Invasive Species

Especies invasivas 

Especies Invasoras

Marine Ecosystems

Entorno marino

Last week, I took a group of kids on a beach walk at Deadman’s Island in Gulf Breeze. They picked up hermit crabs, watched shorebirds, and looked for interesting finds along the beach. Toward the east end of the peninsula (it’s not actually an island anymore), there are oyster-covered pilings just offshore. I explained to [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_39645" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39645" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/oyster-drill-eggs-3.jpg"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="size-medium wp-image-39645 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="275" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/oyster-drill-eggs-3-300x275.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39645" class="wp-caption-text">Oyster drill egg sacs found near Pensacola Bay last week. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
<p>Last week, I took a group of kids on a beach walk at <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/2022/07/27/weekly-what-is-it-deadmans-island/">Deadman’s Island</a> in Gulf Breeze. They picked up hermit crabs, watched shorebirds, and looked for interesting finds along the beach. Toward the east end of the peninsula (it’s not actually an island anymore), there are oyster-covered pilings just offshore. I explained to the group that on those pilings are rings of oysters installed several years ago as an attempt to provide reef habitat. They also serve as a breakwater for a swiftly eroding piece of land. Back on the beach, a curious kid handed me a lightweight set of identical flaky, sand-colored husks that had the shape and feel of Rice Krispies cereal. Looking more closely, we saw dozens of pieces like this strewn along the beach.</p>
<figure id="attachment_39649" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39649" style="width: 238px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/oyster-drill-texasam.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-39649 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="238" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/oyster-drill-texasam-238x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39649" class="wp-caption-text">Oyster drill snail. Photo credit: Texas A&amp;M</figcaption></figure>
<p>What he’d handed me were oyster drill egg cases. As their name implies, Oyster drills (<em>Stramonita haemastoma</em>) are predatory snails, which use a serrated <a href="https://shellfish.ifas.ufl.edu/clambag/bio-sketch-snail-like.php#124">tonguelike radula to bore nearly perfect circles</a> into live oysters. The snails insert their proboscis, which consists of a mouth and esophagus, moving oyster tissue into the snail&#8217;s body for digestion. The proboscis may be as long as the entire oyster drill’s body. Oyster drills can attack full grown oysters, but are particularly devastating on the younger mollusks, with a <a href="https://dmr.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/oyster-drill-brochure.pdf">single drill able to eat up to 100 spat per day</a>.</p>
<figure id="attachment_39647" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39647" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/oyster-drill-eggs-texasam.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-39647 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/oyster-drill-eggs-texasam-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39647" class="wp-caption-text">A large mass of oyster drill eggs. Photo credit: Texas A &amp; M</figcaption></figure>
<p>Oyster drill snails spawn this time of year, in late spring, laying their eggs on hard surfaces just underwater. If they dislodge like the ones we found on the beach, they dry out and turn a yellowish purple color. The egg cases are produced in a consecutive string of connected tissue, extruded from the edges of the shell. The rows of egg sacs are reminiscent of long, skinny teeth. They are similar in form, but smaller, than the <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/2021/06/30/weekly-what-is-it-whelk-egg-cases/">circular whelk egg cases</a> also found on beaches.</p>
<figure id="attachment_39653" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39653" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/oyster-deadman-snorkel.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39653 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/oyster-deadman-snorkel-300x200.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39653" class="wp-caption-text">Local biologists snorkel on the oyster reefs at Deadman&#8217;s Island. Photo credit: Logan McDonald, Pensacola &amp; Perdido Bays Estuary Program</figcaption></figure>
<p>Almost immediately after the <a href="https://www.deadmansisland.org/">oyster reefs were installed adjacent</a> to the Deadman’s Island shoreline, they were plagued by oyster drills. In fact, many of the hermit crabs the kids collected were living in discarded oyster drill shells. The snails are native species in our coastal waters, although they are a huge nuisance for anyone doing reef restoration or oyster aquaculture. Many people associate the oyster drill with commercial oyster production and harvesting, but it is also a common predator of barnacles and razor clams. The snails don’t do well outside of the water, so barnacles positioned at higher ends of the tidal range will often avoid predation.</p>
<figure id="attachment_39655" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39655" style="width: 239px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/Japanese-oyster-drill-egg-casing-C.-Eardley-WDFW.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39655 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="239" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/Japanese-oyster-drill-egg-casing-C.-Eardley-WDFW-239x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39655" class="wp-caption-text">Japanese oyster drills and their eggs atop an oyster. Photo credit: C. Eardley, Washington Department of Fish and Widlife</figcaption></figure>
<p>There are two local varieties of <a href="https://txmarspecies.tamug.edu/invertdetails.cfm?scinameID=Stramonita%20haemastoma">oyster drills (also known as “rock shells”), </a><em>Stramonita haemastoma floridana and Stramonita haemastoma canaliculata. </em>The<em> canaliculata </em>variety is typically larger, with a “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beachcombers-Guide-Gulf-Coast-Marine/dp/1589790618">double row of large knob</a>s”   on its shell. There is debate among scientists whether these two are different enough to be subspecies, as snails that seem to be hybrids between the two varieties are present throughout the Gulf.  There are numerous species of snail with the same common name, including the <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/field-guide/entry/atlantic-oyster-drill">Atlantic oyster drill (<em>Urosalpinx cinerea</em>)</a> and the invasive <a href="https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/ocinebrellus-inornatus">Japanese oyster drill (<em>Ocinebrellus inornatus</em>)</a>. Oyster farmers and <a href="https://www.kenniscentrumtoerisme.nl/wiki/index.php/PR_00185">researchers in Washington state</a> are testing the usefulness of removing eggs vs. adult Japanese oyster drills from oyster beds. So far, results are showing that egg removal is the most effective means of controlling the predators.</p>
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Oyster drill egg sacs found near Pensacola Bay last week. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
Last week, I took a group of kids on a beach walk at Deadman’s Island in Gulf Breeze. They picked up hermit crabs, watched shorebirds, and looked for interesting finds along the beach. Toward the east end of the peninsula (it’s not actually an island anymore), there are oyster-covered pilings just offshore. I explained to the group that on those pilings are rings of oysters installed several years ago as an attempt to provide reef habitat. They also serve as a breakwater for a swiftly eroding piece of land. Back on the beach, a curious kid handed me a lightweight set of identical flaky, sand-colored husks that had the shape and feel of Rice Krispies cereal. Looking more closely, we saw dozens of pieces like this strewn along the beach.
Oyster drill snail. Photo credit: Texas A&M
What he’d handed me were oyster drill egg cases. As their name implies, Oyster drills (Stramonita haemastoma) are predatory snails, which use a serrated tonguelike radula to bore nearly perfect circles into live oysters. The snails insert their proboscis, which consists of a mouth and esophagus, moving oyster tissue into the snail’s body for digestion. The proboscis may be as long as the entire oyster drill’s body. Oyster drills can attack full grown oysters, but are particularly devastating on the younger mollusks, with a single drill able to eat up to 100 spat per day.
A large mass of oyster drill eggs. Photo credit: Texas A & M
Oyster drill snails spawn this time of year, in late spring, laying their eggs on hard surfaces just underwater. If they dislodge like the ones we found on the beach, they dry out and turn a yellowish purple color. The egg cases are produced in a consecutive string of connected tissue, extruded from the edges of the shell. The rows of egg sacs are reminiscent of long, skinny teeth. They are similar in form, but smaller, than the circular whelk egg cases also found on beaches.
Local biologists snorkel on the oyster reefs at Deadman’s Island. Photo credit: Logan McDonald, Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program
Almost immediately after the oyster reefs were installed adjacent to the Deadman’s Island shoreline, they were plagued by oyster drills. In fact, many of the hermit crabs the kids collected were living in discarded oyster drill shells. The snails are native species in our coastal waters, although they are a huge nuisance for anyone doing reef restoration or oyster aquaculture. Many people associate the oyster drill with commercial oyster production and harvesting, but it is also a common predator of barnacles and razor clams. The snails don’t do well outside of the water, so barnacles positioned at higher ends of the tidal range will often avoid predation.
Japanese oyster drills and their eggs atop an oyster. Photo credit: C. Eardley, Washington Department of Fish and Widlife
There are two local varieties of oyster drills (also known as “rock shells”), Stramonita haemastoma floridana and Stramonita haemastoma canaliculata. The canaliculata variety is typically larger, with a “double row of large knobs”   on its shell. There is debate among scientists whether these two are different enough to be subspecies, as snails that seem to be hybrids between the two varieties are present throughout the Gulf.  There are numerous species of snail with the same common name, including the Atlantic oyster drill (Urosalpinx cinerea) and the invasive Japanese oyster drill (Ocinebrellus inornatus). Oyster farmers and researchers in Washington state are testing the usefulness of removing eggs vs. adult Japanese oyster drills from oyster beds. So far, results are showing that egg removal is the most effective means of controlling the predators.

Last week, I took a group of kids on a beach walk at Deadman’s Island in Gulf Breeze. They picked up hermit crabs, watched shorebirds, and looked for interesting finds along the beach. Toward the east end of the peninsula (it’s not actually an island anymore), there are oyster-covered pilings just offshore. I explained to […]

Weekly “What is it?”: Oyster drill

Recap of June 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector In June, we dove into the basics of nematodes. Nematodes are all around the word, many are free living and some are parasitic on plants and animals. On plants, their damage can look similar to a lot of other things that go wrong with plants [&#8230;]

<h2>Recap of June 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector</h2>
<p>In June, we dove into the basics of nematodes. Nematodes are all around the word, many are free living and some are parasitic on plants and animals. On plants, their damage can look similar to a lot of other things that go wrong with plants like water stress or nutritional deficiencies. Above ground, the symptoms of nematodes can look like yellowing, stunted growth, wilting, or thinning of plants. Below ground nematode symptoms can be stunted roots, deformed growth, dark or rotted roots, lesions or galls. To diagnose nematode issues, a nematode assay is required. the <a href="https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/nematology-assay-lab/">UF/IFAS Nematode Assay Lab</a> offers testing services if you suspect nematodes may be causing issues on your plants.</p>
<p>In this month&#8217;s first Friday webinar, we talked about a few invasive nematodes that we do not want to have in Florida including golden nematode, pale cyst nematode, chickpea cyst nematode, British root-knot nematode, and red ring nematode. All of these species could cause serious issues for Florida&#8217;s agriculture if introduced to the state. The best method of control for nematodes, like these species, is prevention. Nematodes are one of the reason that it is prohibited to move soil from other countries to the US. There are also many precautions in place to stop the spread of nematodes through the horticulture and agriculture industries. These include stringent quarantine measures, regular monitoring, use of certified nematode-free planting materials, and public awareness programs to educate growers and the public about the risks and management of invasive nematodes.</p>
<h3>Resources on Nematodes</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/nematology-assay-lab/">UF/IFAS Nematode Assay Laboratory</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/golden-nematode">USDA Golden Nematode</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/pcn">USDA Pale Cyst Nematode</a></li>
<li><a href="https://download.ceris.purdue.edu/file/3042">CAPS Datasheet for Chickpea Cyst Nematode</a></li>
<li><a href="https://download.ceris.purdue.edu/file/3129">CAPS Datasheet for British Root-Knot Nematode</a></li>
<li><a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/nematode_management?association=Lawn%20and%20Garden%20Care:%20Nematode%20Management&amp;audience=homeowner#LAWN_AND%20GARDEN%20CARE:%20NEMATODE%20MANAGEMENT">Ask IFAS, Nematode Management Articles</a></li>
<li><a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN944">Ask IFAS, EDIS Entomopathogenic Nematodes</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Want to watch the recording?</h2>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="June 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector: Invasive Nematodes" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R1wpckBYAzA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>What is the upcoming schedule?</h2>
<p>We are meeting online via Zoom from 12:00PM-1:00PM on the <strong>First Friday</strong> of every month from Sept 2022-Aug 2024. Please visit <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/2023/07/17/first-fridays-with-ffd-24/">this blog</a> for registration information and the upcoming schedule for Sept 2023-2024. The links to our next cycle of webinars (September 2024 &#8211; August 2025) should be available soon, so be on the lookout for this in the near future!</p>
<h2>Questions?</h2>
<p>Contact Dr. Morgan Pinkerton, <a href="mailto:morgan0402@ufl.edu">morgan0402@ufl.edu</a></p>
<p>Or</p>
<p>Visit the <a href="http://www.flfirstdetector.com/">Florida First Detector Website</a></p>


Recap of June 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector
In June, we dove into the basics of nematodes. Nematodes are all around the word, many are free living and some are parasitic on plants and animals. On plants, their damage can look similar to a lot of other things that go wrong with plants like water stress or nutritional deficiencies. Above ground, the symptoms of nematodes can look like yellowing, stunted growth, wilting, or thinning of plants. Below ground nematode symptoms can be stunted roots, deformed growth, dark or rotted roots, lesions or galls. To diagnose nematode issues, a nematode assay is required. the UF/IFAS Nematode Assay Lab offers testing services if you suspect nematodes may be causing issues on your plants.
In this month’s first Friday webinar, we talked about a few invasive nematodes that we do not want to have in Florida including golden nematode, pale cyst nematode, chickpea cyst nematode, British root-knot nematode, and red ring nematode. All of these species could cause serious issues for Florida’s agriculture if introduced to the state. The best method of control for nematodes, like these species, is prevention. Nematodes are one of the reason that it is prohibited to move soil from other countries to the US. There are also many precautions in place to stop the spread of nematodes through the horticulture and agriculture industries. These include stringent quarantine measures, regular monitoring, use of certified nematode-free planting materials, and public awareness programs to educate growers and the public about the risks and management of invasive nematodes.
Resources on Nematodes
UF/IFAS Nematode Assay Laboratory
USDA Golden Nematode
USDA Pale Cyst Nematode
CAPS Datasheet for Chickpea Cyst Nematode
CAPS Datasheet for British Root-Knot Nematode
Ask IFAS, Nematode Management Articles
Ask IFAS, EDIS Entomopathogenic Nematodes
Want to watch the recording?

What is the upcoming schedule?
We are meeting online via Zoom from 12:00PM-1:00PM on the First Friday of every month from Sept 2022-Aug 2024. Please visit this blog for registration information and the upcoming schedule for Sept 2023-2024. The links to our next cycle of webinars (September 2024 – August 2025) should be available soon, so be on the lookout for this in the near future!
Questions?
Contact Dr. Morgan Pinkerton, morgan0402@ufl.edu
Or
Visit the Florida First Detector Website

Recap of June 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector In June, we dove into the basics of nematodes. Nematodes are all around the word, many are free living and some are parasitic on plants and animals. On plants, their damage can look similar to a lot of other things that go wrong with plants […]

June 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector

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" loading="lazy" 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" 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="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" loading="lazy" 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>
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<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

Non-Native Species

Especies no nativas 

<p>Extension scientist and director, Doctor of Plant Medicine program, UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology, Gainesville, FL 32611.<br /><a href="http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/people-directory/amanda-hodges/">department profile</a><br /><a href="http://vivo.ufl.edu/display/n54351">VIVO profile</a></p>

Hodges, Amanda C.

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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Standardized Invasive Species Terminology for Effective Outreach Education

El caracol cola de cuerno (Macrochlamys indica): una nueva especie invasiva en Florida

Floridians' Perceptions of Invasive Species

Got Invasives? Get Help!

Lumnitzera racemosa, White-Flowered Black Mangrove

Why is your cup of coffee so expensive? Because of a tiny bark beetle!

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Florida Land Steward Update, May 17, 2024

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Invasive Species in Marine Ecosystems

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