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Scientists need help from residents, and that is what Citizen Science Month is all about. This national observance, held nationally in April, highlights the importance of how consumers engage in science by partnering with scientists on a variety of projects that help monitor, count, identify and even make new discoveries. At the University of Florida [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_43867" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-43867" style="width: 320px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="wp-image-43867 " src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/04/bioblitz-kids-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="400" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-43867" class="wp-caption-text">Youth take part in a bioblitz as citizen scientists. Photo courtesy UF/IFAS photography.</figcaption></figure>
Scientists need help from residents, and that is what Citizen Science Month is all about.
This national observance, held nationally in April, highlights the importance of how consumers engage in science by partnering with scientists on a variety of projects that help monitor, count, identify and even make new discoveries.
At the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), faculty scientists, Extension agents and students have plenty of projects on their hands that need help from residents and businesses throughout the year. Citizen science projects can take many forms that include participating in community surveys, identifying wildflowers and wildlife through mobile apps, fishing out invasives from local waterways and much more. There are plenty of opportunities for youth and adults to select.
&#8220;We value the work of citizen scientists to help us develop better policies and recommendations that make your world and home a better place,” said <a href="https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/moore-kimberly-dr/">Kimberly Moore</a>, professor of sustainable horticulture and associate director the <a href="https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/">UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC)</a>. &#8220;We encourage citizens to engage and share their experiences with us through citizen science activities to develop better recommendations that improve the lives of residents.&#8221;
Not sure where to look for activities? Start with the local <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/">UF/IFAS Extension office</a> in your county. Check out their website, call or drop in to see what’s on their calendar of events. Here is a short list of citizen science options.
Calling Florida homeowners and land managers statewide 
A team at UF/IFAS FLREC seeks input from homeowners and land managers to help reduce water pollution and promote water conservation. Take the <a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0cVjFFzuZIJidh4">Landscape Water Use Survey</a> to help scientists understand how the average citizen views water and water conservation in the landscape by reporting your irrigation habits in the landscape and how you learn about water conservation. Scientists will use this information to develop online training videos to continue to make improvements in water conservation messaging.
Need your eyes Charlotte County.
Volunteers with <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotte/sea-grant/eyes-on-seagrass/">Eyes on Seagrass</a> in Charlotte County are eager to collect data, and the information they gather is invaluable. A bonus? The data are valid. Their collection methods were developed in close collaboration with UF/IFAS scientists to ensure the data can be utilized in assessments by natural resource managers. Seagrasses provide many benefits. As examples, they act as a food source and a habitat for many commercially and recreationally important fish species. They also enhance water quality, stabilize shorelines and sequester carbon and nitrogen. Click <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotte/sea-grant/eyes-on-seagrass/">here to learn more about Eyes on Seagrass</a>. To register for the Southwest Florida Eyes on Seagrass program, contact Kate Rose at <a href="mailto:kate.rose0210@ufl.edu">kate.rose0210@ufl.edu</a>. For the Panhandle program, contact Rick O’Connor at <a href="mailto:roc1@ufl.edu">roc1@ufl.edu</a>.
<figure id="attachment_43871" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-43871" style="width: 453px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-43871" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/04/AdobeStock_wildflowers-on-lawn-300x200.jpeg" alt="" width="453" height="302" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-43871" class="wp-caption-text">If you love wildflowers, then this is the citizen science project for you. Learn all about them and how they benefit our environment. Photo courtesy Adobe stock.</figcaption></figure>
Wild about wildflowers in St. Lucie County? 
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Calling all interested Master Gardener Volunteers, Master Naturalists and interested members of the public in St. Lucie County. Your agents at UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County need your help. Wildflowers are beneficial in many ways. Learn about these beauties at the “<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ufifas-extension-st-lucie-county-wildflower-bioblitz-2024-tickets-733387841777">UF Extension Wildflower Bioblitz</a>” on April 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. This event is hosted by Ken Gioeli, a UF/IFAS natural resources Extension agent in St. Lucie County.
During this bioblitz event, participants will use iNaturalist to catalog the wildflowers on site. Plan to venture out on unmarked, sometimes rough, trails and learn about native wildflowers on the UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County campus. Participants must install the iNaturalist app on personal mobile phones prior to meeting , to join the project “UF Extension Wildflower Bioblitz 2024.” UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County is at 8400 Picos Road, Fort Pierce. Registration is required at a cost of $5. For additional information, email <a href="mailto:ktgioeli@ufl.edu">ktgioeli@ufl.edu</a> .
Are you a boater? 
You can help UF/IFAS keep Florida’s coastal waters clean with your input.
Florida Sea Grant wants to hear from boaters to gauge their understanding of boating activities and practices. More specifically, they want to know what and where additional sewage disposal resources are needed from boaters while traveling the waterways of the Sunshine State through <a href="https://www.flseagrant.org/boaters-take-survey-to-inform-additional-sewage-disposal-needs-in-florida/">an online survey</a>. This survey, also available in <a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_88OXbk0rju5ptnU">Spanish</a>, is for anyone who boats in Florida for recreation only, regardless of whether they own or rent a watercraft. The survey is part of a larger needs assessment that aims to determine the recreational boating community’s current level of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding sewage waste management. <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2023/08/17/uf-ifas-florida-sea-grant-survey-seeks-boater-input-on-existing-and-needed-resources/">Click here to learn more about this citizen science project</a>. You can also contact Florida Sea Grant at (352) 562-1134 or by e-mail Victoria Gambale at <a href="mailto:v.gambale@ufl.edu">v.gambale@ufl.edu</a>.
Like fishing? Help round up invasive fish. 
Florida’s southwest waterways are home to <a href="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/freshwater-fish/">numerous invasive freshwater fish species</a>. They are growing in abundance. Scientists believe they may be causing detrimental changes to the native fish communities. Help reduce these nonnative invasive fish numbers at the 2024 Southwest Florida Invasive Fish Roundup, April 25-28, hosted by the Southwest Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs). This event is held to raise public awareness about the potential negative impacts of releasing invasive fish into Florida waters, and to encourage anglers to target these invasive species. The roundup will also gather data about invasive fish distribution and abundance that can assist with future management. Prizes will be awarded. <a href="https://www.floridainvasives.org/southwest/invasive-fish-roundup/">For more information and to register, click on this link.</a>
Help keep shorelines healthy and restoring those in need.
Shoreline monitoring and habitat restoration need the eyes and attention of citizen scientists. <a href="https://www.flseagrant.org/fsg-directory/dr-vincent-encomio/">Vincent Encomio</a>, Florida Sea Grant Extension agent for Martin and St. Lucie counties, leads a shoreline monitoring and habitat restoration project in southeast Florida. He is working with University of Central Florida on a Florida Sea Grant-funded project to collect shoreline data. The data is being used to develop computer models for planning living shoreline restoration projects.
The program has volunteer workdays for adults and youth. He typically works with youth through 4-H, summer camps, and schools. He also works on community-based shoreline restoration projects with adults and youth volunteers, ranging from oyster to shoreline vegetation plantings. Shoreline monitoring and restoration activities are occasional and typically project dependent. For more information, email  <a href="mailto:vencomio@ufl.edu">vencomio@ufl.edu</a>.
South Florida, join the City Nature Challenge.
The race is on to support biodiversity in a big way. Cities in ​Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties have partnered as the <a href="https://www.cncsoflo.com/">South Florida</a> team in the <a href="https://www.cncsoflo.com/">City Nature Challenge</a> (CNC). Don&#8217;t live in South Florida? Other municipalities have set up their own teams like Alachua and Polk Counties. Kicking off April 26 at 12:01 a.m. CNC runs through May 1 at 11:59 p.m. Now in its ninth year, the <a href="http://citynaturechallenge.org/">City Nature Challenge</a> is a global event that calls on current and aspiring nature and science fans, people of all ages and education backgrounds, and community scientists to observe and submit pictures of wild plants, animals and fungi using the free mobile app <a href="http://www.inaturalist.org">iNaturalist</a>. Looking to see if your county or city has set up a team? Contact your local <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/">UF/IFAS Extension office</a> to find out. Participation is easy.
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By Lourdes Mederos, <a href="mailto:rodriguezl@ufl.edu">rodriguezl@ufl.edu</a>
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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>

Youth take part in a bioblitz as citizen scientists. Photo courtesy UF/IFAS photography.
Scientists need help from residents, and that is what Citizen Science Month is all about.
This national observance, held nationally in April, highlights the importance of how consumers engage in science by partnering with scientists on a variety of projects that help monitor, count, identify and even make new discoveries.
At the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), faculty scientists, Extension agents and students have plenty of projects on their hands that need help from residents and businesses throughout the year. Citizen science projects can take many forms that include participating in community surveys, identifying wildflowers and wildlife through mobile apps, fishing out invasives from local waterways and much more. There are plenty of opportunities for youth and adults to select.
“We value the work of citizen scientists to help us develop better policies and recommendations that make your world and home a better place,” said Kimberly Moore, professor of sustainable horticulture and associate director the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC). “We encourage citizens to engage and share their experiences with us through citizen science activities to develop better recommendations that improve the lives of residents.”
Not sure where to look for activities? Start with the local UF/IFAS Extension office in your county. Check out their website, call or drop in to see what’s on their calendar of events. Here is a short list of citizen science options.
Calling Florida homeowners and land managers statewide 
A team at UF/IFAS FLREC seeks input from homeowners and land managers to help reduce water pollution and promote water conservation. Take the Landscape Water Use Survey to help scientists understand how the average citizen views water and water conservation in the landscape by reporting your irrigation habits in the landscape and how you learn about water conservation. Scientists will use this information to develop online training videos to continue to make improvements in water conservation messaging.
Need your eyes Charlotte County.
Volunteers with Eyes on Seagrass in Charlotte County are eager to collect data, and the information they gather is invaluable. A bonus? The data are valid. Their collection methods were developed in close collaboration with UF/IFAS scientists to ensure the data can be utilized in assessments by natural resource managers. Seagrasses provide many benefits. As examples, they act as a food source and a habitat for many commercially and recreationally important fish species. They also enhance water quality, stabilize shorelines and sequester carbon and nitrogen. Click here to learn more about Eyes on Seagrass. To register for the Southwest Florida Eyes on Seagrass program, contact Kate Rose at kate.rose0210@ufl.edu. For the Panhandle program, contact Rick O’Connor at roc1@ufl.edu.
If you love wildflowers, then this is the citizen science project for you. Learn all about them and how they benefit our environment. Photo courtesy Adobe stock.
Wild about wildflowers in St. Lucie County? 
 
Calling all interested Master Gardener Volunteers, Master Naturalists and interested members of the public in St. Lucie County. Your agents at UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County need your help. Wildflowers are beneficial in many ways. Learn about these beauties at the “UF Extension Wildflower Bioblitz” on April 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. This event is hosted by Ken Gioeli, a UF/IFAS natural resources Extension agent in St. Lucie County.
During this bioblitz event, participants will use iNaturalist to catalog the wildflowers on site. Plan to venture out on unmarked, sometimes rough, trails and learn about native wildflowers on the UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County campus. Participants must install the iNaturalist app on personal mobile phones prior to meeting , to join the project “UF Extension Wildflower Bioblitz 2024.” UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County is at 8400 Picos Road, Fort Pierce. Registration is required at a cost of $5. For additional information, email ktgioeli@ufl.edu .
Are you a boater? 
You can help UF/IFAS keep Florida’s coastal waters clean with your input.
Florida Sea Grant wants to hear from boaters to gauge their understanding of boating activities and practices. More specifically, they want to know what and where additional sewage disposal resources are needed from boaters while traveling the waterways of the Sunshine State through an online survey. This survey, also available in Spanish, is for anyone who boats in Florida for recreation only, regardless of whether they own or rent a watercraft. The survey is part of a larger needs assessment that aims to determine the recreational boating community’s current level of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding sewage waste management. Click here to learn more about this citizen science project. You can also contact Florida Sea Grant at (352) 562-1134 or by e-mail Victoria Gambale at v.gambale@ufl.edu.
Like fishing? Help round up invasive fish. 
Florida’s southwest waterways are home to numerous invasive freshwater fish species. They are growing in abundance. Scientists believe they may be causing detrimental changes to the native fish communities. Help reduce these nonnative invasive fish numbers at the 2024 Southwest Florida Invasive Fish Roundup, April 25-28, hosted by the Southwest Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs). This event is held to raise public awareness about the potential negative impacts of releasing invasive fish into Florida waters, and to encourage anglers to target these invasive species. The roundup will also gather data about invasive fish distribution and abundance that can assist with future management. Prizes will be awarded. For more information and to register, click on this link.
Help keep shorelines healthy and restoring those in need.
Shoreline monitoring and habitat restoration need the eyes and attention of citizen scientists. Vincent Encomio, Florida Sea Grant Extension agent for Martin and St. Lucie counties, leads a shoreline monitoring and habitat restoration project in southeast Florida. He is working with University of Central Florida on a Florida Sea Grant-funded project to collect shoreline data. The data is being used to develop computer models for planning living shoreline restoration projects.
The program has volunteer workdays for adults and youth. He typically works with youth through 4-H, summer camps, and schools. He also works on community-based shoreline restoration projects with adults and youth volunteers, ranging from oyster to shoreline vegetation plantings. Shoreline monitoring and restoration activities are occasional and typically project dependent. For more information, email  vencomio@ufl.edu.
South Florida, join the City Nature Challenge.
The race is on to support biodiversity in a big way. Cities in ​Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties have partnered as the South Florida team in the City Nature Challenge (CNC). Don’t live in South Florida? Other municipalities have set up their own teams like Alachua and Polk Counties. Kicking off April 26 at 12:01 a.m. CNC runs through May 1 at 11:59 p.m. Now in its ninth year, the City Nature Challenge is a global event that calls on current and aspiring nature and science fans, people of all ages and education backgrounds, and community scientists to observe and submit pictures of wild plants, animals and fungi using the free mobile app iNaturalist. Looking to see if your county or city has set up a team? Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office to find out. Participation is easy.
 
###
By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
 
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

Scientists need help from residents, and that is what Citizen Science Month is all about. This national observance, held nationally in April, highlights the importance of how consumers engage in science by partnering with scientists on a variety of projects that help monitor, count, identify and even make new discoveries. At the University of Florida […]

Here’s what’s on tap for Citizen Science Month at UF/IFAS

Although some may suggest Florida doesn’t have seasons, this is far from the truth. Florida’s seasons influence profound changes in the plants and wildlife that occur here. The month of March means spring is officially here, which means migratory birds will be departing or passing through our state enroute to northern nesting grounds, and some [&#8230;]

Although some may suggest Florida doesn’t have seasons, this is far from the truth. Florida’s seasons influence profound changes in the plants and wildlife that occur here. The month of March means spring is officially here, which means migratory birds will be departing or passing through our state enroute to northern nesting grounds, and some species will be migrating from the Caribbean or South America to nest in Florida. March is also an important time for many resident species to begin nesting, especially owls and raptors.
One of Florida’s native raptors is the osprey (Pandion haliaetus). Ospreys are sometimes referred to as fish hawks because they possess specialized talons and exhibit behaviors that make them expert at catching fish, upon which they feed almost exclusively. Ospreys are a common site along Florida’s coastlines, lakes, and rivers and Florida is reported to have more ospreys than any other state. What few people realize is that in addition to ospreys that live in Florida year-round, there are migratory visitors from both North and South America.  Northern migrants come to Florida to escape cold winter months and return to northern latitudes to nest and raise offspring during spring and summer. Ospreys that migrate to Florida from South America do so to nest and raise offspring during Florida’s spring and summer months, returning south during Florida’s winters. Consequently, Florida is home to resident and migratory populations of ospreys from both North and South America.
There is much that could be said about this fascinating raptor and a great source of information is “<a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/">All About Birds</a>,” a website hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. And, if you would like to observe a pair of ospreys raising chicks, check out the live the live “<a href="https://wec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/ospreycam/">Osprey Cam</a>” installed by Dr. Mark Hostetler (Dept. of Wildlife Ecology &amp; Conservation) on the University of Florida campus.
Photograph from the live Osprey Cam (Dr. M. Hostetler).
<img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-178461 alignleft" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/files/2024/03/Osprey-Cam-photo-2024-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="380" height="214" srcset="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/files/2024/03/Osprey-Cam-photo-2024-300x169.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/files/2024/03/Osprey-Cam-photo-2024-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/files/2024/03/Osprey-Cam-photo-2024-768x432.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/files/2024/03/Osprey-Cam-photo-2024-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/files/2024/03/Osprey-Cam-photo-2024-260x145.jpg 260w, https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/files/2024/03/Osprey-Cam-photo-2024.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 380px) 100vw, 380px" />
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If you would like to learn more about Florida’s natural world and share that experience with like-minded individuals, then you should consider taking a Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) course. There are multiple courses to choose from, they are offered all over the state throughout the year, and they are open to everyone 18 years and older. Whether you are a novice or an experienced professional, the FMNP has something for you. To learn more about FMNP courses, please see our website (<a href="https://masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/">www.MasterNaturalist.org</a>). Consider enrolling in one of the courses being offered during March or one of our future courses, new courses are being continually scheduled. A list of all scheduled FMNP courses can be found on the <a href="https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/">FMNP Current Courses and Registration</a> webpage.  Maybe an FMNP course should be in your future, we are confident that you&#8217;ll find FMNP courses very worthwhile!
Testimonials from FMNP graduates:
&#8220;Best thing I have ever done. I have learned so much, met so many wonderful people, and found meaningful ways to get involved.” 
&#8211; Ellen Elliotuote, volunteer
“I’ve seen the elements of prime citizen science come alive in my own classroom after integrating principles and concepts I learned while in the course program.” &#8211; Mary Crider, teacher
“FMNP allowed me to move from an enthusiastic volunteer and transition into a professional paid with notable contributions. Worth more than what I could have originally asked for!” &#8211; Irene Eva Ries, professional
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Although some may suggest Florida doesn’t have seasons, this is far from the truth. Florida’s seasons influence profound changes in the plants and wildlife that occur here. The month of March means spring is officially here, which means migratory birds will be departing or passing through our state enroute to northern nesting grounds, and some species will be migrating from the Caribbean or South America to nest in Florida. March is also an important time for many resident species to begin nesting, especially owls and raptors.
One of Florida’s native raptors is the osprey (Pandion haliaetus). Ospreys are sometimes referred to as fish hawks because they possess specialized talons and exhibit behaviors that make them expert at catching fish, upon which they feed almost exclusively. Ospreys are a common site along Florida’s coastlines, lakes, and rivers and Florida is reported to have more ospreys than any other state. What few people realize is that in addition to ospreys that live in Florida year-round, there are migratory visitors from both North and South America.  Northern migrants come to Florida to escape cold winter months and return to northern latitudes to nest and raise offspring during spring and summer. Ospreys that migrate to Florida from South America do so to nest and raise offspring during Florida’s spring and summer months, returning south during Florida’s winters. Consequently, Florida is home to resident and migratory populations of ospreys from both North and South America.
There is much that could be said about this fascinating raptor and a great source of information is “All About Birds,” a website hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. And, if you would like to observe a pair of ospreys raising chicks, check out the live the live “Osprey Cam” installed by Dr. Mark Hostetler (Dept. of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation) on the University of Florida campus.
Photograph from the live Osprey Cam (Dr. M. Hostetler).

 
 
 
 
 
 
If you would like to learn more about Florida’s natural world and share that experience with like-minded individuals, then you should consider taking a Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) course. There are multiple courses to choose from, they are offered all over the state throughout the year, and they are open to everyone 18 years and older. Whether you are a novice or an experienced professional, the FMNP has something for you. To learn more about FMNP courses, please see our website (www.MasterNaturalist.org). Consider enrolling in one of the courses being offered during March or one of our future courses, new courses are being continually scheduled. A list of all scheduled FMNP courses can be found on the FMNP Current Courses and Registration webpage.  Maybe an FMNP course should be in your future, we are confident that you’ll find FMNP courses very worthwhile!
Testimonials from FMNP graduates:
“Best thing I have ever done. I have learned so much, met so many wonderful people, and found meaningful ways to get involved.”
“I’ve seen the elements of prime citizen science come alive in my own classroom after integrating principles and concepts I learned while in the course program.” – Mary Crider, teacher
“FMNP allowed me to move from an enthusiastic volunteer and transition into a professional paid with notable contributions. Worth more than what I could have originally asked for!” – Irene Eva Ries, professional

Although some may suggest Florida doesn’t have seasons, this is far from the truth. Florida’s seasons influence profound changes in the plants and wildlife that occur here. The month of March means spring is officially here, which means migratory birds will be departing or passing through our state enroute to northern nesting grounds, and some […]

Florida Master Naturalist Program News: Florida’s Resident and Migratory Ospreys

Hello Avid Readers! Have you ever heard the term persistence as it relates to pesticides? This characteristic is very important as it relates to how long the pesticide “persists” or stays in the environment. There is some history associated with this term that makes it a perfect discussion for spring, hopefully not a silent one. [&#8230;]

Hello Avid Readers! Have you ever heard the term persistence as it relates to pesticides? This characteristic is very important as it relates to how long the pesticide “persists” or stays in the environment. There is some history associated with this term that makes it a perfect discussion for spring, hopefully not a silent one. If you think you know where I’m going here you are probably right, keep on reading to learn more about pesticide persistence.
<h2 style="font-weight: 400">Silent Spring</h2>
Yea, you guessed it right. I am starting this conversation off with Rachel Carson’s &#8220;Silent Spring&#8221;. Back in the day we used pesticides pretty indiscriminately. There weren’t specific guidelines for where, how much, and when pesticides could be applied. There was also very little as far as restrictions on contact with people and the environment. People started to notice changes in the environment, like fewer birds singing. Rachel Carson really brought this to the forefront of the public’s mind. One of the reasons pesticides were having a negative effect on the environment was their persistence. For more information on how “Silent Spring” impacted pesticide use look <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pesticideinformation/2023/06/02/who-gave-the-spring-its-voice/">here</a>.
<figure id="attachment_4263" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4263" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pesticideinformation/files/2023/06/ddt.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-4263 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Children running through pesticide being sprayed from a truck" width="300" height="239" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pesticideinformation/files/2023/06/ddt-300x239.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4263" class="wp-caption-text">People weren’t always aware of the risks associated with pesticides, like these kids running towards DDT Spray (UF/IFAS Photo).</figcaption></figure>
<h2 style="font-weight: 400">Pesticide Persistence</h2>
Persistence is the pesticide’s ability to remain present and active in the environment in its original form before it breaks down. Persistence is described by the half-life of the compound. The half-life is the time it takes for the pesticide to be reduced to half its original value. So, the longer the half-life the longer it stays in the environment. Chemicals like DDT and some organochlorines have comparatively long half-lives and were negatively impacting the environment.
<figure id="attachment_4211" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4211" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pesticideinformation/files/2023/05/023038-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-4211 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Men watching a tractor in a peanut field" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pesticideinformation/files/2023/05/023038-300x200.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4211" class="wp-caption-text">In some situations like in agriculture, we may wan to have persistence to reduce the number of applications (UF/IFAS photo).</figcaption></figure>
<h2 style="font-weight: 400">Is Pesticide Persistence Always Bad?</h2>
Sometimes it is desirable to have longer term activity depending on the pest management situation. For example, if there is a pest of peanut that is known in an area to affect the crop for 6 weeks every year. It may be easier for the applicator to do a single application of a product that will protect the crop for that period as opposed to several applications over the period each with the potential for human exposure, runoff, drift, or other undesirable consequences. It is important to be aware that persistent pesticides that come into contact with soil, lumber, or that reach water can have serious long term nontarget effects, so the costs and benefits should be weighed.
Another term you may have heard associated with this characteristic is residual. The residual is another term for how long the pesticide is active in the environment. This is an important term for agriculture. Consider those same peanuts from the previous example. If the USDA has put into place a “tolerance” or level of residual that is acceptable for food, the grower has to make sure they will be below that residual at harvest time.
<figure id="attachment_4323" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4323" style="width: 200px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pesticideinformation/files/2023/06/025356-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-4323 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="A butterfly on a flower" width="200" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pesticideinformation/files/2023/06/025356-200x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4323" class="wp-caption-text">Using chemicals judiciously can help protect nontarget species like beneficial butterflies (UF/IFAS Photo).</figcaption></figure>
<h2 style="font-weight: 400">What Can We Do?</h2>
Some of our current products are still persistent. It is important to ensure, for all pesticides, that they do not move offsite. This will ensure protection of nontagret species. It is also beneficial to understand how pesticides degrade or break down. They can break down by chemical degradation which is the breakdown of chemicals by nonliving organisms like water. Microbial action can also break down chemicals. This occurs when soil organisms, fungi, and bacteria degrade chemicals. Finally, sunlight, or photodegradation, may occur. Being aware of the level of residuals, persistence, and how pesticides break down can help applicators make the best decisions on products they use.
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Hello Avid Readers! Have you ever heard the term persistence as it relates to pesticides? This characteristic is very important as it relates to how long the pesticide “persists” or stays in the environment. There is some history associated with this term that makes it a perfect discussion for spring, hopefully not a silent one. If you think you know where I’m going here you are probably right, keep on reading to learn more about pesticide persistence.
Silent Spring
Yea, you guessed it right. I am starting this conversation off with Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring”. Back in the day we used pesticides pretty indiscriminately. There weren’t specific guidelines for where, how much, and when pesticides could be applied. There was also very little as far as restrictions on contact with people and the environment. People started to notice changes in the environment, like fewer birds singing. Rachel Carson really brought this to the forefront of the public’s mind. One of the reasons pesticides were having a negative effect on the environment was their persistence. For more information on how “Silent Spring” impacted pesticide use look here.
People weren’t always aware of the risks associated with pesticides, like these kids running towards DDT Spray (UF/IFAS Photo).
Pesticide Persistence
Persistence is the pesticide’s ability to remain present and active in the environment in its original form before it breaks down. Persistence is described by the half-life of the compound. The half-life is the time it takes for the pesticide to be reduced to half its original value. So, the longer the half-life the longer it stays in the environment. Chemicals like DDT and some organochlorines have comparatively long half-lives and were negatively impacting the environment.
In some situations like in agriculture, we may wan to have persistence to reduce the number of applications (UF/IFAS photo).
Is Pesticide Persistence Always Bad?
Sometimes it is desirable to have longer term activity depending on the pest management situation. For example, if there is a pest of peanut that is known in an area to affect the crop for 6 weeks every year. It may be easier for the applicator to do a single application of a product that will protect the crop for that period as opposed to several applications over the period each with the potential for human exposure, runoff, drift, or other undesirable consequences. It is important to be aware that persistent pesticides that come into contact with soil, lumber, or that reach water can have serious long term nontarget effects, so the costs and benefits should be weighed.
Another term you may have heard associated with this characteristic is residual. The residual is another term for how long the pesticide is active in the environment. This is an important term for agriculture. Consider those same peanuts from the previous example. If the USDA has put into place a “tolerance” or level of residual that is acceptable for food, the grower has to make sure they will be below that residual at harvest time.
Using chemicals judiciously can help protect nontarget species like beneficial butterflies (UF/IFAS Photo).
What Can We Do?
Some of our current products are still persistent. It is important to ensure, for all pesticides, that they do not move offsite. This will ensure protection of nontagret species. It is also beneficial to understand how pesticides degrade or break down. They can break down by chemical degradation which is the breakdown of chemicals by nonliving organisms like water. Microbial action can also break down chemicals. This occurs when soil organisms, fungi, and bacteria degrade chemicals. Finally, sunlight, or photodegradation, may occur. Being aware of the level of residuals, persistence, and how pesticides break down can help applicators make the best decisions on products they use.
 
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We have a survey to learn what content you are interested in. Please take a few moments to take it here.

Hello Avid Readers! Have you ever heard the term persistence as it relates to pesticides? This characteristic is very important as it relates to how long the pesticide “persists” or stays in the environment. There is some history associated with this term that makes it a perfect discussion for spring, hopefully not a silent one. […]

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