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.
Walking through a forest in Maine is similar to walking through a Florida forest, but there are many differences too. Both have trees, underbrush and ground cover. The trees, underbrush and ground cover in Maine are mostly of a different species than those in Florida, even though some are in the same genus. In the…Read more
One similarity Maine has with Florida is mosquitoes. While my limited time in the far north indicates these endemic pests are not as intensely bothersome as the ones which reside in Florida, either native or exotic, they still appear too plentiful. Almost anything in plentiful quantities will sooner or later encounter another creature which will…Read more
There is one absolute certainty about August 2023 in the panhandle Florida area. It is hot, humid and by most standards generally unpleasant to intolerable during the middle of the day to the late evening if you stay out too long. Granted, it is summer in Florida which is usually associated with beach weather and…Read more
A mistaken identity can cause an assortment of problems, especially for the subject of the incorrect assumption. The misidentified individual may be credited with negative attributes which have no basis in reality. In fiction, a plot about erroneous identification has delivered many hours of entertainment for the readers. Even Hollywood has used the falsely accused…Read more
In a few days, the dog days of summer begin in earnest. Historically this is the season when Sirius, the dog star, is visible in the northern hemisphere. This celestial event is reputed to indicate the onset of the year’s hottest weather. Additionally, ancient lore attributed mad dogs, bad luck and many other negative characteristics…Read more
The summer solstice has passed, and the weather reflects the seasonal change. High temperatures and stifling humidity are the daily norm. Still, the sun has begun its daily retreat into the southern sky, and the northern hemisphere repeats its regular annual tilt away from solar exposure. The creatures and plants which populate the woods, swamps…Read more
Living near coastal north Florida has a variety of exceptional benefits. The natural environment is a feature many visitors travel great distances to experience and enjoy when they have leisure days to spend in a calm location. While some residents may take this advantage for granted after a while, a short stopover to another part…Read more
Dogs are always happy to see “their” humans, the wet nose and worshipful gaze usually a comfort. Cats are a bit different. Sometimes they will purr and cuddle, and at other times they will stare blankly as if weighing the pros and cons of consuming their human companions. Unfortunately, both domestic species have a well…Read more
With the high summer temperatures, newspapers, television, magazines, and other media are inundated with soft drink advertisements. In addition to offering relief from the dehydrating heat, some ads state or imply the consumers of these usually sugary concoctions are adventurous, sophisticated, or just blissfully happy. It is truly amazing what can be accomplished with some…Read more
Almost all blooms result in seed production and ultimately an attempt at the colonization of new territory for each species. It usually is at the expense of another species, but at least with native plants it is a balanced competition. Unfortunately, there are exotic invasive species which are contributing to the spring and summer color…Read more
