ecosystems burn and why, the history and current state of fire in Florida, and some neat adaptations found in plants and animals of fire-depended ecosystems.

Learn more:

Fire and Habitat - https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/archive/hot_topics/environment/fire_habitat.shtml
Effects of Fire on Florida’s Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/uw132
Wind and Trees: Lessons Learned from Hurricanes (Mentioned by Shannon) - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR173

How You Can Help:

Consider Creating a Firewise Landscape -

These documents outline actions homeowners can take to better prepare their landscape for a possible wildfire:

Support Prescribed Burning Programs –

These resources outline prescribed burning efforts throughout Florida:

Sources for this Episode:

Gopher Frogs, Burrows, and Fire: Interactions in the Longleaf Pine Ecosystem - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW295
Effects of fire history, tree age, and canopy seed bank size on serotiny of Ocala sand pine (Pinus clausa var. clausa) in Florida scrub - https://www.jstor.org/stable/26477959
Chapter 9 – Ecological Effects - https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/39688/file/pft_chapter_09_ecological_effects.pdf

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

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Birds and Their Houses: Cavity Nesters in Florida Oct 20, 2021

Birds come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They play a critical role in our ecosystems, keeping insect populations in-check, serving as a valuable prey item for our larger mammals, and helping to disperse seeds! Just like people, birds need food, water and shelter to survive. In this episode, we will explore a special type of bird called cavity nesters, who, as the name implies, need cavities to nest, reproduce and thrive.

Sign Up:

Register for our upcoming webinar all about cavity nesters and consider signing up for a workshop to build your own Eastern Screech Owl nest box: https://cavitynesters21.eventbrite.com/?aff=anchor

Learn more:

Helping Cavity-Nesters in Florida - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW058
All About Birdhouses: Next Box Placement - https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/nest-box-placement/
Bird Buddies - http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/2021/10/11/bird-buddies/

How You Can Help:

Provide snags – Snags are standing dead trees, and they provide excellent natural habitat for cavity nesters. Primary cavity nesters, like woodpeckers will seek out dying trees to excavate as this wood is usually softer and easier to chip away.
Build or install an artificial nest box – It’s important to build the right house for the right bird. There are many factors to consider when constructing a nest box. Be sure to check out our blog for more details.
Provide other forms of shelter – Native plants of various heights provide excellent cover for birds and other wildlife species, plus they provide an excellent source of food.

Sources for this Episode:

Bird sounds by Brian Henderson, XC457516. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/457516
Helping Cavity-Nesters in Florida - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW058
“The Sibley Guide to Birds” by David Allen Sibley
“A Birder’s Guide to Pinellas County (Florida)” by Ron Smith
All About Birdhouses: Next Box Placement - https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/nest-box-placement/
Predator Guards Carry Their Weight - https://nestwatch.org/connect/blog/predator-guards-carry-their-weight/

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

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(Part 2) Florida's Most Recognizable Reptile: the American Alligator Sep 20, 2021

This episode is the second half of our discussion on the American alligator. This episode will focus on busting common myths and highlighting key ways we can learn to coexist with this critically important species.

Learn more:

Watch an 8ft+ alligator climb a 6ft fence: https://youtu.be/z7DMjQJD7v M (ABC Channel 6, WATE)
Living with Alligators: a Florida Reality: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/uw230

How You Can Help:

Never feed an alligator - If you suspect anyone of feeding alligators, intentionally or not, please consider reporting it to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). You will not get anyone in trouble! The 1st offense is a warning and education visit. Call the wildlife alert hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922). Cell phone users in Florida can dial *FWC or #FWC, depending on the service provider.

Sources for this Episode:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Human-Alligator Incidents Fact Sheet (Updated April 2019). https://myfwc.com/media/1776/human-alligatorincidentfactsheet.pdf
Ober, et al., Managing Conflicts with Wildlife: Living with Alligators. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw393
Swiman, et al., Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw230
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program. https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/snap/
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Alligator Management Program. https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

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(Part 1) Florida's Most Recognizable Reptile: the American Alligator Sep 20, 2021

Florida is known for having alligators, a fact that brings fear to many visitors and residents. But, alligators are an important species in many of our ecosystems. While we continue to develop the State, our chances of encountering an alligator increase, but there are many ways we can learn to coexist with them.

This episode is the first episode in a two-part series and will discuss basic biology and some common alligator behavior.

Learn more:

Living with Alligators: a Florida Reality: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/uw230
Information on alligator hunting in Florida (FWC) - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/harvest/hunt-guide/

How You Can Help:

Never feed an alligator - If you suspect anyone of feeding alligators, intentionally or not, please consider reporting it to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). You will not get anyone in trouble! The 1st offense is a warning and education visit. Call the wildlife alert hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922). Cell phone users in Florida can dial *FWC or #FWC, depending on the service provider.

Sources for this Episode:

Ober, et al., Managing Conflicts with Wildlife: Living with Alligators. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw393
Swiman, et al., Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw230
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program. https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/snap/
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Alligator Management Program. https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

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Trees and People: An intro to urban forestry Aug 24, 2021

Florida is known for a wide variety of ecosystems from the Everglades to its springs, and the beaches to the national forests. While these ecosystems are a major driver for tourism here in the state, Florida is rapidly developing with most of the population now living in urban areas. In this episode, we will explore the value and importance of an ecosystem that is often overlooked, the urban forests.

Learn more:

What Is an Urban Forest? - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP595
Economic Contributions of Urban Forestry in Florida in 2017 -
https://fred.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/economic-impact-analysis-program/publications/2017-urban-forestry-in-florida/
Wind and Trees: Lessons Learned from Hurricanes (Mentioned by Shannon) - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR173

How You Can Help:

Explore The Value of Trees in Your Yard or Neighborhood - If you know what type of tree(s) you have in your yard or neighborhood, consider calculating their value using the Tree Benefits calculator found at www.treebenefits.com.
Plant A Tree – This document can help you select which tree you are going to plant and where: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/planting-and-establishing-trees.html

Sources for this Episode:

History of State Lands - https://floridadep.gov/lands/lands-director/content/history-state-lands
Florida Land Use and Land Cover Change in the Past 100 Years - https://floridaclimateinstitute.org/docs/climatebook/Ch02-Volk.pdf
Urban forests and pollution mitigation: analyzing ecosystem services and disservices - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749111000327?via%3Dihub
City of Tampa Urban Ecological Analysis - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR265
Defining urban forestry – A comparative perspective of North America and Europe - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1618866705000464?via%3Dihub

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

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Cuban Treefrogs, they're more than just a nuisance! Jul 15, 2021

Cuban treefrogs are an invasive species in Florida. In this episode, you'll learn how to identify a Cuban treefrogs and how to humanely euthanize them. By choosing to remove Cuban treefrogs from your yard or neighborhood, you're helping protect local native treefrogs, like the green treefrog and the squirrel treefrog.

Learn more:

Dr. Steve Johnson's website about Cuban Treefrogs: https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/cuban_treefrog_inFL.shtml
Factsheet on Cuban treefrogs, including identification: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/UW/UW25900.pdf
Learn about treefrog calls for species near you! https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/frogquiz/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.lookup

How You Can Help:

Report Cuban treefrog sightings in FL's panhandle to Dr. Steve Johnson's lab: https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/citizen_sci.shtml
Remove Cuban treefrogs from your yard or neighborhood: First, properly identify and and capture the Cuban treefrog. The easiest way to humanely euthanize a Cuban treefrog is to place the bagged frog into a refrigerator for 3–4 hours then transfer it to a freezer for an additional 24 hours. Then, move the frozen, now dead treefrog, to the trashcan. (excerpt from EDIS document, below)

Sources for this Episode:

Johnson, S. (2017). The Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida. University of of Florida IFAS Extension EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/uw259
Kenneth G Rice, J. Hardin Waddle, Mark W Miller, Marquette E Crockett, Frank J Mazzotti, H. Franklin Percival. Recovery of Native Treefrogs After Removal of Nonindigenous Cuban Treefrogs, Osteopilus septentrionalis. Herpetologica 1 June 2011; 67 (2): 105–117. doi: https://doi.org/10.1655/HERPETOLOGICA-D-10-00020.1
Jones, P. (2019). Expert explains key role of frogs in healthy ecosystems. University of New South Wales. Accessed via https://phys.org at https://phys.org/news/2019-03-expert-key-role-frogs-healthy.html
Treefrog calls and sound clips were sourced from USGS's Patuxent Wildlife Research Center: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/frogquiz/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.lookup

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

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Wait, we have fireflies in Florida? Jun 21, 2021

Fireflies are indeed in Florida; you just have to know where to find them. Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, avoid areas with high volumes of artificial lights and lots of urban development. In this episode of Naturally Florida, we’ll be discussing the lifecycle and conservation of fireflies in Florida.

Learn more:

Where to find fireflies in Florida: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2021/06/05/where-to-find-florida-fireflies/
Learn more about the current status of fireflies in the US and Canada: https://xerces.org/blog/status-of-fireflies-in-the-united-states-and-canada

How You Can Help:

Add habitat to your yard or neighborhood. Consider adding native shrubs or small trees and changing part of your yard from lawn to Florida-Friendly Landscaping to provide habitat for a variety of small critters. Learn more here: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2021/06/12/how-to-create-a-firefly-oasis/
Help us document their presence. You don't need to identify species with a microscope to help, consider submitting citizen science reports to Firefly Watch! You can learn more here: https://www.massaudubon.org/get-involved/community-science/firefly-watch/getting-started

Sources for this Episode:

Faust, L. (2017). Fireflies, Glow-worms, and Lightning Bugs. University of Georgia Press. 39-168 Available nationwide at a book retailer near you!
The National Wildlife Federation. (n.d.). Fireflies. https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Fireflies
Firefly Conservation Research. (2021). Disappearing Fireflies. https://www.firefly.org/why-arefireflies-disappearing.html
University of Florida IFAS Extension. (n.d.). How to Attract Fireflies for Homeowners. http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/images/fireflies-graphic.pdf

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

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Where does rain go after it falls? Jun 21, 2021

Florida gets a lot of rain, but our natural water cycle is shifting more towards an urban water cycle as we develop the Sunshine State. In this episode of Naturally Florida, we'll be chatting about the impacts of development on the water cycle with a focus on stormwater and its impact on the watershed.

Learn more:

Stormwater Runoff - https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/residents/education/kids/stormwater-runoff
Lara has a whole webinar on stormwater you can watch on-demand: https://zoom.us/rec/share/YLiCkb4lZvEE7hR3810rIXTw9usnN6S_BOONVxp1Jca4k1bWLQuLcuQ11IKwKV0f.e5dAWjiCRRgr3dFs?startTime=1621360728000

How You Can Help:

Don't let your runoff, runoff! Keeping rainwater in your yard will help improve water quality and help recharge our aquifers. Learn more about what you can to do improve water quality in your neighborhood: https://www.sfwmd.gov/community-residents/what-can-you-do
Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Office. Your local extension office will have resources and experts that can help you design a rain garden, talk about rain barrels, or share how to transition to Florida-Friendly Landscaping. Find your local office, here: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

Sources for this Episode:

2020 Integrated Water Quality Assessment for Florida, June 2020: 2020 Integrated Water Quality Assessment for Florida: Sections 303(d), 305(b), and 314 Report and Listing Update (floridadep.gov)

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

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Lara's Favorite Species: The Green Anole Jun 21, 2021

Florida's native green anole (pronounced "uh-nole"), Anolis carolinensis, is Lara's favorite species in all of Florida! In this episode of Naturally Florida, we'll be chatting about what makes the green anole so special and about their nonnative look-alike, the brown anole (Anolis sagrei).

Learn more:

Cuban Brown Anole or Green Anole (video): https://youtu.be/KQhnzi9mkYI
Landscaping Solutions: Green Anoles: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/gardening-with-wildlife/anoles.html

How You Can Help:

Help us document their populations! If you see a green anole in your yard or while out in one of Florida's many natural areas, snap a picture with your smartphone and upload it to iNaturalist.org.
Add habitat to your yard or neighborhood. Consider adding native shrubs or small trees and changing part of your yard from lawn to Florida-Friendly Landscaping to provide habitat for a variety of small critters. Learn more here: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-5-attract-wildlife/

Sources for this Episode:

Invader Updater: Cuban Brown Anole, UF Wildlife Department (2011) https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/InvaderUpdater/pdfs/InvaderUpdater_Winter2011.pdf
Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis), Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (n.d.) https://srelherp.uga.edu/lizards/anocar.htm
Analysis of the effects of an exotic lizard on a native lizard in Florida ..., University of Tennessee (2000) https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/4722/
Florida Lizards are Evolving, Fast, Science Connected (2014) https://magazine.scienceconnected.org/2014/10/florida-lizards-evolving-rapidly/

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

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