1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

Agriculture

Agricultura

4-H Agricultural Science

Wildlife

Vida Silvestre

Coastal Areas

Coasts

Áreas costeras

Education

Educación 

Everglades Agricultural Area

Área agrícola de los Everglades

Marine Ecosystems

Entorno marino

Diseases

Enfermedades

4-H Environmental Science

Natural Resource Management

Animal Nutrition

Forage

Forraje

Vegetation

Vegetación

Fishes

Peces

Swine

Cerdos

Landscape Design

Lawn and Garden Design and Layout

GULF COASTAL PLAIN ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIP (GCPEP) LONGLEAF PINE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The GCPEP Longleaf Assistance Program includes incentives for longleaf establishment, stand improvement, and prescribed fire. It is available to landowners within the GCPEP project area. This includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Holmes Counties west of the Choctawhatchee River in Florida; and Baldwin, Escambia, [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_6733" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6733" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2023/04/simons021114-018-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="size-medium wp-image-6733 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2023/04/simons021114-018-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6733" class="wp-caption-text">Longleaf pine</figcaption></figure>
<h4>GULF COASTAL PLAIN ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIP (GCPEP) LONGLEAF PINE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM</h4>
<p>The GCPEP Longleaf Assistance Program includes <strong>incentives for longleaf establishment, stand improvement, and prescribed fire</strong>. It is available to landowners within the GCPEP project area. This includes <strong>Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Holmes Counties west of the Choctawhatchee River in Florida; and Baldwin, Escambia, Covington, Conecuh, Coffee, and Geneva and Dale Counties west of the Choctawhatchee River in Alabama</strong>. Habitat improvements must be within existing longleaf stands, mixed stands, or to establish new longleaf forests. Incentives can cover up to $100/ac. for establishment, up to $50/ac. for stand improvement, or $15/ac for prescribed fire, not to exceed 50% of landowner costs. For more information contact the Program Coordinator: Jacob Barrett, <a href="mailto:jacob@longleafalliance.org">jacob@longleafalliance.org</a>, (478) 230-4761.</p>
<h4>COMPLIMENTARY PREVIEW ISSUE OF NATIONAL WOODLANDS MAGAZINE NOW AVAILABLE DIGITALLY</h4>
<p>A preview of the second quarter 2024 issue of National Woodlands, the magazine of the National Woodland Owners Association (NWOA), is provided electronically at no cost to this network. <a href="https://myemail-api.constantcontact.com/Your-Preview-of-National-Woodlands-Magazine.html?soid=1112605656753&amp;aid=MLE8gRheY3c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Access this complimentary preview and learn about NWOA membership here</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" class="wp-caption alignright" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8689"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8689" class="wp-caption-text"></figcaption></figure>
<h4><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2023/10/Hurricane_Damage1_conser-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-7665 alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2023/10/Hurricane_Damage1_conser-300x225.jpg"></a>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>
<figure id="attachment_5225" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5225" style="width: 145px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2022/07/planting-machine2-tyler-jones-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-5225" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2022/07/planting-machine2-tyler-jones-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="145" height="217" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5225" class="wp-caption-text">Machine-planting pine trees, by Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
<h4><strong>GOT PLANS TO PLANT TREES THIS FALL OR WINTER? GET SEEDLING ORDERS IN THIS SUMMER</strong></h4>
<p>If you have plans and/or cost-share funding to plant trees this coming fall or winter, make every effort to <strong>get your seedling orders placed by the first week of July</strong>. 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. Get the latest tips in our extension publication, <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR456">Planting Southern Pines in Florida</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>YOUR HELP NEEDED TO BOLSTER REGIONAL INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT EFFORTS</strong></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. You can share some information about your management and interests at <a href="https://arcg.is/114fG80">https://arcg.is/114fG80</a>. This survey is solely to estimate interest and does not constitute any type of commitment. Questions can be directed to Deb Stone at <a href="mailto:debitharp@ufl.edu">debitharp@ufl.edu</a>.</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="175" height="175" /></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="188" height="184" /></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>


Longleaf pine
GULF COASTAL PLAIN ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIP (GCPEP) LONGLEAF PINE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The GCPEP Longleaf Assistance Program includes incentives for longleaf establishment, stand improvement, and prescribed fire. It is available to landowners within the GCPEP project area. This includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Holmes Counties west of the Choctawhatchee River in Florida; and Baldwin, Escambia, Covington, Conecuh, Coffee, and Geneva and Dale Counties west of the Choctawhatchee River in Alabama. Habitat improvements must be within existing longleaf stands, mixed stands, or to establish new longleaf forests. Incentives can cover up to $100/ac. for establishment, up to $50/ac. for stand improvement, or $15/ac for prescribed fire, not to exceed 50% of landowner costs. For more information contact the Program Coordinator: Jacob Barrett, jacob@longleafalliance.org, (478) 230-4761.
COMPLIMENTARY PREVIEW ISSUE OF NATIONAL WOODLANDS MAGAZINE NOW AVAILABLE DIGITALLY
A preview of the second quarter 2024 issue of National Woodlands, the magazine of the National Woodland Owners Association (NWOA), is provided electronically at no cost to this network. Access this complimentary preview and learn about NWOA membership here.
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.
Machine-planting pine trees, by Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS
GOT PLANS TO PLANT TREES THIS FALL OR WINTER? GET SEEDLING ORDERS IN THIS SUMMER
If you have plans and/or cost-share funding to plant trees this coming fall or winter, make every effort to 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. Get the latest tips in our extension publication, Planting Southern Pines in Florida.
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. You can share some information about your management and interests at https://arcg.is/114fG80. This survey is solely to estimate interest and does not constitute any type of commitment. Questions can be directed to Deb Stone at debitharp@ufl.edu.
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!

GULF COASTAL PLAIN ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIP (GCPEP) LONGLEAF PINE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The GCPEP Longleaf Assistance Program includes incentives for longleaf establishment, stand improvement, and prescribed fire. It is available to landowners within the GCPEP project area. This includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Holmes Counties west of the Choctawhatchee River in Florida; and Baldwin, Escambia, […]

Florida Land Steward Update, May 31, 2024

Sometimes I plan my blog subject well in advance, and sometimes the universe drops a topic literally at my feet. Walking into my office yesterday morning, I was startled to find a dead mockingbird lying on the doormat directly in front of the building door. With no visible injuries it’s hard to know what happened—perhaps [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_39539" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39539" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/mockingbird-3-crop.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39539 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/mockingbird-3-crop-300x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39539" class="wp-caption-text">Reporting dead birds can help monitor disease outbreaks among wild populations. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
<p>Sometimes I plan my blog subject well in advance, and sometimes the universe drops a topic literally at my feet. Walking into my office yesterday morning, I was startled to find a dead mockingbird lying on the doormat directly in front of the building door. With no visible injuries it’s hard to know what happened—perhaps it flew into the glass door and died right there where I found it? Or maybe a neighbor circling our office walking track happened upon it and left it up front, figuring the Extension office would know how to handle it. The bird may have died of old age or some common illness, or more ominously from one of the intense avian influenza strains that routinely makes its way through the bird population.</p>
<figure id="attachment_39523" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39523" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/avian-map-florida.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39523 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="232" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/avian-map-florida-300x232.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39523" class="wp-caption-text">Current distribution by county of HPAI cases in wild birds in Florida, January 2022 to present. Graphic from <a href="https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/health/avian/influenza/">https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/health/avian/influenza/ </a></figcaption></figure>
<p>On the off chance that this poor creature did succumb to a contagious illness, I checked the <a href="https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/health/">Florida Fish &amp; Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website</a> to see if they were collecting data on bird deaths. Turns out, they are—the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus is responsible for killing birds in 37 Florida counties since 2022. The disease, which causes neurological problems in wildlife, has also crossed taxa—the virus was identified as the <a href="https://ufhealth.org/news/2022/first-avian-influenza-detected-american-dolphin">cause of death for a bottlenose dolphin</a> in Dixie County two years ago. This was only the second incident worldwide of the HPAI virus being found in a cetacean. HPAI, known more commonly as <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/22/health/birdflu-marine-mammals.html">H5N1, has been devastating worldwide, killing millions of birds</a>, then <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/mammals.htm">cattle</a> and countless seals and sea lions in North &amp; South America.</p>
<p>In Florida, the <a href="https://myfwc.com/news/all-news/hpai-223/">HPAI virus</a> has been identified predominantly in vultures, waterbirds, and a handful of raptors like owls and eagles.  We periodically take calls from people who come across dead birds out in the wild and wonder how or if they should report them. If the bird’s death is not evident, (predatory attack, vehicle strike, etc.), you may want to share the information with FWC. So, I’ll walk you through the simple process.</p>
<figure id="attachment_39533" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39533" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/avian-shapes.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39533 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="210" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/avian-shapes-300x210.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39533" class="wp-caption-text">The &#8220;bird description&#8221; feature on the FWC website can help you narrow down the bird type affected. From myfwc.com</figcaption></figure>
<p><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/fwc-mortaility-banner.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-39525 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="79" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/fwc-mortaility-banner-300x79.png"></a>At the FWC <a href="https://app.myfwc.com/FWRI/AvianMortality/">&#8220;avian mortality&#8221; reporting website</a>, they’ll ask you to enter basic information like name/email/phone number. There’s a map feature where you can enter an address, then move a little crosshair icon to a more specific location where the bird was found. From there, you can upload photos and add any comments. The site also asks for species, and has a drop-down menu based on bird type (raptor, songbird, shorebird, etc.) There are shadowed outline shapes that can help you narrow down the general bird category, if you’re uncertain of common or scientific name.</p>
<p>The whole process took me about 10 minutes to complete. The <a href="https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/health/avian/influenza/">site includes a wealth of information about avian health and diseases</a> if you’re interested in <a href="https://app.myfwc.com/FWRI/AvianMortality/ReportReceived.aspx">learning more</a>.</p>


Reporting dead birds can help monitor disease outbreaks among wild populations. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
Sometimes I plan my blog subject well in advance, and sometimes the universe drops a topic literally at my feet. Walking into my office yesterday morning, I was startled to find a dead mockingbird lying on the doormat directly in front of the building door. With no visible injuries it’s hard to know what happened—perhaps it flew into the glass door and died right there where I found it? Or maybe a neighbor circling our office walking track happened upon it and left it up front, figuring the Extension office would know how to handle it. The bird may have died of old age or some common illness, or more ominously from one of the intense avian influenza strains that routinely makes its way through the bird population.
Current distribution by county of HPAI cases in wild birds in Florida, January 2022 to present. Graphic from https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/health/avian/influenza/ 
On the off chance that this poor creature did succumb to a contagious illness, I checked the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website to see if they were collecting data on bird deaths. Turns out, they are—the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus is responsible for killing birds in 37 Florida counties since 2022. The disease, which causes neurological problems in wildlife, has also crossed taxa—the virus was identified as the cause of death for a bottlenose dolphin in Dixie County two years ago. This was only the second incident worldwide of the HPAI virus being found in a cetacean. HPAI, known more commonly as H5N1, has been devastating worldwide, killing millions of birds, then cattle and countless seals and sea lions in North & South America.
In Florida, the HPAI virus has been identified predominantly in vultures, waterbirds, and a handful of raptors like owls and eagles.  We periodically take calls from people who come across dead birds out in the wild and wonder how or if they should report them. If the bird’s death is not evident, (predatory attack, vehicle strike, etc.), you may want to share the information with FWC. So, I’ll walk you through the simple process.
The “bird description” feature on the FWC website can help you narrow down the bird type affected. From myfwc.com
At the FWC “avian mortality” reporting website, they’ll ask you to enter basic information like name/email/phone number. There’s a map feature where you can enter an address, then move a little crosshair icon to a more specific location where the bird was found. From there, you can upload photos and add any comments. The site also asks for species, and has a drop-down menu based on bird type (raptor, songbird, shorebird, etc.) There are shadowed outline shapes that can help you narrow down the general bird category, if you’re uncertain of common or scientific name.
The whole process took me about 10 minutes to complete. The site includes a wealth of information about avian health and diseases if you’re interested in learning more.

Sometimes I plan my blog subject well in advance, and sometimes the universe drops a topic literally at my feet. Walking into my office yesterday morning, I was startled to find a dead mockingbird lying on the doormat directly in front of the building door. With no visible injuries it’s hard to know what happened—perhaps […]

Weekly “What is it?”: Reporting Avian Mortality

There are many places worth understanding and protecting here in Sarasota County. From acres of imperiled scrub that provides habitat for threatened species and uniquely adapted plant life, to vital mangrove forests that protect our coastlines and serve as a safe haven for the ocean’s next generation. East of Interstate 75 lies over 37,000 acres [&#8230;]

<p>There are many places worth understanding and protecting <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota/natural-resources/ecology-and-natural-resources/natural-areas-story-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here in Sarasota County</a>. From acres of imperiled scrub that provides habitat for threatened species and uniquely adapted plant life, to vital mangrove forests that protect our coastlines and serve as a safe haven for the ocean’s next generation. East of Interstate 75 lies over 37,000 acres of state park that have truly captured my heart. Come along with me as I explore this special place in the blog series, <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/tag/wild-and-scenic/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&#8220;Wild and Scenic&#8221;</a>.</p>
<hr />
<h3>A Florida Gem</h3>
<figure id="attachment_30391" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30391" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/05/MRSP_GoldenrodMaybe_Zahir-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-30391 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="An image of little golden-yellow flowers atop tall, wispy green stalks amongst a field." width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/05/MRSP_GoldenrodMaybe_Zahir-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30391" class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Zahir Ringgold Cordes.</figcaption></figure>
<p><a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Myakka River State Park</a>, formally established and opened to visitors in 1941, is one of Sarasota County’s unique and precious treasures. In just a day’s worth of adventure, one can enjoy the pleasure of having their car stopped by a flock of peculiar yet regal wild turkeys strutting across the road, watch in awe as sizeable alligators pull their heavy bodies from the water to rest on the sunny banks of the river, and when the season is right, delight in the colorful and picturesque landscapes created by blooming wildflowers.</p>
<p>From beautiful vantage points, short walks featuring opportunities to view wildlife, and longer day hikes and backcountry camping to paddling the Myakka River, there are an abundance of ways to enjoy Florida’s true beauty.</p>
<hr />
<h3>Ecological Wonders</h3>
<p>Fun opportunities to learn and recreate are not all this slice of “Real Florida” has to offer, however. Myakka River State Park critically protects over 10 unique types of ecosystems, and by extension, the many species of wildlife, insects, plants, and fungi that need them to survive.</p>
<p>Meandering through the state park are 12 miles of Florida’s only state designated Wild and Scenic River, for which the park is named. To some, the dark color of the Myakka River may obscure its importance, but this tannic system is home to manatees, alligators, several species of native fish, slithering water snakes, and river otters. Its floodplain feeds flocks of hungry birds. Heavily influenced by seasonal water levels, the Myakka River and its surrounding floodplain can change greatly throughout the year.</p>
<figure id="attachment_30409" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30409" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/05/Wild-and-Scenic-general-image.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-30409 size-large lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="An image of a crisp, clear, dark copper colored body of water with a sandy shore and bird tracks walking through it." width="1024" height="292" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/05/Wild-and-Scenic-general-image-1024x292.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30409" class="wp-caption-text">Think of &#8220;blackwater&#8221;, or tannic, systems as the water in a cup of tea that turns dark after a teabag has been steeping. These bodies of water are stained by natural compounds called tannins, that leach from leaves and other vegetation. Photo: Zahir Ringgold Cordes.</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h3>Protecting A Slice of Real Florida</h3>
<figure id="attachment_30397" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30397" style="width: 253px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/05/whiteibises_MRSP_Zahir-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-30397" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/05/whiteibises_MRSP_Zahir-225x300.jpg" alt="An image of several small white wading birds with long pink legs and long, sickle-shaped pink beaks stand in shallow water searching for food." width="253" height="337" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30397" class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Zahir Ringgold Cordes.</figcaption></figure>
<p>This ability to support such a rich variety of life, or biodiversity, is one of the reasons why in the 1970’s, local stakeholders and residents recognized that the Myakka River, and the ecosystem services and natural resources provided by it, needed permanent protection. Locals organized basin workshops and requested a formal study of the river by the National Park Service. Eventually, a bill passed in 1985, designating the 34 miles of the Myakka River running through Sarasota County as Florida’s first state Wild and Scenic River, ensuring protection for generations to come.</p>
<p>Along with this designation came the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council, a collection of local, county, and state officials, nonprofits, and individuals, who work with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to maintain the health, ecological integrity, and function of the Myakka River (Myakka Wild and Scenic River Management Plan, 1990, revised 2011). Without the protections, attention, and intentional management that resulted from the Wild and Scenic designation, we could have lost something very special.</p>
<hr />
<h3>An Adventure Begins</h3>
<figure id="attachment_30429" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30429" style="width: 260px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/05/IMG_5528-scaled.jpeg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-30429 " src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/05/IMG_5528-225x300.jpeg" alt="An image of the front of a kayak heading down a dark river reflecting the sky, with trees and vegetation along the edges." width="260" height="347" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30429" class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Zahir Ringgold Cordes.</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Myakka River&#8217;s headwaters originate in Manatee County. As the river moves along, a significant portion takes form and flows through Sarasota County, and its endpoint meets the Gulf of Mexico in Charlotte County’s Charlotte Harbor. Managing the river’s 66-miles of length and tracking its health is a complex task! In late January, I had the opportunity to join a Florida Department of Environmental Protection biologist to survey 14 miles of the river by kayak, in hopes of better understanding the state of the Myakka River and the wildlife it supports, as well as some of the conservation issues this spectacular ecosystem faces.</p>
<h4>Follow Along with Me</h4>
<p>In the blog series, “Wild and Scenic&#8221;, experience a day in the life of someone who helps monitor and protect the Myakka River for a living. Follow along to get an inside perspective on what’s going on beneath the surface and along the edges of this important ecosystem. Find all of the blogs in this series here:</p>
<p><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2024/05/24/wild-and-scenic-p2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wild and Scenic: A Day in the Life of a Biologist on the Myakka River Part 2</a></p>
<p><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2024/05/24/wild-and-scenic-p3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wild and Scenic: A Day in the Life of a Biologist on the Myakka River Part 3</a></p>
<p><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2024/05/24/wild-and-scenic-p4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wild and Scenic: A Day in the Life of a Biologist on the Myakka River Part 4</a></p>
<hr />
<h3>Learn More</h3>
<p>Learn more about the Myakka River and its history, conservation, and management with these resources:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Florida State Parks: Myakka River State Park</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.friendsofmyakkariver.org/Wild-and-Scenic-River" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Friends of Myakka River: The Wild and Scenic Myakka River</a></p>
<p><a href="http://myakkarivermanagement.org/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Myakka River Management Coordinating Council</a></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://myakkarivermanagement.org/Files/MWSRMS%20Final/MYAKKA%20WILD%20AND%20SCENIC%20RIVER%20MANAGEMENT%20PLAN%20-Final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Myakka Wild and Scenic River Management Plan</a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.conservationfoundation.com/properties/the-wild-scenic-myakka-river/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast: The Wild and Scenic Myakka River</a></p>


There are many places worth understanding and protecting here in Sarasota County. From acres of imperiled scrub that provides habitat for threatened species and uniquely adapted plant life, to vital mangrove forests that protect our coastlines and serve as a safe haven for the ocean’s next generation. East of Interstate 75 lies over 37,000 acres of state park that have truly captured my heart. Come along with me as I explore this special place in the blog series, “Wild and Scenic”.
A Florida Gem
Photo: Zahir Ringgold Cordes.
Myakka River State Park, formally established and opened to visitors in 1941, is one of Sarasota County’s unique and precious treasures. In just a day’s worth of adventure, one can enjoy the pleasure of having their car stopped by a flock of peculiar yet regal wild turkeys strutting across the road, watch in awe as sizeable alligators pull their heavy bodies from the water to rest on the sunny banks of the river, and when the season is right, delight in the colorful and picturesque landscapes created by blooming wildflowers.
From beautiful vantage points, short walks featuring opportunities to view wildlife, and longer day hikes and backcountry camping to paddling the Myakka River, there are an abundance of ways to enjoy Florida’s true beauty.
Ecological Wonders
Fun opportunities to learn and recreate are not all this slice of “Real Florida” has to offer, however. Myakka River State Park critically protects over 10 unique types of ecosystems, and by extension, the many species of wildlife, insects, plants, and fungi that need them to survive.
Meandering through the state park are 12 miles of Florida’s only state designated Wild and Scenic River, for which the park is named. To some, the dark color of the Myakka River may obscure its importance, but this tannic system is home to manatees, alligators, several species of native fish, slithering water snakes, and river otters. Its floodplain feeds flocks of hungry birds. Heavily influenced by seasonal water levels, the Myakka River and its surrounding floodplain can change greatly throughout the year.
Think of “blackwater”, or tannic, systems as the water in a cup of tea that turns dark after a teabag has been steeping. These bodies of water are stained by natural compounds called tannins, that leach from leaves and other vegetation. Photo: Zahir Ringgold Cordes.

Protecting A Slice of Real Florida
Photo: Zahir Ringgold Cordes.
This ability to support such a rich variety of life, or biodiversity, is one of the reasons why in the 1970’s, local stakeholders and residents recognized that the Myakka River, and the ecosystem services and natural resources provided by it, needed permanent protection. Locals organized basin workshops and requested a formal study of the river by the National Park Service. Eventually, a bill passed in 1985, designating the 34 miles of the Myakka River running through Sarasota County as Florida’s first state Wild and Scenic River, ensuring protection for generations to come.
Along with this designation came the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council, a collection of local, county, and state officials, nonprofits, and individuals, who work with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to maintain the health, ecological integrity, and function of the Myakka River (Myakka Wild and Scenic River Management Plan, 1990, revised 2011). Without the protections, attention, and intentional management that resulted from the Wild and Scenic designation, we could have lost something very special.
An Adventure Begins
Photo: Zahir Ringgold Cordes.
The Myakka River’s headwaters originate in Manatee County. As the river moves along, a significant portion takes form and flows through Sarasota County, and its endpoint meets the Gulf of Mexico in Charlotte County’s Charlotte Harbor. Managing the river’s 66-miles of length and tracking its health is a complex task! In late January, I had the opportunity to join a Florida Department of Environmental Protection biologist to survey 14 miles of the river by kayak, in hopes of better understanding the state of the Myakka River and the wildlife it supports, as well as some of the conservation issues this spectacular ecosystem faces.
Follow Along with Me
In the blog series, “Wild and Scenic”, experience a day in the life of someone who helps monitor and protect the Myakka River for a living. Follow along to get an inside perspective on what’s going on beneath the surface and along the edges of this important ecosystem. Find all of the blogs in this series here:
Wild and Scenic: A Day in the Life of a Biologist on the Myakka River Part 2
Wild and Scenic: A Day in the Life of a Biologist on the Myakka River Part 3
Wild and Scenic: A Day in the Life of a Biologist on the Myakka River Part 4
Learn More
Learn more about the Myakka River and its history, conservation, and management with these resources:
Florida State Parks: Myakka River State Park
Friends of Myakka River: The Wild and Scenic Myakka River
Myakka River Management Coordinating Council
Myakka Wild and Scenic River Management Plan
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast: The Wild and Scenic Myakka River

There are many places worth understanding and protecting here in Sarasota County. From acres of imperiled scrub that provides habitat for threatened species and uniquely adapted plant life, to vital mangrove forests that protect our coastlines and serve as a safe haven for the ocean’s next generation. East of Interstate 75 lies over 37,000 acres […]

Wild and Scenic: A Day in the Life of a Biologist on the Myakka River Part 1

Animals

Biological Resources

Environment

Ambiente

Armadillos

<p><em>member of Chiroptera [<a href="http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_1560">AGROVOC</a>] [<a href="https://lod.nal.usda.gov/nalt/545">NALT</a>]</em></p>

Bats

Murciélagos 

Chiroptera

Bears

Osos

Birds

Aves

Bobcats

Linces

<p>Relative newcomers to Florida, coyotes (<em>Canis latrans</em>) are members of the dog family, referred to as the American jackal, brush wolf, or prairie wolf. They are now found in every county of Florida and range throughout North America and much of Central America. They play an important role in ecosystems and food webs.</p>
<h3>Other Web Resources</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/coyotes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Coyotes: Florida Fish and Wildife Conservation Commission</a></li>
</ul>

Coyotes

Deer

Ciervos

Ducks

Patos

Management and Conservation of Wildlife

Manejo y conservación de vida silvestre

Manatees

Manatíes

Owls

Búhos

Panthers and Jaguars

Panteras y jaguares

Raccoons

Mapaches

Rodents

Roedores

Snakes

Serpientes 

Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins

Tortugas terrestres y marinas y galápagos

Whales

Ballenas

Frogs

Ranas

Game

Juegos

Reptiles

Toads

Sapos

Invasive Wildlife

Human-wildlife Relations

Nuisance Wildlife

Human-Wildlife Relations

<p>Although reptiles and amphibians are distant relatives on the tree of life, they are often found together due to the similar habitats they occupy. Collectively, reptiles (i.e., lizards, turtles, snakes, and crocodylians) and amphibians (i.e., frogs, salamanders, and the eel-like caecilians) are called herpetofauna, herptiles, or herps. [UW517]</p>

Herpetofauna

Reptiles and Amphibians

Wild Birds

Browse AskIFAS Terms

Entities

Entidades

UF/IFAS Extension Initiatives

<p class="MsoNormal">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.</p>

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

<p><span>The complex of climatic, soil and biotic factors that act upon an organism or ecological community and ultimately determine its form and survival. [<a href="https://lod.nal.usda.gov/nalt/26877">NALT</a>]</span></p>

Vida Silvestre

Narrower Topics

4-H Wildlife

Coastal Wildlife

Everglades Agricultural Area Wildlife

Landscaping for Florida Wildlife

Marine Wildlife

Wild Boars

Wild Fish

Wildlife and Agriculture

Wildlife Diseases

Wildlife Education

Wildlife Forages

Wildlife Management

Wildlife/Human Conflicts

Publicaciones

Publicaciones relacionadas en el blog de IFAS

Temas más amplios

Find publications by topic area

INFORMATION

LAND GRANT MISSION

FOR AUTHORS