1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

We need more trees, everywhere! Loss of tree canopy is one of the main reasons that climate change has become so severe.  Whichever side of the fence you are on, we all must admit that the climate is changing, and not for the better. When USDA Plant Zones change then we know that something very [&#8230;]

<h3>We need more trees, everywhere!</h3>
<img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="wp-image-9721 alignleft lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="315" height="420" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/files/2024/04/eclipser-768x1024.jpg">
Loss of tree canopy is one of the main reasons that climate change has become so severe.  Whichever side of the fence you are on, we all must admit that the climate is changing, and not for the better. <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/climate-change/article276415291.html">When USDA Plant Zone</a>s change then we know that something very alarming is happening.  Historically, South Florida was in Zone 10B.  We are now Zone 11.  Many other areas of the country have also changed.  Click the above link to see if yours has.
<h3></h3>
<h3>Overdevelopment is one of the driving factors.</h3>
In Florida overall and in South Florida specifically, our population is increasing at a rapid and unsustainable rate in many areas.  The collateral damage is often green spaces and forests that are clear cut to make room for more housing of all kinds.  When the cement and temperatures increase and tree canopy decreases, we essentially create a desert.  Even when trees are planted, it may take 10-20 years before any shade or true mitigation is created.  We can&#8217;t buy back time and when a mature tree is leveled, we have just lost several decades.
<h3>How bad is it?</h3>
Consider this headline from the Miami-Herald Newspaper yesterday:<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/climate-change/article276415291.html"> Miami-Dade County&#8217;s urban tree project unable to shade residents from record</a><a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/climate-change/article276415291.html"> he</a><a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/climate-change/article276415291.html">at.</a>
I highly recommend reading this article to truly comprehend what we are up against.  It will both astound you and hopefully, open your eyes to this dilemma all around us as another Florida summer fast approaches.
<h3>More trees everywhere is the solution&#8230;</h3>
But unfortunately, there are some irrational fears surrounding the planting of trees, even though most people know their benefits.  We all need to do more to influence our friends, neighbors, and local governments to plant more trees and to protect them at all costs.  We all need to let our voices be heard at city commission meetings, and write letters to our representatives.  If we don&#8217;t, the developers will keep having their way with the trees, to our own demise.
It’s ironic that the main reason people flock to South Florida is for the sunshine, and now, because of the shortsightedness of city and county governments, that sunshine has now become a curse.  Without elected officials putting a stop to overdevelopment, there’s not much room, quite literally, for tree canopy.  As the article states, most of the available land is on private property, so we need to encourage all residents to plant more trees.
Trees are essential to the health of our planet and to each and every one of us.  Please, plant a tree this Earth Week and <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.broward.org/Environment/TreePreservation/Pages/ProperTreePruning.aspx">take action against tree abuse and removal whenever you can.</a>
Contact your local<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/"> UF/IFAS County Extension office</a> for more information on tree care.

We need more trees, everywhere!

Loss of tree canopy is one of the main reasons that climate change has become so severe.  Whichever side of the fence you are on, we all must admit that the climate is changing, and not for the better. When USDA Plant Zones change then we know that something very alarming is happening.  Historically, South Florida was in Zone 10B.  We are now Zone 11.  Many other areas of the country have also changed.  Click the above link to see if yours has.

Overdevelopment is one of the driving factors.
In Florida overall and in South Florida specifically, our population is increasing at a rapid and unsustainable rate in many areas.  The collateral damage is often green spaces and forests that are clear cut to make room for more housing of all kinds.  When the cement and temperatures increase and tree canopy decreases, we essentially create a desert.  Even when trees are planted, it may take 10-20 years before any shade or true mitigation is created.  We can’t buy back time and when a mature tree is leveled, we have just lost several decades.
How bad is it?
Consider this headline from the Miami-Herald Newspaper yesterday: Miami-Dade County’s urban tree project unable to shade residents from record heat.
I highly recommend reading this article to truly comprehend what we are up against.  It will both astound you and hopefully, open your eyes to this dilemma all around us as another Florida summer fast approaches.
More trees everywhere is the solution…
But unfortunately, there are some irrational fears surrounding the planting of trees, even though most people know their benefits.  We all need to do more to influence our friends, neighbors, and local governments to plant more trees and to protect them at all costs.  We all need to let our voices be heard at city commission meetings, and write letters to our representatives.  If we don’t, the developers will keep having their way with the trees, to our own demise.
It’s ironic that the main reason people flock to South Florida is for the sunshine, and now, because of the shortsightedness of city and county governments, that sunshine has now become a curse.  Without elected officials putting a stop to overdevelopment, there’s not much room, quite literally, for tree canopy.  As the article states, most of the available land is on private property, so we need to encourage all residents to plant more trees.
Trees are essential to the health of our planet and to each and every one of us.  Please, plant a tree this Earth Week and take action against tree abuse and removal whenever you can.
Contact your local UF/IFAS County Extension office for more information on tree care.

We need more trees, everywhere! Loss of tree canopy is one of the main reasons that climate change has become so severe.  Whichever side of the fence you are on, we all must admit that the climate is changing, and not for the better. When USDA Plant Zones change then we know that something very […]

Trees Change Climate

Looking for ways to help save on your household water bill? Wondering how often to irrigate the lawn? Perhaps you are looking at the use of technologies that will help you gauge when and how often to irrigate. A team of University of Florida researchers at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has [&#8230;]

Looking for ways to help save on your household water bill? Wondering how often to irrigate the lawn? Perhaps you are looking at the use of technologies that will help you gauge when and how often to irrigate.
A team of University of Florida researchers at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has released the <a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0cVjFFzuZIJidh4">Landscape Water Use Survey</a>, which is aimed at homeowners and land managers statewide. The responses will help scientists understand how much the average resident irrigates the landscape and how people learn how to conserve water.
“Every drop counts, and we are hoping to collect data from participants statewide to help us find additional ways to reduce water pollution and further promote water conservation,” 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>. “With the help of survey participants, who will remain anonymous, we will use this information to develop online training videos and continue to make improvements in water conservation messaging and programs for the public at the state and local levels.”
The 30-question survey, which takes about 15 minutes to complete, gives participants the opportunity to share where they stand on various water conservation issues, including their perception of their water bill, how often and when they irrigate their lawn, whether and what type of technology is incorporated into water usage and more.
Currently, UF/IFAS has several programs across Extension as well as the website, <a href="https://water.ifas.ufl.edu/">UF/IFAS Water Programs</a> that are dedicated to providing consumers with research, tips, videos, county irrigation rebate programs and much more.
Every day, over 3 billion gallons of water are utilized in central and southern Florida, serving the needs of 9 million residents and millions of visitors, according to the <a href="https://www.sfwmd.gov/our-work/water-supply">South Florida Water Management District</a>.
With growing demands for water, the conventional freshwater source in the region is insufficient to adequately fulfill future requirements at a reasonable cost at the current rate of growth and development in Florida.
“Using water-saving techniques can save consumers money and aid municipalities by reducing the amount of energy used to deliver water to the public”, said Moore. “By minimizing water use, we are preserving our world for future generations and making sure they will have water to live.”
The survey will be available until June 1, 2024.
&nbsp;
###
By Lourdes Mederos, <a href="mailto:rodriguezl@ufl.edu">rodriguezl@ufl.edu</a>
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2024/04/16/cientificos-de-uf-ifas-lanzan-una-encuesta-sobre-el-uso-del-agua-para-mejorar-los-esfuerzos-y-programas-de-conservacion-de-este-recurso-en-todo-el-estado/">Para accesar este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace.</a>
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
 
&nbsp;

Looking for ways to help save on your household water bill? Wondering how often to irrigate the lawn? Perhaps you are looking at the use of technologies that will help you gauge when and how often to irrigate.
A team of University of Florida researchers at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has released the Landscape Water Use Survey, which is aimed at homeowners and land managers statewide. The responses will help scientists understand how much the average resident irrigates the landscape and how people learn how to conserve water.
“Every drop counts, and we are hoping to collect data from participants statewide to help us find additional ways to reduce water pollution and further promote water conservation,” said Kimberly Moore, professor of sustainable horticulture and associate director the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC). “With the help of survey participants, who will remain anonymous, we will use this information to develop online training videos and continue to make improvements in water conservation messaging and programs for the public at the state and local levels.”
The 30-question survey, which takes about 15 minutes to complete, gives participants the opportunity to share where they stand on various water conservation issues, including their perception of their water bill, how often and when they irrigate their lawn, whether and what type of technology is incorporated into water usage and more.
Currently, UF/IFAS has several programs across Extension as well as the website, UF/IFAS Water Programs that are dedicated to providing consumers with research, tips, videos, county irrigation rebate programs and much more.
Every day, over 3 billion gallons of water are utilized in central and southern Florida, serving the needs of 9 million residents and millions of visitors, according to the South Florida Water Management District.
With growing demands for water, the conventional freshwater source in the region is insufficient to adequately fulfill future requirements at a reasonable cost at the current rate of growth and development in Florida.
“Using water-saving techniques can save consumers money and aid municipalities by reducing the amount of energy used to deliver water to the public”, said Moore. “By minimizing water use, we are preserving our world for future generations and making sure they will have water to live.”
The survey will be available until June 1, 2024.
 
###
By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
Para accesar este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace.
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

Looking for ways to help save on your household water bill? Wondering how often to irrigate the lawn? Perhaps you are looking at the use of technologies that will help you gauge when and how often to irrigate. A team of University of Florida researchers at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has […]

UF/IFAS scientists launch landscape water use survey to enhance water conservation efforts, programs statewide

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" 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? 
&nbsp;
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.
&nbsp;
###
By Lourdes Mederos, <a href="mailto:rodriguezl@ufl.edu">rodriguezl@ufl.edu</a>
&nbsp;
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

Climate

Clima

Natural Phenomena

Community-Based Capacity Building

Climate change refers to a change in the state of the climate that can be identified (e.g., by using statistical tests) by changes in the mean and/or the variability of its properties and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer. Climate change may be due to natural internal processes or external forcings such as modulations of the solar cycles, volcanic eruptions and persistent anthropogenic changes in the composition of the atmosphere or in land use. [AGROVOC]

Climate Change

Betancourt, Alicia A

Cambio Climático

Phenomena

Browse AskIFAS Terms

In scientific usage, a phenomenon is any event that is observable, however common it might be, even if it requires the use of instrumentation to observe, record, or compile data concerning it. In natural sciences, a phenomenon is an observable happening or event.

Fenómenos naturales

Florida&rsquo;s residents, local governments, and communities face challenges such as land use and growth and the interface between rural/urban and incorporated/ unincorporated areas and climate change.&nbsp;
Florida Extension programs focus on teaching alternative strategies that can be used to address these issues and to build leadership in our communities to direct developments.

Climate Change

Publications

Accounting for Climate Change in Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) Curves for Stormwater Management

Climate Change Adaptation: New Perspectives for Natural Resource Management and Conservation

Climate Change and Florida: Frequently Asked Questions

Climate Change: Effects on Salinity in Florida’s Estuaries and Responses of Oysters, Seagrass, and Other Animal and Plant Life

Climate Changes, Shifting Ranges: Climate Change Effects on Wildlife in the Florida Everglades and Keys

Conserving Urban Wildlife in the Face of Climate Change

Economic Impacts of Climate Change on Florida: Estimates from Two Studies

Oyster-Predator Dynamics and Climate Change

Pasture’s Role in Climate Change Mitigation

Science Support for Climate Change Adaptation in South Florida

Strategies for Communicating Climate Change to Extension Audiences

Related IFAS Blog Posts

Trees Change Climate

UF/IFAS scientists launch landscape water use survey to enhance water conservation efforts, programs statewide

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

Broader Topics

Climate

Natural Phenomena

Community-Based Capacity Building

Related Experts

Find publications by topic area

INFORMATION

LAND GRANT MISSION

FOR AUTHORS