Invasive Species

Especies invasivas 

Especies Invasoras

Marine Ecosystems

Entorno marino

ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY The third Friday in May is Endangered Species Day, a tradition started by the Endangered Species Coalition in 2006. In Florida we recognize and celebrate the remaining critical habitats on public and private lands that support our imperiled species. While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has primary responsibility for Florida [&#8230;]

<h4><strong>ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_3534" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3534" style="width: 208px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2021/03/Florida_panther_FWC.jpg"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-3534" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2021/03/Florida_panther_FWC-300x240.jpg" alt="" width="208" height="166" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3534" class="wp-caption-text">Florida panther. Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.</figcaption></figure>
<p>The third Friday in May is Endangered Species Day, a tradition started by the <a href="https://www.endangered.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Endangered Species Coalition</a> in 2006. In Florida we recognize and celebrate the remaining critical habitats on public and private lands that support our imperiled species. While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has primary responsibility for Florida species that are federally endangered or threatened, like the sand skink and the Florida panther, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) works in partnership with USFWS to help conserve these species. Learn about <a href="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Florida’s imperiled species and how we can help protect and manage their habitats</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>GOT PLANS TO PLANT TREES THIS FALL OR WINTER? GET SEEDLING ORDERS IN THIS SUMMER</strong></h4>
<p>Do you have plans and/or cost-share funding to plant trees this coming fall or winter? Make sure you get your seedling orders placed by the first week of July. Several pine seedling varieties sell out fast. Demand is particularly high for longleaf pine stock. Now is the time to get your 2024-2025 cool season planting plans ready to go.</p>
<figure id="attachment_3515" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3515" style="width: 188px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2021/02/Old-World-Climbing-Fern-4-Deluca-020521_reduced.jpg"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-3515" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2021/02/Old-World-Climbing-Fern-4-Deluca-020521_reduced-225x300.jpg" alt="Old world climbing fern" width="188" height="251" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3515" class="wp-caption-text">Old world climbing fern, an aggressive invasive plant that grows as a vine. Photo by Chris Demers</figcaption></figure>
<h4>YOUR HELP NEEDED TO BOLSTER REGIONAL INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT EFFORTS</h4>
<p>The University of Florida’s Invasive Species Extension Program is seeking your feedback to strengthen a proposed project to bolster regional invasive plant management efforts.  This survey is solely to estimate interest and does not constitute any type of commitment. You can <a href="https://arcg.is/114fG80" target="_blank" rel="noopener">share some information about your management and interests here</a>, Questions can be directed to Deb Stone at <a href="mailto:debitharp@ufl.edu">debitharp@ufl.edu</a>.</p>
<h4>FERAL HOG FENCING COST-SHARE PROGRAM FOR SANTA ROSA AND ESCAMBIA COUNTIES</h4>
<p><strong>Apply by June 14, 2024</strong></p>
<p>The Blackwater Soil &amp; Water Conservation District will be facilitating a cost share program for Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties from a grant funded by National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). This program is for fencing in agricultural (forest, pasture, row crop) lands, and it is to help improve areas affected by feral hogs. <a href="https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=9315" target="_blank" rel="noopener">See this Santa Rosa County page for more details and an application</a>.</p>
<p>For more information contact Levi Blackmon, Conservation Programs Coordinator, Soil Conservation Department, <a href="mailto:LeviB@santarosa.fl.gov">LeviB@santarosa.fl.gov</a>, (850) 480-9412.</p>
<figure id="attachment_8689" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8689" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2024/05/hurricane-timber-IFAS.jpg"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="size-medium wp-image-8689 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2024/05/hurricane-timber-IFAS-300x200.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8689" class="wp-caption-text">Debris at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center Suwanee Valley (NFREC-SV) from Hurricane Idalia. Photo taken 08-31-23.</figcaption></figure>
<h4>HURRICANE IDALIA SILIVICULTURE RECOVERY PROGRAM NOW OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT</h4>
<p><strong>Apply by June 30, 2024</strong></p>
<p>The Hurricane Idalia Silviculture Recovery Program is designed to ensure the long-term viability of Florida’s forest lands and restore the ecological and economic value of timberland damaged by Hurricane Idalia. The program offers landowners cost-share funding specifically for site preparation and tree replanting on classified agricultural lands. It is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service and funded by the state of Florida.</p>
<p>To be eligible for the program, <strong>practice sites must have been forested on August 30, 2023, and experienced significant timber damage that impacted the future viability of the stand as a direct result of Hurricane Idalia</strong>. Qualified applicants are limited to timber landowners in <strong>Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee and Taylor counties</strong>, whose timber experienced significant damage from Hurricane Idalia.</p>
<p>The program is currently open for applications at the online portal or by mail. Please visit <a href="https://idaliatimberrecovery.fdacs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://IdaliaTimberRecovery.fdacs.gov</a> to apply. Applications will be accepted until <b><strong>June 30, 2024</strong></b>.</p>
<h4><strong><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2024/04/PROFOREST-PODFOREST-logo.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-8385 alignright" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2024/04/PROFOREST-PODFOREST-logo-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="210" height="210" /></a>CHECK OUT THE NEW PROFOREST “PODFOREST” PODCAST</strong></h4>
<p>Immerse yourself in the world of forestry through extension as ProForest coordinator Dr. Tyler Carney hosts guests to talk about all things forestry. Listeners can join each episode to listen to a new guest and learn about different forestry topics. Curated for private forest landowners but interesting to all, this podcast was created as an Extension product of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/proforestpodforest?fbclid=IwAR1zf3x-dUwQHHpJ2wZVtHSPV91Gq_5n7ndc-7pJupW9PC38r94O7O70sgA_aem_ATXsyqxefrHCYVeHVrzfeEFdcHL0GGYTC12PmvgXmXK1hpp-d7QEZSWcqsPRxjfQKfFdAfdLgstiES5-hGi5cUN6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more and listen to available PodForest episodes</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>GROUP ENROLLMENT OPTION NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE ONLINE FOREST LANDOWNER ACADEMY</strong></h4>
<p>Do you have a group of employees or clients that you’d like to enroll in the online Forest Landowner Academy? We now have a bulk registration option where you can purchase multiple “seats” in the course and assign those to people who want to take the course. For more details on how this works see these Canvas instructions on <a href="https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Catalog/How-do-I-reserve-multiple-enrollments-in-a-Catalog-course-or/ta-p/529652" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reserving multiple enrollments</a> and <a href="https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Catalog/How-do-I-invite-students-to-a-bulk-purchased-course-or-program/ta-p/529651" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to invite students to a bulk-purchased course</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2023/02/logoFLA-white.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-6365 alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="151" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2023/02/logoFLA-white-300x151.png"></a>Forest landowners, and others in need of forest management information, are encouraged to enroll in this <strong>self-paced, online</strong>, 7-module course to connect with forest management experts at the University of Florida and receive quality core educational content on forestry and multiple-use stewardship concepts.</p>
<p><strong>Single and bulk enrollment options are both available at the Forest Landowner Academy enrollment page:<br />
<a href="https://ifas-sfrc-for.catalog.instructure.com/courses/for-fla" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://ifas-sfrc-for.catalog.instructure.com/courses/for-fla</a><br />
</strong><br />
Questions about the course can be directed to Chris Demers, <a href="mailto:cdemers@ufl.edu">cdemers@ufl.edu</a>, (352) 846-2375.</p>
<h4>GET FLORIDA LAND STEWARD EMAIL UPDATES</h4>
<p>Don’t miss out on news and events! Sign up for the regular email updates! Send an email to Chris at <a href="mailto:cdemers@ufl.edu">cdemers@ufl.edu</a> to be added to the email listserv. Florida Land Steward email updates are sent once a week or every other week and include the latest calendar of workshops, tours and other events; a link to the current issue of the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter; updates on cost-share and other assistance programs, opportunities, and resources; and other stewardship related news and information.</p>
<figure id="attachment_4233" class="wp-caption alignright" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4233"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4233" class="wp-caption-text"></figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_5267" class="wp-caption alignright" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5267"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5267" class="wp-caption-text"></figcaption></figure>
<h4><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2020/09/fls_logo_final_haggit080811_compressed.jpeg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-2920 alignright" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2020/09/fls_logo_final_haggit080811_compressed-300x293.jpeg" alt="Florida Land Steward Program Logo" width="181" height="177" /></a>UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES</h4>
<p>See our <a href="https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/bulletin-board/events-calendar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Events Calendar and News</a> page for upcoming events and ongoing programs, initiatives, and opportunities.</p>
<h4>ACCESS THE QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER ONLINE</h4>
<p>Access the current and back issues of the <a href="https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/about-us/newsletter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter here</a>.</p>
<h4>HAVE AN EVENT OR RELATED NEWS TO SHARE?</h4>
<p>Drop a line with the details and link(s) to Chris at <a href="mailto:cdemers@ufl.edu">cdemers@ufl.edu</a>.</p>
<h4>CONSIDER A GIFT IN SUPPORT OF THE UF/IFAS FLORIDA LAND STEWARD PROGRAM</h4>
<p>The mission of the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program is to help and encourage private landowners to actively manage their land resources for long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits. This program is largely supported by partners and donors. If this program has made a difference in your land stewardship efforts, please consider a gift.  <a href="https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/about-us/give/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Support the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program here</a>. Thanks!</p>


ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY
Florida panther. Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The third Friday in May is Endangered Species Day, a tradition started by the Endangered Species Coalition in 2006. In Florida we recognize and celebrate the remaining critical habitats on public and private lands that support our imperiled species. While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has primary responsibility for Florida species that are federally endangered or threatened, like the sand skink and the Florida panther, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) works in partnership with USFWS to help conserve these species. Learn about Florida’s imperiled species and how we can help protect and manage their habitats.
GOT PLANS TO PLANT TREES THIS FALL OR WINTER? GET SEEDLING ORDERS IN THIS SUMMER
Do you have plans and/or cost-share funding to plant trees this coming fall or winter? Make sure you get your seedling orders placed by the first week of July. Several pine seedling varieties sell out fast. Demand is particularly high for longleaf pine stock. Now is the time to get your 2024-2025 cool season planting plans ready to go.
Old world climbing fern, an aggressive invasive plant that grows as a vine. Photo by Chris Demers
YOUR HELP NEEDED TO BOLSTER REGIONAL INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT EFFORTS
The University of Florida’s Invasive Species Extension Program is seeking your feedback to strengthen a proposed project to bolster regional invasive plant management efforts.  This survey is solely to estimate interest and does not constitute any type of commitment. You can share some information about your management and interests here, Questions can be directed to Deb Stone at debitharp@ufl.edu.
FERAL HOG FENCING COST-SHARE PROGRAM FOR SANTA ROSA AND ESCAMBIA COUNTIES
Apply by June 14, 2024
The Blackwater Soil & Water Conservation District will be facilitating a cost share program for Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties from a grant funded by National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). This program is for fencing in agricultural (forest, pasture, row crop) lands, and it is to help improve areas affected by feral hogs. See this Santa Rosa County page for more details and an application.
For more information contact Levi Blackmon, Conservation Programs Coordinator, Soil Conservation Department, LeviB@santarosa.fl.gov, (850) 480-9412.
Debris at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center Suwanee Valley (NFREC-SV) from Hurricane Idalia. Photo taken 08-31-23.
HURRICANE IDALIA SILIVICULTURE RECOVERY PROGRAM NOW OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT
Apply by June 30, 2024
The Hurricane Idalia Silviculture Recovery Program is designed to ensure the long-term viability of Florida’s forest lands and restore the ecological and economic value of timberland damaged by Hurricane Idalia. The program offers landowners cost-share funding specifically for site preparation and tree replanting on classified agricultural lands. It is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service and funded by the state of Florida.
To be eligible for the program, practice sites must have been forested on August 30, 2023, and experienced significant timber damage that impacted the future viability of the stand as a direct result of Hurricane Idalia. Qualified applicants are limited to timber landowners in Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee and Taylor counties, whose timber experienced significant damage from Hurricane Idalia.
The program is currently open for applications at the online portal or by mail. Please visit https://IdaliaTimberRecovery.fdacs.gov to apply. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2024.
CHECK OUT THE NEW PROFOREST “PODFOREST” PODCAST
Immerse yourself in the world of forestry through extension as ProForest coordinator Dr. Tyler Carney hosts guests to talk about all things forestry. Listeners can join each episode to listen to a new guest and learn about different forestry topics. Curated for private forest landowners but interesting to all, this podcast was created as an Extension product of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Learn more and listen to available PodForest episodes.
GROUP ENROLLMENT OPTION NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE ONLINE FOREST LANDOWNER ACADEMY
Do you have a group of employees or clients that you’d like to enroll in the online Forest Landowner Academy? We now have a bulk registration option where you can purchase multiple “seats” in the course and assign those to people who want to take the course. For more details on how this works see these Canvas instructions on reserving multiple enrollments and how to invite students to a bulk-purchased course.
Forest landowners, and others in need of forest management information, are encouraged to enroll in this self-paced, online, 7-module course to connect with forest management experts at the University of Florida and receive quality core educational content on forestry and multiple-use stewardship concepts.
Single and bulk enrollment options are both available at the Forest Landowner Academy enrollment page:
https://ifas-sfrc-for.catalog.instructure.com/courses/for-fla

Questions about the course can be directed to Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu, (352) 846-2375.
GET FLORIDA LAND STEWARD EMAIL UPDATES
Don’t miss out on news and events! Sign up for the regular email updates! Send an email to Chris at cdemers@ufl.edu to be added to the email listserv. Florida Land Steward email updates are sent once a week or every other week and include the latest calendar of workshops, tours and other events; a link to the current issue of the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter; updates on cost-share and other assistance programs, opportunities, and resources; and other stewardship related news and information.


UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
See our Events Calendar and News page for upcoming events and ongoing programs, initiatives, and opportunities.
ACCESS THE QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER ONLINE
Access the current and back issues of the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter here.
HAVE AN EVENT OR RELATED NEWS TO SHARE?
Drop a line with the details and link(s) to Chris at cdemers@ufl.edu.
CONSIDER A GIFT IN SUPPORT OF THE UF/IFAS FLORIDA LAND STEWARD PROGRAM
The mission of the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program is to help and encourage private landowners to actively manage their land resources for long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits. This program is largely supported by partners and donors. If this program has made a difference in your land stewardship efforts, please consider a gift.  Support the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program here. Thanks!

ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY The third Friday in May is Endangered Species Day, a tradition started by the Endangered Species Coalition in 2006. In Florida we recognize and celebrate the remaining critical habitats on public and private lands that support our imperiled species. While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has primary responsibility for Florida […]

Florida Land Steward Update, May 17, 2024

THANKS TO ALL JOINING US FOR RONNIE STEPHENSON TOUR IN JACKSON COUNTY Thanks to all who participated in the tour at the property of Ronnie Stephenson, our 2024 Florida Land Steward of the Year, last week in Jackson County. We enjoyed a great day learning about Ronnie&#8217;s tireless contributions to wildlife and habitat management that [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_8713" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8713" style="width: 176px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2024/05/20240502_101841-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-8713" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2024/05/20240502_101841-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="176" height="235" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8713" class="wp-caption-text">Ronnie Stephenson, 2024 Florida Land Steward of the Year, by Chris Demers</figcaption></figure>
<h4>THANKS TO ALL JOINING US FOR RONNIE STEPHENSON TOUR IN JACKSON COUNTY</h4>
<p>Thanks to all who participated in the tour at the property of Ronnie Stephenson, our 2024 Florida Land Steward of the Year, last week in Jackson County. We enjoyed a great day learning about Ronnie&#8217;s tireless contributions to wildlife and habitat management that make him an exemplary land steward. His enthusiasm and dedication to active management have and continue to inspire the current and next generation of land stewards.  See photos and highlights from the tour on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FloridaLandStewardPartnership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Florida Land Steward Facebook page</a>.</p>
<h4>HURRICANE SEASON IS AROUND THE CORNER</h4>
<p>This week is <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep#:~:text=National%20Hurricane%20Preparedness%20Week%20is%20April%2030%2DMay%206%2C%202023." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hurricane Preparedness Week (NOAA link)</a>. We’ve learned the hard way in recent years that powerful storms can have significant impacts to inland agriculture and forestry operations. Don’t get caught unprepared for the next storm. Links to recorded presentations from our Hurricane Preparation &amp; Recovery webinar series are now available on the <a href="https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/bulletin-board/events-calendar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Florida Land Steward events calendar</a>.</p>
<p>There are several UF/IFAS Extension publications providing hurricane preparation tips and other related information for agricultural producers and forest landowners. <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/hurricanes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">See these Hurricane publications on EDIS</a>.</p>
<figure id="attachment_3515" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3515" style="width: 163px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2021/02/Old-World-Climbing-Fern-4-Deluca-020521_reduced.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-3515" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2021/02/Old-World-Climbing-Fern-4-Deluca-020521_reduced-225x300.jpg" alt="Old world climbing fern" width="163" height="217" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3515" class="wp-caption-text">Old world climbing fern, an aggressive invasive plant that grows as a vine. Photo by Chris Demers</figcaption></figure>
<h4>YOUR HELP NEEDED TO BOLSTER REGIONAL INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT EFFORTS</h4>
<p>The University of Florida’s Invasive Species Extension Program is seeking your feedback to strengthen a proposed project to bolster regional invasive plant management efforts.  This survey is solely to estimate interest and does not constitute any type of commitment. You can <a href="https://arcg.is/114fG80" target="_blank" rel="noopener">share some information about your management and interests here</a>, Questions can be directed to Deb Stone at <a href="mailto:debitharp@ufl.edu">debitharp@ufl.edu</a>.</p>
<h4>FERAL HOG FENCING COST-SHARE PROGRAM FOR SANTA ROSA AND ESCAMBIA COUNTIES</h4>
<p><strong>Apply by June 14, 2024</strong></p>
<p>The Blackwater Soil &amp; Water Conservation District will be facilitating a cost share program for Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties from a grant funded by National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). This program is for fencing in agricultural (forest, pasture, row crop) lands, and it is to help improve areas affected by feral hogs. <a href="https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=9315" target="_blank" rel="noopener">See this Santa Rosa County page for more details and an application</a>.</p>
<p>For more information contact Levi Blackmon, Conservation Programs Coordinator, Soil Conservation Department, <a href="mailto:LeviB@santarosa.fl.gov">LeviB@santarosa.fl.gov</a>, (850) 480-9412.</p>
<h4>HURRICANE IDALIA SILIVICULTURE RECOVERY PROGRAM NOW OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT</h4>
<p><strong>Apply by June 30, 2024</strong></p>
<p>The Hurricane Idalia Silviculture Recovery Program is designed to ensure the long-term viability of Florida’s forest lands and restore the ecological and economic value of timberland damaged by Hurricane Idalia. The program offers landowners cost-share funding specifically for site preparation and tree replanting on classified agricultural lands. It is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service and funded by the state of Florida.</p>
<p>To be eligible for the program, <strong>practice sites must have been forested on August 30, 2023, and experienced significant timber damage that impacted the future viability of the stand as a direct result of Hurricane Idalia</strong>. Qualified applicants are limited to timber landowners in <strong>Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee and Taylor counties</strong>, whose timber experienced significant damage from Hurricane Idalia.</p>
<p>The program is currently open for applications at the online portal or by mail. Please visit <a href="https://idaliatimberrecovery.fdacs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://IdaliaTimberRecovery.fdacs.gov</a> to apply. Applications will be accepted until <b><strong>June 30, 2024</strong></b>.</p>
<h4><strong><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2024/04/PROFOREST-PODFOREST-logo.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-8385 alignright" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2024/04/PROFOREST-PODFOREST-logo-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="191" height="191" /></a>CHECK OUT THE NEW PROFOREST “PODFOREST” PODCAST</strong></h4>
<p>Immerse yourself in the world of forestry through extension as ProForest coordinator Dr. Tyler Carney hosts guests to talk about all things forestry. Listeners can join each episode to listen to a new guest and learn about different forestry topics. Curated for private forest landowners but interesting to all, this podcast was created as an Extension product of the University of Florida&#8217;s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/proforestpodforest?fbclid=IwAR1zf3x-dUwQHHpJ2wZVtHSPV91Gq_5n7ndc-7pJupW9PC38r94O7O70sgA_aem_ATXsyqxefrHCYVeHVrzfeEFdcHL0GGYTC12PmvgXmXK1hpp-d7QEZSWcqsPRxjfQKfFdAfdLgstiES5-hGi5cUN6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more and listen to available PodForest episodes</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>GROUP ENROLLMENT OPTION NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE ONLINE FOREST LANDOWNER ACADEMY</strong></h4>
<p>Do you have a group of employees or clients that you’d like to enroll in the online Forest Landowner Academy? We now have a bulk registration option where you can purchase multiple “seats” in the course and assign those to people who want to take the course. For more details on how this works see these Canvas instructions on <a href="https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Catalog/How-do-I-reserve-multiple-enrollments-in-a-Catalog-course-or/ta-p/529652" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reserving multiple enrollments</a> and <a href="https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Catalog/How-do-I-invite-students-to-a-bulk-purchased-course-or-program/ta-p/529651" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to invite students to a bulk-purchased course</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2023/02/logoFLA-white.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-6365 alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="151" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2023/02/logoFLA-white-300x151.png"></a>Forest landowners, and others in need of forest management information, are encouraged to enroll in this <strong>self-paced, online</strong>, 7-module course to connect with forest management experts at the University of Florida and receive quality core educational content on forestry and multiple-use stewardship concepts.</p>
<p><strong>Single and bulk enrollment options are both available at the Forest Landowner Academy enrollment page:<br />
<a href="https://ifas-sfrc-for.catalog.instructure.com/courses/for-fla" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://ifas-sfrc-for.catalog.instructure.com/courses/for-fla</a><br />
</strong><br />
Questions about the course can be directed to Chris Demers, <a href="mailto:cdemers@ufl.edu">cdemers@ufl.edu</a>, (352) 846-2375.</p>
<h4>GET FLORIDA LAND STEWARD EMAIL UPDATES</h4>
<p>Don’t miss out on news and events! Sign up for the regular email updates! Send an email to Chris at <a href="mailto:cdemers@ufl.edu">cdemers@ufl.edu</a> to be added to the email listserv. Florida Land Steward email updates are sent once a week or every other week and include the latest calendar of workshops, tours and other events; a link to the current issue of the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter; updates on cost-share and other assistance programs, opportunities, and resources; and other stewardship related news and information.</p>
<figure id="attachment_4233" class="wp-caption alignright" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4233"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4233" class="wp-caption-text"></figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_5267" class="wp-caption alignright" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5267"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5267" class="wp-caption-text"></figcaption></figure>
<h4><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2020/09/fls_logo_final_haggit080811_compressed.jpeg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-2920 alignright" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2020/09/fls_logo_final_haggit080811_compressed-300x293.jpeg" alt="Florida Land Steward Program Logo" width="197" height="192" /></a>UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES</h4>
<p>See our <a href="https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/bulletin-board/events-calendar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Events Calendar and News</a> page for upcoming events and ongoing programs, initiatives, and opportunities.</p>
<h4>ACCESS THE QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER ONLINE</h4>
<p>Access the current and back issues of the <a href="https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/about-us/newsletter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter here</a>.</p>
<h4>HAVE AN EVENT OR RELATED NEWS TO SHARE?</h4>
<p>Drop a line with the details and link(s) to Chris at <a href="mailto:cdemers@ufl.edu">cdemers@ufl.edu</a>.</p>
<h4>CONSIDER A GIFT IN SUPPORT OF THE UF/IFAS FLORIDA LAND STEWARD PROGRAM</h4>
<p>The mission of the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program is to help and encourage private landowners to actively manage their land resources for long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits. This program is largely supported by partners and donors. If this program has made a difference in your land stewardship efforts, please consider a gift.  <a href="https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/about-us/give/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Support the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program here</a>. Thanks!</p>


Ronnie Stephenson, 2024 Florida Land Steward of the Year, by Chris Demers
THANKS TO ALL JOINING US FOR RONNIE STEPHENSON TOUR IN JACKSON COUNTY
Thanks to all who participated in the tour at the property of Ronnie Stephenson, our 2024 Florida Land Steward of the Year, last week in Jackson County. We enjoyed a great day learning about Ronnie’s tireless contributions to wildlife and habitat management that make him an exemplary land steward. His enthusiasm and dedication to active management have and continue to inspire the current and next generation of land stewards.  See photos and highlights from the tour on the Florida Land Steward Facebook page.
HURRICANE SEASON IS AROUND THE CORNER
This week is Hurricane Preparedness Week (NOAA link). We’ve learned the hard way in recent years that powerful storms can have significant impacts to inland agriculture and forestry operations. Don’t get caught unprepared for the next storm. Links to recorded presentations from our Hurricane Preparation & Recovery webinar series are now available on the Florida Land Steward events calendar.
There are several UF/IFAS Extension publications providing hurricane preparation tips and other related information for agricultural producers and forest landowners. See these Hurricane publications on EDIS.
Old world climbing fern, an aggressive invasive plant that grows as a vine. Photo by Chris Demers
YOUR HELP NEEDED TO BOLSTER REGIONAL INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT EFFORTS
The University of Florida’s Invasive Species Extension Program is seeking your feedback to strengthen a proposed project to bolster regional invasive plant management efforts.  This survey is solely to estimate interest and does not constitute any type of commitment. You can share some information about your management and interests here, Questions can be directed to Deb Stone at debitharp@ufl.edu.
FERAL HOG FENCING COST-SHARE PROGRAM FOR SANTA ROSA AND ESCAMBIA COUNTIES
Apply by June 14, 2024
The Blackwater Soil & Water Conservation District will be facilitating a cost share program for Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties from a grant funded by National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). This program is for fencing in agricultural (forest, pasture, row crop) lands, and it is to help improve areas affected by feral hogs. See this Santa Rosa County page for more details and an application.
For more information contact Levi Blackmon, Conservation Programs Coordinator, Soil Conservation Department, LeviB@santarosa.fl.gov, (850) 480-9412.
HURRICANE IDALIA SILIVICULTURE RECOVERY PROGRAM NOW OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT
Apply by June 30, 2024
The Hurricane Idalia Silviculture Recovery Program is designed to ensure the long-term viability of Florida’s forest lands and restore the ecological and economic value of timberland damaged by Hurricane Idalia. The program offers landowners cost-share funding specifically for site preparation and tree replanting on classified agricultural lands. It is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service and funded by the state of Florida.
To be eligible for the program, practice sites must have been forested on August 30, 2023, and experienced significant timber damage that impacted the future viability of the stand as a direct result of Hurricane Idalia. Qualified applicants are limited to timber landowners in Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee and Taylor counties, whose timber experienced significant damage from Hurricane Idalia.
The program is currently open for applications at the online portal or by mail. Please visit https://IdaliaTimberRecovery.fdacs.gov to apply. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2024.
CHECK OUT THE NEW PROFOREST “PODFOREST” PODCAST
Immerse yourself in the world of forestry through extension as ProForest coordinator Dr. Tyler Carney hosts guests to talk about all things forestry. Listeners can join each episode to listen to a new guest and learn about different forestry topics. Curated for private forest landowners but interesting to all, this podcast was created as an Extension product of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Learn more and listen to available PodForest episodes.
GROUP ENROLLMENT OPTION NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE ONLINE FOREST LANDOWNER ACADEMY
Do you have a group of employees or clients that you’d like to enroll in the online Forest Landowner Academy? We now have a bulk registration option where you can purchase multiple “seats” in the course and assign those to people who want to take the course. For more details on how this works see these Canvas instructions on reserving multiple enrollments and how to invite students to a bulk-purchased course.
Forest landowners, and others in need of forest management information, are encouraged to enroll in this self-paced, online, 7-module course to connect with forest management experts at the University of Florida and receive quality core educational content on forestry and multiple-use stewardship concepts.
Single and bulk enrollment options are both available at the Forest Landowner Academy enrollment page:
https://ifas-sfrc-for.catalog.instructure.com/courses/for-fla

Questions about the course can be directed to Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu, (352) 846-2375.
GET FLORIDA LAND STEWARD EMAIL UPDATES
Don’t miss out on news and events! Sign up for the regular email updates! Send an email to Chris at cdemers@ufl.edu to be added to the email listserv. Florida Land Steward email updates are sent once a week or every other week and include the latest calendar of workshops, tours and other events; a link to the current issue of the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter; updates on cost-share and other assistance programs, opportunities, and resources; and other stewardship related news and information.


UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
See our Events Calendar and News page for upcoming events and ongoing programs, initiatives, and opportunities.
ACCESS THE QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER ONLINE
Access the current and back issues of the quarterly Florida Land Steward newsletter here.
HAVE AN EVENT OR RELATED NEWS TO SHARE?
Drop a line with the details and link(s) to Chris at cdemers@ufl.edu.
CONSIDER A GIFT IN SUPPORT OF THE UF/IFAS FLORIDA LAND STEWARD PROGRAM
The mission of the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program is to help and encourage private landowners to actively manage their land resources for long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits. This program is largely supported by partners and donors. If this program has made a difference in your land stewardship efforts, please consider a gift.  Support the UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward Program here. Thanks!

THANKS TO ALL JOINING US FOR RONNIE STEPHENSON TOUR IN JACKSON COUNTY Thanks to all who participated in the tour at the property of Ronnie Stephenson, our 2024 Florida Land Steward of the Year, last week in Jackson County. We enjoyed a great day learning about Ronnie’s tireless contributions to wildlife and habitat management that […]

Florida Land Steward Update, May 10, 2024

In the intricate tapestry of ecosystems, the introduction of non-native species can often have devastating consequences. One such example is the invasive plant species known as Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe x houghtonii). Originally from Madagascar, this succulent has spread rapidly in various regions, outcompeting native flora and disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. However, there [&#8230;]

<p>In the intricate tapestry of ecosystems, the introduction of non-native species can often have devastating consequences. One such example is the invasive plant species known as Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe x houghtonii). Originally from Madagascar, this succulent has spread rapidly in various regions, outcompeting native flora and disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. However, there is hope in restoring equilibrium by introducing native species like Gallberry (Ilex glabra). In this blog, we&#8217;ll explore the threats posed by Mother of Millions and the benefits of replacing it with Gallberry.</p>
<p>Understanding Mother of Millions:<br />
Mother of Millions reproduce prolifically, producing numerous plantlets along the edges of their leaves. This reproductive strategy allows them to spread rapidly, colonizing new areas, and outcompeting native vegetation for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients. reproduces both sexually and vegetatively. In vegetative reproduction, suckers are produced from the base of the plant and daughter plantlets are formed along the edges of detached leaves (epiphyllous buds). The prolific growth of Mother of Millions poses several ecological threats:</p>
<p>1. Habitat Degradation: Mother of Millions can quickly establish dense populations, forming monocultures that displace native plants and reduce biodiversity.<br />
2. Altered Ecosystem Dynamics: The presence of Mother of Millions can alter soil composition and nutrient cycling, affecting the entire ecosystem&#8217;s functioning.<br />
3. Disruption of Wildlife Habitat: The invasive nature of Mother of Millions can negatively impact native wildlife by altering habitat structure and reducing food sources.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="" src="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/54b94e4df12211333ec3e3a8304741384cbff2f1/c=0-237-2558-1682/local/-/media/2018/05/08/PalmSprings/PalmSprings/636613929234833179-degremontana.jpg?width=3200&amp;height=1680&amp;fit=crop" alt="Mother of millions, originally from Africa, make home in U.S. desert" width="335" height="176" /></p>
<p>The Case for Gallberry:<br />
Gallberry (Ilex glabra) is a native evergreen shrub found in southeastern United States. It belongs to the holly family and typically grows in wetland habitats such as swamps, bogs, and moist woodlands. Introducing Gallberry as a replacement for Mother of Millions offers several benefits:</p>
<p>1. Ecological Restoration: Gallberry plays a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of wetland ecosystems. Its dense foliage provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species, including birds, mammals, and insects.<br />
2. Soil Stabilization: The extensive root system of Gallberry helps prevent soil erosion, especially in areas prone to flooding and water runoff.<br />
3. Native Plant Diversity: By promoting the growth of Gallberry, we can enhance the diversity of native plant species in impacted ecosystems, contributing to overall ecological resilience.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="" src="https://bugwoodcloud.org/images/1536x1024/1607251.jpg" alt="gallberry (Ilex glabra)" width="242" height="363" /></p>
<p>Implementing Change:<br />
Replacing Mother of Millions with Gallberry requires a concerted effort involving conservation organizations, land managers, and local communities. Some steps that can be taken include; removal of the invasive species, promotion and planting of native species such as Gallberry, and regular monitoring of restored areas.</p>
<p>The spread of invasive species like Mother of Millions poses significant challenges to ecosystem health and biodiversity. However, by replacing invasive plants with native species like Gallberry, we can work towards restoring balance and resilience to our natural landscapes. Through collaborative efforts and informed conservation practices, we can protect and preserve the rich tapestry of life that sustains us all.</p>


In the intricate tapestry of ecosystems, the introduction of non-native species can often have devastating consequences. One such example is the invasive plant species known as Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe x houghtonii). Originally from Madagascar, this succulent has spread rapidly in various regions, outcompeting native flora and disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. However, there is hope in restoring equilibrium by introducing native species like Gallberry (Ilex glabra). In this blog, we’ll explore the threats posed by Mother of Millions and the benefits of replacing it with Gallberry.
Understanding Mother of Millions:
1. Habitat Degradation: Mother of Millions can quickly establish dense populations, forming monocultures that displace native plants and reduce biodiversity.

The Case for Gallberry:
1. Ecological Restoration: Gallberry plays a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of wetland ecosystems. Its dense foliage provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species, including birds, mammals, and insects.

Implementing Change:
The spread of invasive species like Mother of Millions poses significant challenges to ecosystem health and biodiversity. However, by replacing invasive plants with native species like Gallberry, we can work towards restoring balance and resilience to our natural landscapes. Through collaborative efforts and informed conservation practices, we can protect and preserve the rich tapestry of life that sustains us all.

In the intricate tapestry of ecosystems, the introduction of non-native species can often have devastating consequences. One such example is the invasive plant species known as Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe x houghtonii). Originally from Madagascar, this succulent has spread rapidly in various regions, outcompeting native flora and disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. However, there […]

Restoring Balance: Replacing Mother of Millions with Gallberry

Non-Native Species

Especies no nativas 

Bell, Emily C.

Miller, Melissa

Invasive Wildlife

Invasive Plants

Invasive Invertebrates

<p><span>Interspecific competition where native species are competing with nonnative species for resources (e.g., nutrients, space, water, etc.)</span></p>

Invasive Species

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