Brooke L. Moffis

Protecting Natural Areas During Development: Four Spatial Considerations to Maximize their Benefits

Basil V. Iannone III, Tina McIntyre, Alexander J. Reisinger, Eban Z. Bean, Abbey Tyrna, and Brooke L. Moffis

Designers, builders, and managers of sustainable urban areas must consider location and proximity of conserved land, built infrastructure, and designed urban ecosystems such as stormwater ponds and ornamental gardens. This publication introduces four key spatial considerations and discusses their implications for conservation of native plants and animals and the biodiversity and ecological benefits provided by urban landscapes. Planners, builders, and managers must recognize and conserve spatial differences in habitat types and understand how the size, shape, and location of conserved lands and urban ecosystems affect plant and animal welfare and movement. The publication  lists multiple free tools for visualizing and measuring spatial aspects and stresses that conserved areas and designed ecosystems must be properly managed to reap benefits from good spatial planning. People can use the information to improve the design, construction and management of sustainable urban areas.

Getting Into the “Weeds:” An Introduction to Common Lawn Plants and Their Ecological Benefits in North Central Florida

Olesya Malakhova, Wendy L. Wilber, Sandra B. Wilson, Kacey A. Russo, Jesse C. Jones, Brooke L. Moffis, Johanna S. Walker, and Basil V. Iannone III

Maintaining monoculture lawns is resource intensive and can have environmental impacts on arthropod and aquatic communities. Here we introduce the reader to some of the many native plants that establish in lawns and if left to grow can provide ecological benefits to urban landscapes. Most resources and marketing regarding these plants focus on killing them rather than on their ecological benefits. This publication introduces the audience to these species and provides information about the biology and benefits of these species, as well as resources to learn more about self-recruiting lawn species.

Bagworm, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis Haworth (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Psychidae)

Brooke L. Moffis and Steven P. Arthurs

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Landscaping Methods to Prevent Pests from Entering Your Home

J. E Davis, F. Oi, L. Sanderson, B. Moffis, and B. Lester

Pests can damage your home and harm your health. Two important ways to reduce pest entry into your home are frequent inspections and proper landscaping practices. To ensure complete success, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program must be implemented. IPM resources for common landscape pests are provided at the end of this publication for further information and convenience. This publication is intended for homeowners, Extension professionals, and anyone interested in preventing pests from entering the built environment.

Key Plant, Key Pests: Holly (Ilex sp.)

Juanita Popenoe, Caroline R. Warwick, Jacqueline Bourdon, and Liz Felter

Key Plant, Key Pests: Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)

Juanita Popenoe, Caroline R. Warwick, Jacqueline Bourdon, and David J. Norman

This publication provides information and general management recommendations for the azalea caterpillar, azalea lace bug, azalea leafminer, rhododendron gall midge, azalea gall, cercospora leaf spot, mushroom root rot, ovulinia petal blight, wet root rots, and iron chlorosis.

Key Plant, Key Pests: Sycamore (Platanus spp.)

Matthew Borden, Kelly Laplante, Juanita Popenoe, Adam Dale, Caroline R. Warwick, and Brian Pearson

Key Plant, Key Pests: Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

Juanita Popenoe, Caroline R. Warwick, and Richard Beeson Jr.

Key Plant, Key Pests: Camellia

Juanita Popenoe, Caroline R. Warwick, and Brian Pearson

This publication helps identify the most common pests found on the Camellia. This publication provides information and general management recommendations for algal leaf spot, dieback, twig blight or canker, flower blight, wet root rot diseases, root rots, aphids, scale, spider mites and nutrient deficiencies.

Key Plant, Key Pests: Chinese Fringe (Loropetalum chinense)

Juanita Popenoe, Caroline R. Warwick, and Jianjun Chen

This document is one in the Key Plant, Key Pests series. It helps identify common pests found on the Chinese fringe. 

Key Plant, Key Pests: Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)

Juanita Popenoe, Caroline R. Warwick, and Roger Kjelgren

Key Plant, Key Pests: Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)

Juanita Popenoe, Caroline R. Warwick, and David J. Norman

Key Plant, Key Pests: Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Juanita Popenoe, Jacqueline Bourdon, Caroline R. Warwick, and Jianjun Chen

Key Plant, Key Pests: Pine Species (Pinus sp.)

Juanita Popenoe, Jacqueline Bourdon, Caroline R. Warwick, and Chris Marble

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Integrated Pest Management

Key Plant, Key Pests: Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia)

Juanita Popenoe, Caroline R. Warwick, and Chris Marble

This publication helps identify the most common pests found on the Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia). Crapemyrtle are known for being one of the most pest-free landscape plants. This publication provides information and general management recommendations for the crapemyrtle aphid, metallic beetles and powdery mildew.