The world is returning to something resembling a state of equilibrium. The collective sigh of relief is moderated by the knowledge that the grass and weeds are growing with wild abandon. Given the substantial and consistent rains during the spring of 2022, the growth and expansion of sneeze-inducing weeds has been tremendous. The primary offender-to-be…Read more
Also written by Chris Renn. Despite the damage incurred by recent hurricanes, notably Hurricane Michael in 2018, the pine tree industry in Florida still is a major contributor to the state’s economy. This industry includes the growing of trees for timber, pulpwood, pine straw and pine rosin (turpentine), and it provides for conservation and public…Read more
Nothing on four feet is identified with Florida as much as the alligator. The toothy grin is found on post cards, T-shirts, and a nearly unending list of tourist promotional items which invite visitors to come to the sunshine state and leave their money. Florida has two native species of crocodilians, the American alligator (Alligator…Read more
Being new to an area can prove challenging for the recently arrived. Identifying where thing are and how to access the needed resources is a bit intimidating for some. Others, however, arrive on the scene with an aggressive stance and posture. Their antagonistic and lordly countenance immediately notifies all in the area that conflict is…Read more
Fishing is a wonderful pastime for the amateur angler. There is fresh air, open spaces and the chance of catching a fish worth bragging rights. For the professional the situation is different. The success or failure of the effort will determine if food is available for the family, ultimately a circumstance of life or death….Read more
They just appear, almost magically, creating a landscape come alive with bouncing bits and pieces. Looking like animated leaf litter and forest floor detritus, the irregular staccato pulse of the earth-toned hopping causes pause to evaluate. Much like Moses calling down God’s second pestilence on Pharaoh, panhandle Florida is experiencing its own latter-day plague-of-toads. To…Read more
The first indication of a problem is the mysterious white blob about the diameter of a quarter in the turfgrass or on a weed. The frothy material hides a potential menace to the funds and hours of labor committed to the groomed and manicured lawn. This globule is usually the first sign a spittlebug is…Read more
