1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

In the early 1800’s, the Spanish divided us into East and West Florida. St. Augustine was the capital of East Florida, while Pensacola was the capital of West Florida. The peninsula was Seminole territory, and very few European settlers ventured south. When the United States acquired the Florida territory, they retained the dual capitals, with [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_39883" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39883" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/Cascades-postcard.jpg"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="size-medium wp-image-39883 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="193" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/Cascades-postcard-300x193.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39883" class="wp-caption-text">The capital of Florida is located where this waterfall and pond once were. The Cascades was where the two Florida delegates, one traveling from St. Augustine and the other from Pensacola, met and camped. Postcard circa 1912 from the State of Florida Library and Archives</figcaption></figure>
In the early 1800’s, the Spanish divided us into East and West Florida. St. Augustine was the capital of East Florida, while Pensacola was the capital of West Florida. The peninsula was Seminole territory, and very few European settlers ventured south. When the United States acquired the Florida territory, they retained the dual capitals, with government meetings held alternatively in each city. Eventually, representatives from both cities grew tired of traveling so far and decided to create a new capital city halfway between them. That location, 3 hours from each coast, landed in Tallahassee. In particular, they met and camped at a beautiful spot known as the Cascades, which had a running stream and a waterfall that dropped into a sinkhole. In 1824, they built a <a href="https://dos.fl.gov/florida-facts/florida-history/the-capitol">log cabin at the site</a> to hold official meetings.
<figure id="attachment_39885" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39885" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/cascade-map.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-39885 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/cascade-map-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39885" class="wp-caption-text">A map of Cascades Park includes historic, cultural, and environmental resources in a 24-acre site in downtown Tallahassee. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
As the city grew and changed, the lovely little creek and waterfall were swallowed by development and pollution. A manufactured gas plant operated on the site between 1890 and 1950, discharging hazardous waste into the soil and groundwater. By the 1920’s, the city also co-located a landfill at the site, contributing even more pollution. Eventually, the <a href="https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.cleanup&amp;id=0404729">EPA recognized the serious water quality problems</a> at the Cascades and designated it as a Superfund site.  They began taking enforcement action, requiring a response from the city to start a cleanup.
Thankfully, by the early 2000’s, some innovative leaders working under a locally government partnership called “<a href="https://blueprintia.org/projects/">Blueprint 2000</a>” decided not only to clean up the site but return it as closely as possible to its original beauty. By 2006, they had removed 85,000 tons of contaminated soil and were even given an award of excellence by the EPA for going above and beyond cleanup requirements. Between 2010-2014, they constructed Cascades Park, a joint city/county effort to restore the once-peaceful watery oasis in the middle of town.
<figure id="attachment_39891" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39891" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/cascade-fall.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-39891 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/cascade-fall-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39891" class="wp-caption-text">A recreated waterfall spills into the waterway at Cascades Park. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
Today, <a href="https://fbpe.org/cascades-re-development-project/">Cascades Park</a> consists of a 24-acre pond, a run of restored flowing stream, a recreated waterfall, and a landscaped perimeter full of healthy wetland vegetation.  The pond treats stormwater from the surrounding city and takes on excess floodwater during heavy rains. There is a 2-mile walking trail around the pond, along with a children’s playground and an amphitheater.
The city also incorporated numerous historic monuments and signage in the park and surrounding areas, tying in local history and culture with environmental improvements. A <a href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/local/2015/09/24/smokey-hollow-commemoration-celebrates-lost-neighborhood/72735610/">historic African-American community, Smokey Hollow, is commemorated with signage and “spirit houses</a>” that evoke the shotgun houses and residents who lived there until the 1960’s. The park has a Korean War memorial and a marker for the <a href="https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/295193">Prime Meridian</a> of the state, from which all property townships are measured. The Cascades are also the historic location of Centennial Park, built in 1924, which was home to decades of high school graduations, minor league baseball, and even Florida State University’s first three seasons of football games. As we speak, a replica of the original capitol building log cabin is being built in the park to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the move to Tallahassee as the capital.
<figure id="attachment_39893" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39893" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/cascade-willow.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39893 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/cascade-willow-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39893" class="wp-caption-text">Mature wetland trees flourish within Cascades Park. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
Besides the obvious environmental improvements, Cascades Park has been an economic driver. The old city gas plant building has been transformed into the trendy <a href="https://www.edisontally.com/cafe">Edison restaurant, with a café called The Power Plant</a> downstairs with decks overlooking the water. There are numerous office buildings and apartment complexes (one called The Cascades!) built adjacent to the park and offering window/balcony views of the waterway. What was once a scourge to be avoided has become an amenity and improved the quality of life for residents of Tallahassee.
Locally, we have several remediated brownfields, Superfund sites, and formerly flooded areas that have been turned into <a href="https://www.cityofpensacola.com/1124/Government-Street">parks and stormwater management areas</a>. These multi-functional areas are aesthetically pleasing and provide benefits to both people and the wider ecosystem. Creative, cooperative projects like this give us excellent examples of successful ways to tackle the problems of our day, and serve as reminders that what seems insurmountable can be overcome with vision and dedication.

The capital of Florida is located where this waterfall and pond once were. The Cascades was where the two Florida delegates, one traveling from St. Augustine and the other from Pensacola, met and camped. Postcard circa 1912 from the State of Florida Library and Archives
In the early 1800’s, the Spanish divided us into East and West Florida. St. Augustine was the capital of East Florida, while Pensacola was the capital of West Florida. The peninsula was Seminole territory, and very few European settlers ventured south. When the United States acquired the Florida territory, they retained the dual capitals, with government meetings held alternatively in each city. Eventually, representatives from both cities grew tired of traveling so far and decided to create a new capital city halfway between them. That location, 3 hours from each coast, landed in Tallahassee. In particular, they met and camped at a beautiful spot known as the Cascades, which had a running stream and a waterfall that dropped into a sinkhole. In 1824, they built a log cabin at the site to hold official meetings.
A map of Cascades Park includes historic, cultural, and environmental resources in a 24-acre site in downtown Tallahassee. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
As the city grew and changed, the lovely little creek and waterfall were swallowed by development and pollution. A manufactured gas plant operated on the site between 1890 and 1950, discharging hazardous waste into the soil and groundwater. By the 1920’s, the city also co-located a landfill at the site, contributing even more pollution. Eventually, the EPA recognized the serious water quality problems at the Cascades and designated it as a Superfund site.  They began taking enforcement action, requiring a response from the city to start a cleanup.
Thankfully, by the early 2000’s, some innovative leaders working under a locally government partnership called “Blueprint 2000” decided not only to clean up the site but return it as closely as possible to its original beauty. By 2006, they had removed 85,000 tons of contaminated soil and were even given an award of excellence by the EPA for going above and beyond cleanup requirements. Between 2010-2014, they constructed Cascades Park, a joint city/county effort to restore the once-peaceful watery oasis in the middle of town.
A recreated waterfall spills into the waterway at Cascades Park. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
Today, Cascades Park consists of a 24-acre pond, a run of restored flowing stream, a recreated waterfall, and a landscaped perimeter full of healthy wetland vegetation.  The pond treats stormwater from the surrounding city and takes on excess floodwater during heavy rains. There is a 2-mile walking trail around the pond, along with a children’s playground and an amphitheater.
The city also incorporated numerous historic monuments and signage in the park and surrounding areas, tying in local history and culture with environmental improvements. A historic African-American community, Smokey Hollow, is commemorated with signage and “spirit houses” that evoke the shotgun houses and residents who lived there until the 1960’s. The park has a Korean War memorial and a marker for the Prime Meridian of the state, from which all property townships are measured. The Cascades are also the historic location of Centennial Park, built in 1924, which was home to decades of high school graduations, minor league baseball, and even Florida State University’s first three seasons of football games. As we speak, a replica of the original capitol building log cabin is being built in the park to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the move to Tallahassee as the capital.
Mature wetland trees flourish within Cascades Park. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
Besides the obvious environmental improvements, Cascades Park has been an economic driver. The old city gas plant building has been transformed into the trendy Edison restaurant, with a café called The Power Plant downstairs with decks overlooking the water. There are numerous office buildings and apartment complexes (one called The Cascades!) built adjacent to the park and offering window/balcony views of the waterway. What was once a scourge to be avoided has become an amenity and improved the quality of life for residents of Tallahassee.
Locally, we have several remediated brownfields, Superfund sites, and formerly flooded areas that have been turned into parks and stormwater management areas. These multi-functional areas are aesthetically pleasing and provide benefits to both people and the wider ecosystem. Creative, cooperative projects like this give us excellent examples of successful ways to tackle the problems of our day, and serve as reminders that what seems insurmountable can be overcome with vision and dedication.

In the early 1800’s, the Spanish divided us into East and West Florida. St. Augustine was the capital of East Florida, while Pensacola was the capital of West Florida. The peninsula was Seminole territory, and very few European settlers ventured south. When the United States acquired the Florida territory, they retained the dual capitals, with […]

Weekly “What is it?”: Cascades Park

One aspect I really love about my work with Extension is the incredible network of creative, helpful, and extraordinarily knowledgeable people it gives me quick access to. In 2010, I had no idea how to respond when an oil spill was approaching local beaches. So, I dialed up a natural resource agent with University of [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_39765" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39765" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/utah-river.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39765 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/utah-river-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39765" class="wp-caption-text">Extension agents from all over the United States learning about stream restoration along the Sevier River in Utah. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
One aspect I really love about my work with Extension is the incredible network of creative, helpful, and extraordinarily knowledgeable people it gives me quick access to. In 2010, I had no idea how to respond when an oil spill was approaching local beaches. So, I dialed up a natural resource agent with University of Alaska Extension, who was happy to talk me through both the emotions and research on handling the aftermath of a spill. And where to start when UF IFAS Extension was charged with planning a field tour for a national meeting 1,800 miles away? We contacted the Utah State Extension office in Salt Lake City, and within a few days had a dedicated partner who quickly arranged food, transportation, and tour locations based on our schedule.
<figure id="attachment_39771" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39771" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/charm-map-water.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39771 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/charm-map-water-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39771" class="wp-caption-text">Extension specialists from Texas A&amp;M lead a group of stakeholders in Bay County through a CHARM mapping exercise. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
I have learned from travel in general and Extension work in particular that the more time you spend with people from “somewhere else,” the more you realize we all have the same issues. People need jobs, safe and reliable housing, good schools for their children, and protection from natural disasters. Yesterday, I was able to participate in a workshop addressing many of these issues with colleagues from <a href="https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/">Texas A&amp;M AgriLife Extension</a>. They have developed a digital tool called <a href="https://www.communitycharm.org/">Community Health and Resource Management (CHARM)</a>, which allows planners, elected officials, realtors, etc. to interact with real time data on a projected map. While seated around it, they can formulate plans on how to conserve, develop, and analyze land use in their community.
<figure id="attachment_39767" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39767" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/tyndall-afb-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39767 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/tyndall-afb-300x200.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39767" class="wp-caption-text">Hurricane Michael left Tyndall Air Force base in near complete destruction. (U.S. Air National Guard courtesy photo)</figcaption></figure>
The workshop, held in Panama City, was focused on “resilient workforce housing” needs in fast-growing Bay County. Even 6 years later, the shadow of Category 5 hurricane Michael affects the way people think about how the community should redevelop. Add to that a huge influx of new personnel (and their families) at <a href="https://www.tyndall.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3478806/long-awaited-f-35-aircraft-touch-down-at-tyndall/">Tyndall Air Force Base</a>, and there are a lot of parameters to consider. The goal of the CHARM exercise was to look at different factors affecting housing and find reasonable locations to accommodate projected growth while avoiding/reducing impacts to sensitive ecosystems. They also wanted to physically locate housing near resources people need, like job centers, daycares, and grocery stores to reduce traffic and wasted time on the road.
<figure id="attachment_39773" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39773" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/charm-map-pink-2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39773 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/charm-map-pink-2-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39773" class="wp-caption-text">Participants in the CHARM workshop outline potential areas best suited for new housing. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
The beauty of GIS mapping and databases is that all this information can be shown at the touch of a button. Workshop participants filled out surveys ranking how important it would be to avoid certain risks—flood zones, storm surge projections, wetlands, military buffers, etc. Based on group consensus, the facilitators were able to block out whole sections of the map, particularly along coastlines and wet areas. The second step involved prioritizing amenities they anticipate new residents needing nearby. These included schools, stores, utilities, and proximity to jobs at Tyndall AFB and other primary employment areas.
<figure id="attachment_39769" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39769" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/charm-paints.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-39769 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="1024" height="566" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/charm-paints-1024x566.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39769" class="wp-caption-text">Different colors in the GIS tool denote different housing densities, and can be located on planning maps based on community needs. Screenshot from https://www.communitycharm.org/charm-paints</figcaption></figure>
Once all this data was input, the map showed blue areas (to avoid) and pink areas (to target), highlighting the most optimal places to direct future residential and mixed-use development. Attendees then discussed specific regions where people are already moving, along with undocumented places that may need to be avoided, such as a zone where the off-putting odor of a chemical plant is located. Using a paint tool, they could insert potential housing types directly onto the map as a potential guide for planned development.
The <a href="https://tcwp.tamu.edu/">Texas Community Watershed Partners (CWP)</a>, a division of TAMU Extension, has led 40 workshops using the CHARM technology, and are now piloting this housing-focused program with several partners in Florida. The Bay County workshop was the first of a grant-funded (thanks, <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/">NOAA</a>!) effort awarded to the <a href="https://gulfofmexicoalliance.org/">Gulf of Mexico Alliance</a> and their partners with the Texas CWP, <a href="https://www.flhousing.org/">Florida Housing Coalition</a>, and <a href="https://www.ecrc.org/">Emerald Coast Regional Council</a>. Exercises like these will help communities provide safe, convenient, and more affordable housing to current and incoming residents of Florida as the threat of climate-based disasters looms larger.

Extension agents from all over the United States learning about stream restoration along the Sevier River in Utah. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
One aspect I really love about my work with Extension is the incredible network of creative, helpful, and extraordinarily knowledgeable people it gives me quick access to. In 2010, I had no idea how to respond when an oil spill was approaching local beaches. So, I dialed up a natural resource agent with University of Alaska Extension, who was happy to talk me through both the emotions and research on handling the aftermath of a spill. And where to start when UF IFAS Extension was charged with planning a field tour for a national meeting 1,800 miles away? We contacted the Utah State Extension office in Salt Lake City, and within a few days had a dedicated partner who quickly arranged food, transportation, and tour locations based on our schedule.
Extension specialists from Texas A&M lead a group of stakeholders in Bay County through a CHARM mapping exercise. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
I have learned from travel in general and Extension work in particular that the more time you spend with people from “somewhere else,” the more you realize we all have the same issues. People need jobs, safe and reliable housing, good schools for their children, and protection from natural disasters. Yesterday, I was able to participate in a workshop addressing many of these issues with colleagues from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. They have developed a digital tool called Community Health and Resource Management (CHARM), which allows planners, elected officials, realtors, etc. to interact with real time data on a projected map. While seated around it, they can formulate plans on how to conserve, develop, and analyze land use in their community.
Hurricane Michael left Tyndall Air Force base in near complete destruction. (U.S. Air National Guard courtesy photo)
The workshop, held in Panama City, was focused on “resilient workforce housing” needs in fast-growing Bay County. Even 6 years later, the shadow of Category 5 hurricane Michael affects the way people think about how the community should redevelop. Add to that a huge influx of new personnel (and their families) at Tyndall Air Force Base, and there are a lot of parameters to consider. The goal of the CHARM exercise was to look at different factors affecting housing and find reasonable locations to accommodate projected growth while avoiding/reducing impacts to sensitive ecosystems. They also wanted to physically locate housing near resources people need, like job centers, daycares, and grocery stores to reduce traffic and wasted time on the road.
Participants in the CHARM workshop outline potential areas best suited for new housing. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
The beauty of GIS mapping and databases is that all this information can be shown at the touch of a button. Workshop participants filled out surveys ranking how important it would be to avoid certain risks—flood zones, storm surge projections, wetlands, military buffers, etc. Based on group consensus, the facilitators were able to block out whole sections of the map, particularly along coastlines and wet areas. The second step involved prioritizing amenities they anticipate new residents needing nearby. These included schools, stores, utilities, and proximity to jobs at Tyndall AFB and other primary employment areas.
Different colors in the GIS tool denote different housing densities, and can be located on planning maps based on community needs. Screenshot from https://www.communitycharm.org/charm-paints
Once all this data was input, the map showed blue areas (to avoid) and pink areas (to target), highlighting the most optimal places to direct future residential and mixed-use development. Attendees then discussed specific regions where people are already moving, along with undocumented places that may need to be avoided, such as a zone where the off-putting odor of a chemical plant is located. Using a paint tool, they could insert potential housing types directly onto the map as a potential guide for planned development.
The Texas Community Watershed Partners (CWP), a division of TAMU Extension, has led 40 workshops using the CHARM technology, and are now piloting this housing-focused program with several partners in Florida. The Bay County workshop was the first of a grant-funded (thanks, NOAA!) effort awarded to the Gulf of Mexico Alliance and their partners with the Texas CWP, Florida Housing Coalition, and Emerald Coast Regional Council. Exercises like these will help communities provide safe, convenient, and more affordable housing to current and incoming residents of Florida as the threat of climate-based disasters looms larger.

One aspect I really love about my work with Extension is the incredible network of creative, helpful, and extraordinarily knowledgeable people it gives me quick access to. In 2010, I had no idea how to respond when an oil spill was approaching local beaches. So, I dialed up a natural resource agent with University of […]

Weekly “What is it?”: Community Health and Resource Management (CHARM) Tool

My husband’s best friend was a nature nerd like me. If I didn’t know what something was, Anthony was the first person I’d send a photo to for identification help. We lost him unexpectedly last year, but he shows up in small ways for us almost daily. After that round of storms blew through the [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_39447" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39447" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/lion-mane-ant-hand.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39447 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/lion-mane-ant-hand-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39447" class="wp-caption-text">A large lion&#8217;s mane mushroom in the woods of south Alabama. Photo credit: Anthony Macwhinnie</figcaption></figure>
My husband’s best friend was a nature nerd like me. If I didn’t know what something was, <a href="https://www.harpermorrismemorialchapel.com/obituary/rev-anthony-macwhinnie-ii">Anthony</a> was the first person I’d send a photo to for identification help. We lost him unexpectedly last year, but he shows up in small ways for us almost daily.
<figure id="attachment_39471" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39471" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/lion-mane-5.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39471 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/lion-mane-5-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39471" class="wp-caption-text">The inside of this maple limb was essentially shredded with rot. The external fungus gave an outward indication of the internal decay. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
After that round of storms blew through the area a couple of weekends ago, we were helping a neighbor remove a large broken maple limb from his front yard. Looking at the fall, it was evident why this particular branch was the first to go. Significant rot had set into the crook of the tree where the branch attached, and the bark inside the downed limb was completely shredded. In addition, a huge white mushroom had grown in the same spot, an obvious indicator of decay. I am admittedly no expert on fungi, so when my husband piped up with, “Oh! That’s lion’s mane,” I was a little surprised he recognized it. Turns out, during time spent in the woods hiking with his buddy over the years, Anthony had pointed it out along trails from here to Tennessee.
<figure id="attachment_39455" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39455" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/lions-mane-missouri-dept-of-cons-bearded_tooth_on_tree_04-11-13.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39455 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="233" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/lions-mane-missouri-dept-of-cons-bearded_tooth_on_tree_04-11-13-300x233.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39455" class="wp-caption-text">The individual spines on the lion&#8217;s mane fungus are an identifying characteristic. Photo credit: Missouri Department of Conservation</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/bearded-tooth">Lion’s mane (Hericium spp.)</a> is one of the larger noticeable and edible mushrooms growing in the urban and wild forests of our area. It’s found in rotting wood of dead (saprophytic) and living trees, and thrives in areas of high humidity. Frequently, it can be seen fairly high up in a living tree, where it is considered more of a parasite. Like many unusual organisms, lion’s mane has lots of other whimsical and descriptive common names, including bearded tooth, old man’s tooth, and hedgehog mushroom. The fruiting body of the mushroom is a large (3-15”) white mass, with rows of hanging toothlike spines. The fungi can live and continue fruiting for 20+ years. They are common in the eastern United States and Asia, but have been listed as endangered in parts of the UK and Europe and cannot be harvested.
<figure id="attachment_39465" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39465" style="width: 240px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/SpicyCumin-LionMane-Mushroom-1064-819x1024-1.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39465 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="240" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/05/SpicyCumin-LionMane-Mushroom-1064-819x1024-1-240x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39465" class="wp-caption-text">Lion&#8217;s mane mushrooms are often cooked similarly to meat dishes, such as these curried kebabs. Source: https://woonheng.com/spicy-cumin-lions-mane-mushrooms/</figcaption></figure>
Many fungi are dangerously toxic, so I cannot in good conscience suggest that someone eat a mushroom unless they know exactly what they’re looking at. So, mushroom hunt with great care and an expert who knows what they’re doing. If you find a mushroom and are curious about it, the <a href="https://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/mushrooms/">UF Plant Pathology lab has a Fungal Herbarium</a> with lots of useful resources. The lab provides help identifying mushrooms, along with fact sheets on popular species and direct contact with a <a href="https://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/people/faculty-pages/matthew-smith/">professor specializing in mushrooms</a> in more serious situations. A great guidebook for mushrooms is “<a href="https://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/p-196-common-florida-mushrooms.aspx">Common Florida Mushrooms</a>,” available online many places including the IFAS bookstore.
I have not personally tried lion’s mane mushrooms, but have heard them described as possessing a seafood/lobster flavor. The younger and fresher the better, as older mushrooms are described as “sour and bitter.” Lion’s mane extract is used to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10675414/">treat anxiety and depression</a>, along with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer&#8217;s and dementia. A recent study at the <a href="https://hts.scripps.ufl.edu/wordpress/files/2024/02/SLAS-FEB2024-Poster-JPena_LionsManeMushroom.pdf">University of Florida Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology</a> looked at the compounds found within the fungus and how they might be applicable to disease treatment. While modern medicine is working on identifying the chemical signatures, this fungal species has been used in Chinese medicine since ancient times. Due to the positive commercial applications of the mushroom, <a href="https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/2015/04/lions-mane/">researchers at Cornell</a> are looking at the viability of farming lion’s mane for food and medical uses.
On a related note, if you notice abnormally dark bark coloration and/or mushrooms growing on trees in your yard, it is wise to have them looked at by an <a href="https://www.treesaregood.org/">arborist</a>. With <a href="https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/treesandhurricanes/establishing.shtml">hurricane season around the corner</a>, tree limbs exhibiting rot can be a serious hazard.

A large lion’s mane mushroom in the woods of south Alabama. Photo credit: Anthony Macwhinnie
My husband’s best friend was a nature nerd like me. If I didn’t know what something was, Anthony was the first person I’d send a photo to for identification help. We lost him unexpectedly last year, but he shows up in small ways for us almost daily.
The inside of this maple limb was essentially shredded with rot. The external fungus gave an outward indication of the internal decay. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
After that round of storms blew through the area a couple of weekends ago, we were helping a neighbor remove a large broken maple limb from his front yard. Looking at the fall, it was evident why this particular branch was the first to go. Significant rot had set into the crook of the tree where the branch attached, and the bark inside the downed limb was completely shredded. In addition, a huge white mushroom had grown in the same spot, an obvious indicator of decay. I am admittedly no expert on fungi, so when my husband piped up with, “Oh! That’s lion’s mane,” I was a little surprised he recognized it. Turns out, during time spent in the woods hiking with his buddy over the years, Anthony had pointed it out along trails from here to Tennessee.
The individual spines on the lion’s mane fungus are an identifying characteristic. Photo credit: Missouri Department of Conservation
Lion’s mane (Hericium spp.) is one of the larger noticeable and edible mushrooms growing in the urban and wild forests of our area. It’s found in rotting wood of dead (saprophytic) and living trees, and thrives in areas of high humidity. Frequently, it can be seen fairly high up in a living tree, where it is considered more of a parasite. Like many unusual organisms, lion’s mane has lots of other whimsical and descriptive common names, including bearded tooth, old man’s tooth, and hedgehog mushroom. The fruiting body of the mushroom is a large (3-15”) white mass, with rows of hanging toothlike spines. The fungi can live and continue fruiting for 20+ years. They are common in the eastern United States and Asia, but have been listed as endangered in parts of the UK and Europe and cannot be harvested.
Lion’s mane mushrooms are often cooked similarly to meat dishes, such as these curried kebabs. Source: https://woonheng.com/spicy-cumin-lions-mane-mushrooms/
Many fungi are dangerously toxic, so I cannot in good conscience suggest that someone eat a mushroom unless they know exactly what they’re looking at. So, mushroom hunt with great care and an expert who knows what they’re doing. If you find a mushroom and are curious about it, the UF Plant Pathology lab has a Fungal Herbarium with lots of useful resources. The lab provides help identifying mushrooms, along with fact sheets on popular species and direct contact with a professor specializing in mushrooms in more serious situations. A great guidebook for mushrooms is “Common Florida Mushrooms,” available online many places including the IFAS bookstore.
I have not personally tried lion’s mane mushrooms, but have heard them described as possessing a seafood/lobster flavor. The younger and fresher the better, as older mushrooms are described as “sour and bitter.” Lion’s mane extract is used to treat anxiety and depression, along with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. A recent study at the University of Florida Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology looked at the compounds found within the fungus and how they might be applicable to disease treatment. While modern medicine is working on identifying the chemical signatures, this fungal species has been used in Chinese medicine since ancient times. Due to the positive commercial applications of the mushroom, researchers at Cornell are looking at the viability of farming lion’s mane for food and medical uses.
On a related note, if you notice abnormally dark bark coloration and/or mushrooms growing on trees in your yard, it is wise to have them looked at by an arborist. With hurricane season around the corner, tree limbs exhibiting rot can be a serious hazard.

My husband’s best friend was a nature nerd like me. If I didn’t know what something was, Anthony was the first person I’d send a photo to for identification help. We lost him unexpectedly last year, but he shows up in small ways for us almost daily. After that round of storms blew through the […]

Weekly “What is it?”: Lion’s Mane

Management and Conservation of Wildlife

Manejo y conservación de vida silvestre

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distinguished teaching scholar and professor emeritus, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Gainesville, FL. <a href="https://wec.ifas.ufl.edu/people/wec-faculty/susan-jacobson/">WEC profile</a>

Jacobson, Susan K

Iannone, Basil V.

senior lecturer and director, Florida Natural Resources Leadership Institute, UF/IFAS&nbsp;School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences <a href="http://sfrc.ufl.edu/people/faculty/dain-jonathan/">profile</a>

Dain, Jonathan

Environment

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Vida Silvestre

The application of scientific and technical principles in the management of natural resources, such as land, water, soil, plants and animals, in order to meet ecological, economic, social and policy objectives. [NALT]

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The natural environment where an organism, population or community lives, including biotic and abiotic factors.&nbsp;

Habitat Conservation

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A Scientific Framework for Managing Urban Natural Areas

Basic Steps to Creating a Conservation Land Trust in Florida

Environmental Deterioration and Conservation in Cuban Agriculture

Improving, Restoring, and Managing Natural Resources in Florida: Sources of Technical Assistance for Urban Homeowners

Improving, Restoring, and Managing Wildlife Habitat in Florida: Sources of Technical Assistance for Rural Landowners

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

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