Les Harrison is a longtime resident of north Florida, having attended public schools in three counties. He has a Bachelor Degree from the University of Florida in Journalism and a Master’s of Science from Auburn University in Agricultural Economics. He is the author of more than 2000 newspaper and magazine stories and journal articles. During his career, he held positions in private, government and educational (university level) sectors. He holds the title of Extension Agent Emeritus. He can be reached at harrison.gl@gmail.com.
While there are a number of native wild creatures which appreciate a river or lakeside residence, one in particular has it as their only choice. Beavers, the relatively big semiaquatic native rodents with spatula-like tails, will always set up house keeping on a freshwater body. Only two beaver species still exist. The North American beaver…Read more
Residents of panhandle Florida are heading to the outdoors to engage in the wide array of available activities. Sunshine, fresh air and there are relatively few insects to encounter, so far. Vegetable gardening, landscape maintenance and managing a home fruit orchard are all productive pursuits. Some residents, especially those new to the region, may consider…Read more
The pollen clouds typical in panhandle Florida’s spring have at last departed. The yellow, sneeze-inducing dust has given way to other aerial occupants of a much larger magnitude. Of course, there are a variety of insects now active during the warming days and nights. Lovebugs in the former and mosquitoes in the latter make their…Read more
There are a wide variety of bulbous plants which will thrive and produce beautiful flowers year after year with proper care. The time to plant many bulbs in the home landscape is getting late in May. Some, like caladiums crinum lilies, can be planted all year round, but run the risk of damage if they…Read more
In panhandle Florida’s native plant environment, the yucca genus established a survival protocol long before even the earliest human residents arrived. Its sharp pointy spines accentuate its visual image and enforce its tactics. Local yuccas are perennial shrubs which may grow into small trees with irregular shapes. There are approximately 50 species in this genus…Read more
Florida is home to about 80 to 85 mosquito species, many of which live in the panhandle. Of those, 20 plus are exotic mosquitos which have been inadvertently imported, such as the Asian Tiger Mosquito. Contrary to popular perception, not all of these dine on humans. Some target only birds, others only frogs, and still others will…Read more
Sweet gum trees, a panhandle Florida native, are appropriately named both in English and in Latin. The scientific name, Liquidambar styraciflua, literally means liquid amber, which flows in this plant’s tawny resin. This deciduous tree is found in the southeastern U.S., Mexico and the north end of Central America. Members of this tree’s genus are…Read more
There is always one in every family. No matter how affable the members and congenial the reputation, there is always one who is a chronic challenge to cope with in any situation. It may be the odd uncle who always ruins family events with confrontational behavior, or a sibling whose passive-aggressive conduct calls the motive…Read more
One little insect in the Xyleborini tribe of beetles has been destroying bay trees and other species in the panhandle at an alarming rate. Unfortunately the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle attacks healthy trees. Of additional importance, the fungus which causes laurel wilt disease accompanies this beetle and typically causes tree death. The Redbay Ambrosia Beetle (Xyleborus…Read more
Barnacles are one of those frequently overlooked creatures until the oblivious swimmer or fisherman contacts their sharp and jagged outer shell. Related to crabs and lobsters, these animals are commonly found in shallow waters which advance and retreat with the tides. Barnacles affix themselves permanently to hard, dense objects, thereby encrusting their surface. This includes…Read more
