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Every fifteen minutes, 365 days a year, University of Florida scientists can see how and where many coyotes move at two locations in the Sunshine state. Those images show coyotes in two different landscapes in Florida: pine flatwoods in North Florida and the rangeland in Central Florida. The movements tell researchers about the animal’s behavior, [&#8230;]

Every fifteen minutes, 365 days a year, University of Florida scientists can see how and where many coyotes move at two locations in the Sunshine state.
Those images show coyotes in two different landscapes in Florida: pine flatwoods in North Florida and the rangeland in Central Florida.
The movements tell researchers about the animal’s behavior, said <a href="https://rcrec-ona.ifas.ufl.edu/about/directory/faculty/hance-ellington/">Hance Ellington, a wildlife ecologist</a> at the UF/IFAS <a href="https://rcrec-ona.ifas.ufl.edu/">Range Cattle Research and Education Center</a> in Hardee County. Much of Ellington’s work explores how wildlife interact with cattle. But this research will take him into the world of coyotes and animals on which they prey, such as turkeys and deer.
When it’s done – up to four years from now &#8212; this research will provide a starting point for Ellington and other scientists to better know how coyotes use land and prey on other animals. That way, they can make data-based recommendations on how to manage coyotes and their habitats.
One of Ellington’s doctoral students, Dakotah Shaffer, is monitoring the animals’ movements at <a href="https://talltimbers.org/tall-timbers-acquires-dixie-plantation/">Tall Timbers’ Livingston Place Property</a>, considered the esteemed home of fire ecology to preserve land in Florida. Many coyotes roam Livingston Place, which is in Jefferson County, about 40 miles northeast of Tallahassee.
<figure id="attachment_44807" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-44807" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="wp-image-44807 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/05/Coyotes_Courtesy-Dakotah-Shaffer_051524-300x225.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-44807" class="wp-caption-text">A coyote at Tall Timbers Livingston Place Property. Courtesy, Dakotah Shaffer.</figcaption></figure>
Shaffer is conducting similar research at the UF-owned <a href="https://deluca.ifas.ufl.edu/">DeLuca Preserve</a> in Osceola County, which also has 48 cameras scattered on its 27,000 acres.
“We’re monitoring them with GPS collars,” said Ellington. “We know where they are; we can estimate their behaviors. We want to know, for example, if they’re foraging or hunting. Where do they choose to eat. What habitats do they use?”
Existing research shows a wide range of data on how, where and why coyotes move, Ellington said. But the information is inconclusive about where on the landscapes coyotes hunt and forage and why they choose the spots they choose. That’s why he and Shaffer want more data on coyote activity in Florida.
Coyotes came to central Florida in the 1970s and ‘80s and to southern Florida in the mid-1990s, and relatively few studies have examined their behavior across different Florida ecosystems.
Ellington and Schaffer hypothesize that coyotes behave as they do because of animals around them, rather than because of the type of land they’re on, such as forests, grasslands or wetlands.
To test their hypothesis, they’re capturing, collaring and tracking coyotes using GPS technology. Each coyote also has an accelerometer, which measures head movement.
Together, the data from the GPS and accelerometer give the scientists a potential window into where and when different behaviors like capturing prey and eating occur. Ellington and Schaffer are also collecting images of all wildlife from a network of trail cameras at DeLuca and Tall Timbers (more than 80 cameras, total).
“We are collecting millions of wildlife images, and we are using machine learning to help identify which images have deer, turkey or other wildlife species,” Ellington said. “If we know where deer, turkey and other wildlife occur, we can then link this information with our data on coyote hunting and foraging behavior.”
“Knowing where potential prey, like deer and turkey, live, and knowing where and when coyotes are hunting and searching for prey allows us to better predict potential predation events and conflict,” he said.  “Ultimately, we hope to see a more complete picture of how coyotes behave and move in time and space in Florida’s rangelands is an important first step in being able to mitigate or reduce conflict with coyotes.”
###
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
&nbsp;

Every fifteen minutes, 365 days a year, University of Florida scientists can see how and where many coyotes move at two locations in the Sunshine state.
Those images show coyotes in two different landscapes in Florida: pine flatwoods in North Florida and the rangeland in Central Florida.
The movements tell researchers about the animal’s behavior, said Hance Ellington, a wildlife ecologist at the UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Hardee County. Much of Ellington’s work explores how wildlife interact with cattle. But this research will take him into the world of coyotes and animals on which they prey, such as turkeys and deer.
When it’s done – up to four years from now — this research will provide a starting point for Ellington and other scientists to better know how coyotes use land and prey on other animals. That way, they can make data-based recommendations on how to manage coyotes and their habitats.
One of Ellington’s doctoral students, Dakotah Shaffer, is monitoring the animals’ movements at Tall Timbers’ Livingston Place Property, considered the esteemed home of fire ecology to preserve land in Florida. Many coyotes roam Livingston Place, which is in Jefferson County, about 40 miles northeast of Tallahassee.
A coyote at Tall Timbers Livingston Place Property. Courtesy, Dakotah Shaffer.
Shaffer is conducting similar research at the UF-owned DeLuca Preserve in Osceola County, which also has 48 cameras scattered on its 27,000 acres.
“We’re monitoring them with GPS collars,” said Ellington. “We know where they are; we can estimate their behaviors. We want to know, for example, if they’re foraging or hunting. Where do they choose to eat. What habitats do they use?”
Existing research shows a wide range of data on how, where and why coyotes move, Ellington said. But the information is inconclusive about where on the landscapes coyotes hunt and forage and why they choose the spots they choose. That’s why he and Shaffer want more data on coyote activity in Florida.
Coyotes came to central Florida in the 1970s and ‘80s and to southern Florida in the mid-1990s, and relatively few studies have examined their behavior across different Florida ecosystems.
Ellington and Schaffer hypothesize that coyotes behave as they do because of animals around them, rather than because of the type of land they’re on, such as forests, grasslands or wetlands.
To test their hypothesis, they’re capturing, collaring and tracking coyotes using GPS technology. Each coyote also has an accelerometer, which measures head movement.
Together, the data from the GPS and accelerometer give the scientists a potential window into where and when different behaviors like capturing prey and eating occur. Ellington and Schaffer are also collecting images of all wildlife from a network of trail cameras at DeLuca and Tall Timbers (more than 80 cameras, total).
“We are collecting millions of wildlife images, and we are using machine learning to help identify which images have deer, turkey or other wildlife species,” Ellington said. “If we know where deer, turkey and other wildlife occur, we can then link this information with our data on coyote hunting and foraging behavior.”
“Knowing where potential prey, like deer and turkey, live, and knowing where and when coyotes are hunting and searching for prey allows us to better predict potential predation events and conflict,” he said.  “Ultimately, we hope to see a more complete picture of how coyotes behave and move in time and space in Florida’s rangelands is an important first step in being able to mitigate or reduce conflict with coyotes.”
###
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS

Every fifteen minutes, 365 days a year, University of Florida scientists can see how and where many coyotes move at two locations in the Sunshine state. Those images show coyotes in two different landscapes in Florida: pine flatwoods in North Florida and the rangeland in Central Florida. The movements tell researchers about the animal’s behavior, […]

Coyotes — the predator under watch by UF cameras, scientists

 Let’s Celebrate…Lakes  With more than 7,800 naturally occurring lakes, Florida is among  25 States nationwide which have submitted proclamations in support of Lakes Appreciation month, observed each summer in July. Through the University of Florida/IFAS LAKEWATCH©  program, Florida residents can participate in  monthly volunteer  activities which help to improve water quality by monitoring the health [&#8230;]

<img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-2535 alignright" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/citrusco/files/2024/05/lake-blog-4-300x85.jpg" alt="" width="476" height="135" />  Let’s Celebrate…Lakes 
With more than 7,800 naturally occurring lakes, Florida is among  25 States nationwide which have submitted proclamations in support of Lakes Appreciation month, observed each summer in July. Through the University of Florida/IFAS LAKEWATCH©  program, Florida residents can participate in  monthly volunteer  activities which help to improve water quality by monitoring the health of Florida’s lakes, estuaries, rivers, and springs. To help preserve water quality it is also recommended that if you live close to a waterbody, your septic tank should be inspected every 3 to 5 years.
Other lake-appreciation activities recommended by the North American Lake Management Society include:
<ul>
<li>Organize a shoreline cleanup, go birding, or take pictures at a lake or pond.</li>
<li>Organize a lake field trip for students or community clubs.</li>
<li>Organize a hike or biking event with a focus on your local lake.</li>
<li>Contact LAKEWATCH©  or your local lake agency about volunteering to help monitor your local waterbody or watershed.</li>
<li>Enjoy your local lake, pond, or reservoir with fun summertime activities, such as fishing, boating, kayaking, or canoeing.</li>
<li>Volunteer with a watershed storm drain stenciling program.</li>
<li>Draw or paint a lake scene for your home or office.</li>
</ul>
To learn more, click on this <a href="https://lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">link</a> to visit the Lakewatch website.
<img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-2539 aligncenter lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="298" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/citrusco/files/2024/05/lakewatch-298x300.png">
&nbsp;

Let’s Celebrate…Lakes 
With more than 7,800 naturally occurring lakes, Florida is among  25 States nationwide which have submitted proclamations in support of Lakes Appreciation month, observed each summer in July. Through the University of Florida/IFAS LAKEWATCH©  program, Florida residents can participate in  monthly volunteer  activities which help to improve water quality by monitoring the health of Florida’s lakes, estuaries, rivers, and springs. To help preserve water quality it is also recommended that if you live close to a waterbody, your septic tank should be inspected every 3 to 5 years.
Other lake-appreciation activities recommended by the North American Lake Management Society include:
Organize a shoreline cleanup, go birding, or take pictures at a lake or pond.
Organize a lake field trip for students or community clubs.
Organize a hike or biking event with a focus on your local lake.
Contact LAKEWATCH©  or your local lake agency about volunteering to help monitor your local waterbody or watershed.
Enjoy your local lake, pond, or reservoir with fun summertime activities, such as fishing, boating, kayaking, or canoeing.
Volunteer with a watershed storm drain stenciling program.
Draw or paint a lake scene for your home or office.
To learn more, click on this link to visit the Lakewatch website.

Let’s Celebrate…Lakes  With more than 7,800 naturally occurring lakes, Florida is among  25 States nationwide which have submitted proclamations in support of Lakes Appreciation month, observed each summer in July. Through the University of Florida/IFAS LAKEWATCH©  program, Florida residents can participate in  monthly volunteer  activities which help to improve water quality by monitoring the health […]

Florida Lakeside Living

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>
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>.
<h4>HURRICANE SEASON IS AROUND THE CORNER</h4>
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>.
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>.
<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>
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>.
<h4>FERAL HOG FENCING COST-SHARE PROGRAM FOR SANTA ROSA AND ESCAMBIA COUNTIES</h4>
Apply by June 14, 2024
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>.
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.
<h4>HURRICANE IDALIA SILIVICULTURE RECOVERY PROGRAM NOW OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT</h4>
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 <a href="https://idaliatimberrecovery.fdacs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://IdaliaTimberRecovery.fdacs.gov</a> to apply. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2024.
<h4><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</h4>
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>.
<h4>GROUP ENROLLMENT OPTION NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE ONLINE FOREST LANDOWNER ACADEMY</h4>
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>.
<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 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: 
<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> 
 
Questions about the course can be directed to Chris Demers, <a href="mailto:cdemers@ufl.edu">cdemers@ufl.edu</a>, (352) 846-2375.
<h4>GET FLORIDA LAND STEWARD EMAIL UPDATES</h4>
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.
<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>
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.
<h4>ACCESS THE QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER ONLINE</h4>
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>.
<h4>HAVE AN EVENT OR RELATED NEWS TO SHARE?</h4>
Drop a line with the details and link(s) to Chris at <a href="mailto:cdemers@ufl.edu">cdemers@ufl.edu</a>.
<h4>CONSIDER A GIFT IN SUPPORT OF THE UF/IFAS FLORIDA LAND STEWARD PROGRAM</h4>
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!

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

UF/IFAS Extension Initiative 3: Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

Resources

Recursos

All the parts of the Earth that are not human-made and which people use, like fish, trees, minerals, lakes, or rivers. [NALT]

Ecosystems

Ecosistemas

Forest Resources

Bosques

Natural Resources and Environment Programs

Programas de Recursos Naturales

Environmental Volunteer Programs

Water Resources

Recursos acuíferos

The application of scientific and technical principles in the management of natural resources, such as land, water, soil, plants and animals, in order to meet ecological, economic, social and policy objectives. [NALT]

Natural Resource Management

Biological Resources

The terms used for Ask IFAS organization are selected with consideration of the terminology used in UF/IFAS publications and programs, as well as the terms recommended by the U.S. National Agricultural Library Thesaurus (NALT) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's AGROVOC thesaurus.&nbsp;

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Florida Extension

UF/IFAS

UF/IFAS Extension Priority Initiatives help focus our educational programming and efforts. These pages allow users to navigate to Ask IFAS topics and publications through the initiatives and priorities that pertain to them.&nbsp;

UF/IFAS Extension Initiatives

Programas 

The natural environment is directly connected to tourism, sustainable community development, human health, and jobs. Natural resources must be conserved and enhanced to develop and support a strong local economy. For communities to flourish, Florida must actively manage finite natural resources and develop strategies to minimize environmental impacts.

Natural Resources

Narrower Topics

Biological Resources

Economic Value of Natural Resources

Ecosystems

Forest Resources

Land Resources

Natural Resource Management

Natural Resources and Agriculture

Natural Resources and Environment Programs

Recreational Use of Nature

Water Resources

Publications

Related IFAS Blog Posts

Coyotes — the predator under watch by UF cameras, scientists

Florida Lakeside Living

Florida Land Steward Update, May 10, 2024

Broader Topics

UF/IFAS Extension Initiative 3: Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

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