The climb to the top, metaphorical or otherwise, is one of the fundamental drives of life. The return of warm weather sees this drive kick into high gear for many of the more commonly visible species in the panhandle. Only the hardiest with an obsessive focus on reaching the pinnacle and the infinite patience to…Read more
Category: Main Stories
The Slimy Scourge: Cedar Apple Rust Disease
Slimy is not a term applied to anything in a positive light. In the pantheon of pejoratives it is only slightly better than being identified as totally disgusting. When applied to people it serves as a verbal warning that something bad is likely to occur. It is indicative of deceitful and dishonest qualities that are…Read more
Sluggish Slitherers: Snakes in Spring
On the still days after late winter cold fronts pass through north Florida, the silence beyond suburbia can be thunderous. Only the occasional puff of wind in the pines and the crunch of dried leaves underfoot shatters the quiet. The appearance of lifeless tranquility is gradually withdrawn as the sun climbs in the southern sky…Read more
The Saw Palmetto: Shady Safety to Florida’s Critters
The visage of the palm fronds conjures images of balmy tropics and sunny beaches, which is quite attractive given the recent subfreezing temperatures up north. The thatched roofs of seaside cabanas gently rustle in the breeze with a sound unique to the leaves of this plant. Depending on the species of the tree, the trunks…Read more
Red Maple: Vivid Color Among the Gray
The subdued browns, greens and grays of the forest are beginning to return to the brilliant pallet familiar to residents who venture beyond their front door. In the last days of February the slow progression of woodland colors is shifting as spring approaches. Many plants, trees and fungi are not reflecting the awareness of the…Read more
Laurel Wilt: A Threat to Florida’s Trees
All botanical signs indicate Spring 2021 will begin in a few weeks. Plants are budding all over the panhandle with a notable exception. Many red bay trees remain in what appears to be winter’s grip of dormancy. Unfortunately, most will never reawaken. One little insect in the Xyleborini tribe of beetles has been destroying bay…Read more
Hooded Mergansers: Seasonal Dine and Dashers
Air travel has its advantages, even today with all the hoops one must jump through to gain access to this mode of 21st century transportation. Given the distances to far flung destinations, it is in many cases the only realistic option. Still there are challenges which try the patience of even the most experienced traveler….Read more
Invasion of the Vines: Kudzu and Old World Climbing Fern
Tarzan used them as a superhighway through the trees in every adventure created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Villains and scoundrels alike fell prey to the ape-man and his horde of avenging simians righteously descending on vines from the trees. Great fiction, but removed from the reality of present day north Florida. This is especially true…Read more
A Native Pest Who Has it in the Bag: The Evergreen Bagworm
Having things “in the bag” is usually an indication of a good situation. According to the saying, the project or objective is collected in a manageable environment and under control. The phrase actually originates with bird and small game hunters who literally had their quarry in a bag as they headed home to prepare a…Read more
Tough and Dependable: Construction and Florida’s Oaks
A reputation for strength, durability and the ability to endure the harshest of conditions is admirable and enviable. Very few humans (and usually not the celluloid heroes of the silver screen) have the grit and determination to earn this standing or status in the course of their existence. A few notable personages in nautical history…Read more