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American sand wasp "Sun Dance"

In the morning hours as unmated females are beginning to emerge from their nesting sites, groups of sand wasp males fly low overhead in irregular, circular patterns. This conspicuous, frenetic activity has been dubbed a “sun dance”.

Cedar Waxwing and Windows

Cedar Waxwings are prone to colliding with windows, especially in winter months when the berries left on the vines have fermented making them "drunk." Find these solutions to make your windows less reflective.

Biocontrol Nematode

The mole cricket nematode infects mole crickets through natural openings and releases bacteria that kill the host within 24 to 48 hours. It can persist in the soil for several years and reduce the need for insecticides.

Living Shorelines for Erosion Control and More

Salt marshes, mangroves, seagrasses, and oyster reefs effectively prevent erosion by creating complex surfaces that dampen wave energy and trap sediments. They also provide additional ecosystem functions that benefit society.

Begonias from Cuttings

Begonias are easy to propagate through shoot cuttings and leaf cuttings. The clones will have the same traits as the mother plant.

RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS

Common Consumer Misconceptions about Eggs

VM262/VM262by Gary D. ButcherJune 20, 2024This publication provides information to consumers of eggs and explains a few of the common consumer misconceptions about eggs. Written by Gary D. Butcher and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, May 2024.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

The Florida Handbook of Solid and Hazardous Waste Regulation: Table of Contents

FE758/FE758by Michael T. Olexa and Christopher HillJune 18, 2024The Florida Handbook of Solid and Hazardous Waste RegulationCritical Issue: Other

The Florida Handbook of Solid and Hazardous Waste Regulation: Federal Legislation

FE761/FE761by Michael T. Olexa and Christopher HillJune 18, 2024 Circular 1139, a multi-part handbook by Michael T. Olexa and Ian Goldfarb, helps Floridians recognize which agricultural and household activities may involve solid and hazardous wastes. It also provides an introduction to the agencies and statutes that govern solid and hazardous waste disposal. Published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, December 2013.Critical Issue: Other

Best Practices for Grant Development: Starting With the Idea

WC454/AEC793by Kathryn A. StoferJune 14, 2024Grant writing has become an expectation for Extension faculty at the state and county level. However, aside from a few workshops provided by the university, new faculty may feel like they have few resources to help them sharpen their practices at applying for and securing grant funding. This publication is meant to support Extension professionals, especially at the county level, in building good grant development habits.Critical Issue: Other

Ocean Acidification: Effects on Sponges

FA263/FA263by Lena A. Donnarumma, Joseph Henry, Joshua Patterson, Shelly Krueger, Lisa Krimsky, and Shirley BakerJune 13, 2024Approximately 30% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere has been absorbed by the world’s oceans. As CO2 emissions increase due to human activities so does the amount of CO2 absorbed by the oceans. Carbon dioxide lowers the pH of the ocean system, causing ocean acidification (OA). The effects of OA on economically and ecologically important aquatic species is a subject of interest. Sponges are important reef-associated species that provide shelter for fish and crustaceans in reef habitats and can also structure ecosystems through bioerosion, water filtration, and colonization of coral reef areas. This publication considers the effects of OA on marine sponges, with a focus on Florida’s coral reef. Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

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Fun Facts

14.1%

OJ Inflation

Orange Juice prices experienced high inflation, peaking at 14.1% in January 2023, but the number of active consumers slightly increased.

$526 billion

Cost of Hurricane Damage in Florida

The cost of damage from hurricanes in Florida since 1990 is equal to that of the whole rest of the United States. Major hurricanes caused 87% of the damage.

65,479

U.S. residents have their identity stolen each day

This publication is based on the insights of individuals who have been through this experience, researched it in depth, and have attempted to break it down into understandable segments.

$4.09 per lb. of N

Value of Denitrification

Based on the average wastewater treatment cost of N removal for Florida Counties. One of the ecosystem functions of Living Shorelines is enhanced denitrification.

95°F

Proper Temperature for Baby Chicks

Newly hatched chicks need to be maintained at 95°F for the first week of their lives. After the first week, chicks can tolerate temperatures 5°F cooler for each week until they are four weeks old.